Composite Wood Decking Johannesburg: Select A Board That Suits You

Have you ever wondered how to choose suitable composite decking materials? Before you make your decision on what to use, there are some things you have to consider. This blog entry will provide some step-by-step guidelines on choosing the best composite wood decking in Johannesburg.

Quality decking in Johannesburg should not be disregarded ever! There is a range of decking boards that should be included in your project. These decks and another composite wood decking Johannesburg (CWDJ) additions help break away from the usual and add a sense of freshness and distinctiveness to your deck.

It's worth noting that the grade of wood will depend on the intended use; you should consider this while looking for the composite wood decking Johannesburg option.

 

What Is Composite Wood Decking?

Like wood, composite boards are porous and can stain or fade from the weather. Unlike wood, composite boards are waterproof and won't rot or splinter. Visit The Composite Company to select your favourite composite wood deck.

 

What's The Difference Between Wood Decking and Composite Decking?

Hardwood decking is made from natural wood, milled to a uniform thickness, and cut into planks. The wood strands are held together by pressure-treated wood preservatives, which protect the wood from insects, rot, and water damage. Also, the wood is sanded and polished.

Composite decking consists of synthetic materials, including plastics, recycled wood, and soy materials. Most composite planks are made of plastics and recycled wood, which give the product natural wood appearance. The materials are moulded into planks and coated with a protective finish. Composite decking is resistant to cracking, peeling, and water damage.

Wood decking can be stained or painted. Composite decking usually requires no special maintenance. Although both decking materials require occasional cleaning, wood decking requires more intensive care. Wood decking planks should be cleaned with a deck cleaner and a stiff-bristle scrub brush. Composite decking planks should be cleaned with a garden hose.

Because wood decking is made of wood, it naturally absorbs moisture. This can result in warping, swelling, and splintering. Composite decking has fewer cracks and splits than wood decking. Although composite decking materials don't absorb moisture, they can become discoloured or scratched.

Wood decking and composite decking have the exact cost. However, wood decking requires periodic staining or painting, which costs money. Composite decking costs more initially, but it requires less maintenance over time. Maintenance and upkeep for composite decking are minimal.

 

Benefits of Composite Decking:

Here are some of the numerous benefits of composite decking:

1. It looks Just like Wood

Unlike wood, composite decking doesn't splinter. What's more, composite decking looks and feels just like natural wood.

2. Maintenance Is Extremely Low

Composite decking requires very little maintenance. That's good news because cleaning, treating, and staining wood decks can be quite a chore.

3. Safety

Composite decking is safe for your family, pets, and plants. There are no splinters, nails, or sharp edges. What's more, composite decking won't rot or splinter.

4. Durability

Composite decking boards are resistant to rot, mould, and mildew. And composite decking boards are virtually splinter-proof.

5. Cost

Composite decking boards cost less over time than wood decking boards. That's because wood decking boards require costly maintenance, including annual staining, sanding, and sealing.

6. Versatility

Composite decking boards are versatile. These can be used for floor or wall applications.

7. Environmentally Friendly

Composite decking boards contain recycled wood fibres. These recycled wood fibres are ground into pellets and mixed with plastic resins.

8. Recycled Materials

Composite decking boards are produced with recycled materials such as plastic.

 

Few Cons of Composite Decking

• It's more expensive than wood.

 

What is Composite Decking made of?

Composite decking is present in multiple varieties of colours, so it's possible to find deck boards to match almost any home style.

The decking comes in planks, tiles, and railings. Wooden decking planks come in smaller dimensions than wooden tiles, but tiles are more durable than planks and less likely to move or warp.

Railings are available in different shapes and sizes and can also be made out of composite.

Installing composite decking is a relatively simple process. The planks are screwed into the joists, and the tiles are secured into place using special clips.

 

Few Different types Of Composite Wood Decking?

1. Capped vs Uncapped

A capped composite decking is capped with a thin layer of plastic or poly material. This cap protects and keeps the composite decking from staining and fading. Capped composite decking requires less maintenance than standard composite decking, making it a popular choice for outdoor use. Capped composite decking is more costly to produce, but it can last 15 to 20 years longer than other decking materials. Capped composite decking is more resistant to warping, fading, and discolouration, so it retains it's colour longer. Caps on capped composite decking can be manufactured from various materials, including aluminium, vinyl, and polyethene.

Uncapped composite decking is not capped, so it will not last as long, and you will need to re-stain or re-paint the surface periodically. Uncapped composite decking requires less maintenance than capped composite decking, making it a popular choice for outdoor use. Uncapped composite decking is less expensive than capped composite decking, making it cheaper for homeowners. Uncapped composite decking is more resistant to warping, fading, and discolouration, so it retains its colour longer. Caps on uncapped composite decking can be manufactured from various materials, including aluminium, vinyl, polyethene, and wood.

2. Hollow vs Solid

The battle between solid and hollow composite decking boils down to personal preference. Either type of composite decking offers benefits, but hollow decking is more budget friendly.

Solid and hollow composite decking are both manufactured from wood fibres, but hollow decking is denser and weighs less, making it less expensive to produce. Solid decking is heavier, which means you can't install it as quickly, and hollow decking is susceptible to moisture damage.

Solid decking is also more attractive, but hollow decking is more durable. An open core product may be more susceptible to insects, rot, and mould. Solid decking is also more expensive because it holds more Composite materials.

Hollow decking is also easier to find and maintain. The hollow core means you can use power-washing equipment to clean the surface, and open boards can be sanded and refinished. Solid decking, on the other hand, needs to be completely stripped and refinished.

 

How to installing Composite Decking?

1. When you install composite decking, the first step is to clean and sand the deck. Dirt, mould, and mildew are washed away with diluted bleach and water. With deck cleaners, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Next, apply stain or sealer. Protect the trim and railings, as well as nearby plants and shrubbery.
3. The deck floor must be level, and it's a good idea to stagger the deck boards. Use a group to determine where each panel needs to be placed.
4. Use a 16-inch level tart by placing one board on the deck. Then, line up the level with the corner, and mark the space with a chalk line. The 16th of an inch is the distance between the two marks. Repeat this step with the next board, and mark the 16th of an inch between the lines.
5. Do this with all the boards.
6. Place the deck boards flat on the ground, and mark 16-inch lines on all four sides.
7. Place the first board on the 16th line, and slide the board into the marked space.
8. Hold the deck board in place, and mark 16th of an inch on the left and right sides of the board.
9. Repeat step 4 with the next board.
10. Repeat the whole process for the rest of the boards.
11. Continue holding each deck board in place, and align the 16th of an inch mark on the sides of the boards with the existing 16th of inch lines.

 

How to keep safe composite wood decking?

After taking some simple precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and low maintenance of composite decking without worrying.

 

Here are some tips on keeping composite decking safe:

• Avoid standing water. Water can soak into the wood, and standing water can erode the composite's surface.
• Clean up spilt liquids immediately. Composite decking won't stain or rot like wood, but it can stain or mark if it has liquids spilt on it and are left for a period of time in the sun.
• Keep composite decking out of contact with harsh chemicals. Hard chemicals can damage or discolour the composite's surface.
• Use care with cleaners. Composite decking should just be cleaned with water. Harsh cleaners can damage the composite.
• Install composite decking according to manufacturer specifications.

 

Take Away:

Without a doubt, the popularity of Wood Plastic Composite decking is due to its eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and strength properties. Also, Wood Plastic Composite decking comes in different styles, colours, and board sizes. The Composite Company also offers Wood Plastic Composite decking also offers Decking Boards, Screen & Fascia, Corner Edge Trim, Cladding, Decking Fasteners, and Cleaning / Care Deck accessories like railing, lighting, and stairs. As the usage of wood for decks increases, the importance of composite decking also increases. To get your best product, visit The Composite Company.

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