Why Composite Decking Is Better Than Wood

The key to home improvement is balancing benefits such as cost and time as well as short-term needs against long-term value. As composite decking has gained popularity in South Africa over the last decade or so, a new question has arisen for deck owners: why composite decking is better than wood?  To make an informed decision, you should understand the facts.

Even though composite decking materials cost more than wood, they provide greater durability and less maintenance than wood. There is no doubt that wood is the most commonly used deck material, but it does not last forever.

Composite decking appears to be gaining ground as a result of its combination of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance, and lifespan. Since composite decking is more expensive than wood, there are a lot of wood users who insist on using it. In this blog, you will find out why composite decking is better than wood.

6 Reasons Why Composite Decking Is Better Than Wood

So, why is composite decking such a fantastic option then? To begin with, composite decks require almost no maintenance. Normally, they don't require staining, cleaning, or refinishing. Nevertheless, they do need to be cleaned every two years with a mixture of soapy water and a low-pressure washer or gentle brush. The following are a few of the reasons that explain why composite decking is better than wood:

Upkeep and Lifespan

The materials used to construct composite decks are strong, long-lasting, stain-resistant, and able to withstand severe weather conditions as well as normal wear and tear for up to 50 years. Composite decking won't split, decay, or become vulnerable to insect infestation, unlike a natural wood deck, which can last 10 to 30 years before requiring repairs.

The majority of composite decks also have built-in UV protection, so they won't fade or pale as much over time as natural wood would. However, you can stain or color your composite deck to restore its original appearance if it does fade over time from exposure to direct sunshine. Many people are unaware that staining or painting composite is an option, but it is necessary, and it can improve the appearance of your deck.

No need to sand, weather-seal, or stain your deck just the monthly soap and water cleaning or light pressure washing will do. That adds at least one or two more summertime gatherings like BBQs. spillages and food disposal, are the kind of rapid care that is required and are necessary for any decking. Sweeping debris and raking leaves from the fall is still a smart idea to keep your deck looking brand-new.

Composite Decking is Scratch and Fade-Resistant

Composite decking is made to withstand some damage, with capped composites at the top tiers being the most durable. They are made to withstand spills, scratches, and scrapes thanks to their robust, durable shell. Although the PVC coating is still prone to damage, real wood lacks the same durability. In scratch testing, even hardwoods like IPE displays larger scars.

All decking materials that receive a lot of sun exposure will eventually fade. Choosing lighter colors will lessen how noticeable this fading is. Composite decking has always been driven by innovations in durability. In the previous ten years, it has advanced significantly. Be cautious when handling large objects, and wipe up spills right away with a mild detergent. Your deck will also be perfect.

Natural Protection Against Decay and Bugs Make Composite Decking Durable

To make wood decking pest-resistant, it must be treated. This is often accomplished by pressure-treating it while adding heavy metals, such as arsenic, and insecticides. These techniques can be harmful to children, animals, and adults as the wood ages and degrades.

Without these treatments, wood is open to invasion by pests. On the other hand, due to the materials and manufacturing technique used to create it, composite decking has a built-in resistance to pests, fungi, and deterioration.

Composite Decking is Constantly Getting Better

Composite decking may be consistently enhanced over time, unlike wood, which is a natural material that doesn't change or deteriorate over time. Teams in charge of research and development are always looking for ways to improve the product and address issues. As a result, the product's aesthetics have improved, making the composite look more like wood than when it was first introduced and preserving colors' brightness and uniformity. As a consequence, homeowners who select The Composite Company can be confident that they are receiving the best product available, which is a result of the most recent research, production processes, and materials.

Composite Decking is Environmentally Friendly

The amount of trees needed when building a typical deck depends on the size of the deck. Every tree cut down reduces the amount of oxygen released into the atmosphere, as well as the shadow and refuge that some other plants and animals rely on for survival.

On the other hand, The Composite Company is the first and biggest producer of composite decking in South Africa. This is due to the fact that composites are frequently created from waste materials like sawdust, used plastic milk jugs, shopping bags, and other things that are traditionally considered to be trash. Unlike conventional wooden decks, which may have a harmful effect on the environment by encouraging the cutting down of trees, composite decking is highly environmentally friendly.

Composite Decking is Comparable in Price to Wooden Decks

A few homeowners may believe that The Composite Company’s deck is more expensive than a hardwood deck due to the initial investment required for a wooden deck. Nevertheless, the truth is that, after accounting for the cost of yearly upkeep for a wooden deck for more than 10 years, the total cost of the initial purchase plus upkeep is essentially the same.

Additionally, the expenditure of the homeowner's time should be included in the overall price of buying the deck if they plan to perform any of the deck's maintenance tasks themselves. Choosing The Composite Company decking is a no-brainer when the overall cost difference is minimal.

Benefits of Composite Decking

The following are the benefits of Composite Decking:

• Sustainability

There's a good reason why composite decking's top feature is durability. Their overall performance and long-lasting reliability are a result of the hundreds of high-quality ingredients that went into their creation. Composite decks are strong enough to endure high traffic, the weight of domestic pets and equipment, and other factors when compared to other decking materials.

• Low to No Maintenance

The best option is composite decking if you want less maintenance and less hassle. Composite decking, which is made of plastic, does not absorb moisture or dries out like wood, thus less sanding and staining are required. Additionally, it is waterproof, which is an excellent feature if you intend to place it over a swimming pool or in an area that experiences frequent rain.

• Less Vulnerable to Insects

Composite decking is less prone to insect damage than wood since it is made to endure harsh elements while still appearing just like natural wood. Installing composite decking is one of the greatest ways to fend against insects like termites and ants.

• Cost Effective

Despite the fact that composite decking is typically more expensive, the rising cost of lumber has driven down the price of composite decking significantly.

• Looks Appeal

High-definition wood grain textures in composite decking give it a more natural feel and appearance than ever before. For that unique outdoor style you've been searching for, there are numerous decking color options available, in addition to a large range of deck accessories including rails, gates, pergolas, and more.

Conclusion

The composite decking is one of the most commonly used spaces in a typical home. All you have to do is install, sit back, and relax, and your Deck board will stay look high-quality for years to come. Composite deck boards are low-maintenance, low-slip, insect, and fade-resistant, and will not fade, warp, splinter, crack or rot.

One way to reduce the impact of the decking on the environment is to use composite decking rather than wooden decking. This helps preserve the health of the world for a little while longer and allows you to enjoy life more peacefully.

It is essential to build your deck with the help of an experienced contractor if you want it to last for a long time. As an experienced composite deck builder, The Composite Company will make sure that your deck will endure for years to come thanks to the quality of materials we use and the attention to detail we pay to every detail.