Upgrade Your Outdoor Areas With Decking Composite That Matches The Style You’re Trying To Create
Decking composite is a fantastic decking material which is very popular amongst South African homeowners. In this blog we will take a look at the benefits of composite decks as well as some tips on fastening methods and selecting the right colour, texture and finish for your home. Whether you are building a brand new deck or upgrading an old one, this blog will help you make informed decisions for a deck that perfectly matches your home and personal style.
Section 1: Choosing the Right Composite Decking
The Top Benefits of Composite Decking That You Might Not Have Known
1. Durability & Weather Resistance: Decking composite is a material renowned for its inherent durability. It gets this strength from the wood and recycled plastic which it is made of. The blend results in a strong structure that resists most issues that impact natural wood (rot, water and insect damage for e.g.). Wood composite is also extremely weather resistant, which means that it can withstand South Africa’s harsh and diverse climates with low risk of warping or cracking.
2. Eco-Friendly & Sustainability: Seeing that decking composite is made of recycled plastic and wood fibres – with the percentage of recycled plastic in composite decking being anywhere between 40% and 95% depending on the manufacturer. This not only reduces waste, but also lessens demand for virgin timber, thus aiding forest preservation efforts.
3. Low Maintenance & Cost Efficiency: Composite wood requires very little maintenance and does not need regular staining, sealing or painting. In order to maintain its original, pristine look you will only need to wash it every now and then with water and soap – for a detailed explanation of how to keep you composite deck pristine, take a look at our blog, Keeping Your Composite Decking Pristine and Stain-Free: A Comprehensive Guide. Despite its sometimes higher initial cost compared to timber, the lack of maintenance requirements saves you time and money in the long run.
4. Aesthetic Versatility: Decking composite is a material that comes in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes, which means that most people will find a combination that truly matches their desired aesthetic or their creative vision. There are even some wood composite decking planks that mimic natural wood grains if you want the benefits of decking composite with the natural look of timber.
Tips on Selecting the Right Finish
When selecting the type of finish you want for your composite decking there are a few things to consider and keep in mind, here are some simple tips to help you pick the perfect one for you:
Capped or Uncapped Composite Decking
Capped composite decking refers to a decking composite material that features a protective layer that improves the overall resistance to moisture, stains and colour fading. Capped composite decking is ideal for areas where they will experience the full brunt of harsh weather conditions or heavy foot traffic. Uncapped composite decking does not have the protective layer described above and is, for this reason, less expensive. It’s important to keep in mind that this type of decking composite is still very resistant and durable, but may need extra care when placed in areas where they might experience harsh conditions.
Decking Composite Colour & Texture Options
Decking composite comes in an array of colours. These most typically belong to grey, brown or red tone-families. It’s important to pay special attention to the colours and climate of your garden (where applicable) and to the colours and styles of the rest of your home when selecting the colour family/tone of your composite decking. Another factor that people rarely think about is whether your deck will be in direct sunlight or not. The darker the colour of your deck, the hotter it will be underfoot (dark brown composite decking will absorb a lot more sunlight and heat than a light grey one for e.g.).
There are also various options regarding your composite decking’s finishing texture. If your home includes various natural wood, you may need to consider a finishing texture that mimics natural wood. If your home is more modern, you may want a smooth, modern look. Keep all of these in mind before picking out your composite decking. Always consider the small details as this will help you end up with a deck that fits perfectly with the rest of your home and garden. Feel free to have a look at our range of colours and find the perfect match for your home.
Section 2: Installation Tips & Tricks
Unconventional Fastening Methods
There are some fastening methods that some people don’t know to ask for. Most professionals should inform you of these options, but in case they don’t here are some popular fastening methods that may be perfect for you.
Hidden Fasteners: There are 2 main types of hidden fasteners for composite decking: side-groove fasteners and under mount systems. Side-groove fasteners are simply inserted into the side grooves of your decking composite boards, resulting in a clean look with no visible fasteners on the surface. This method is brilliant for maintaining the aesthetic appeal while maintaining a solid connection between boards. Under-mount systems are hidden systems that attach to the joists underneath your decking boards, which effectively hides your connections from the surface. This method also adds extra protection for your joists from moisture and other forms of damage and is great at extending the longevity of your composite decking’s structure.
Plug Systems: These can be used where hidden fasteners won’t work or won’t be practical, like on perimeter boards for e.g. This method involves using a screw to fasten the board in place and then covering the screw with a plug made from the same decking composite as the rest of the deck creating an almost seamless surface on your deck. This method is popular for decking pattern borders.
4Everdeck Plastic Decking Fasteners: Our own unique solution to hidden fasteners are the 4Everdeck decking clip. This clip is used to fix decking boards to the substructure of your deck and, when installed, will be completely hidden. These clips, along with their stainless steel screws, will help you keep your decking surface seamless and uniform while ensuring that all your composite decking boards are securely held in place. If you’d like to know more about our decking clips and other accessories, please feel free to check out our composite decking products.
In conclusion, decking composite is a decking material that offers a blend of fantastic durability, eco-friendliness and aesthetic versatility, all of which make it a great option for South African homeowners. With some careful consideration to colour and finish as well as picking the right fastening method, you can create the perfect deck for you and your home. If you want to explore some design inspirations, please take a look at our gallery. If you already know what you want, have a look at our decking products and find the perfect decking solution for you. For some more expert advice have a look at our other decking blogs or contact our experts for personalised advice.
