The Future of Outdoor Decking: Why Choose Composite Decking Over Traditional Wood Decking
If you’re considering adding a composite deck to your property, you may be wondering whether this type of material is truly worth the investment. For instance, does it offer the same benefits as traditional wood and are there other advantages?
To answer your questions, we compiled a list of why composite decking has gained popularity for several compelling reasons.
Composite decking offers numerous advantages over traditional decking materials including:
- Minimal Maintenance – Unlike wood or lumber decking, composite decks don’t require regular sanding, painting, sealing, or varnishing.
- UV Resistance – Composite wood-plastic boards have enhanced resistance to fading from UV exposure compared to natural wood decks.
- Low Slip Risk – When installed with the narrow groove side facing up, composite boards provide a safer, slip-resistant surface compared to treated wood.
- Reduced Water Absorption – While not completely waterproof, composite boards absorb less water than traditional wood decking.
- Stain and Scratch Resistance – Composite decking maintains its appearance over the years, resisting stains and scratches to keep your deck looking new.
- Variety of Colours – Composite decking is available in a wide range of colours, from light shades to darker, modern finishes, allowing for versatile design options.
Need more reasons to choose composite decking over traditional wood? Here are some more in-depth explanations as to why composite materials are the future of outdoor decking.
1. Cost-Effective
While composite decking may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood, it offers long-term savings. With greater durability, you’ll avoid frequent replacements and save on maintenance expenses. Plus, composite decking can increase your home’s value, making it a smart investment for the future.
2. Durability and Longevity
Composite decking is designed for durability and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for families with children and pets. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite boards are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, and they withstand moisture and temperature changes without warping, splintering, or cracking. With composite decking, you can enjoy a low-maintenance outdoor space, freeing you from the need to stain, treat, sand, or paint your deck each year.
In contrast, natural wood decks (including stained or pressure-treated pine) require regular maintenance to preserve their appearance and are prone to issues like cracking, rotting, and warping, which can pose safety risks, especially in homes with kids and pets.
Composite deck boards, however, are built to resist these common issues. They can endure intense UV exposure without fading, resist mould in wet conditions, and have minimal expansion and contraction in cold and warm weather, all without the need for additional treatments. Additionally, the plastic composite material is insect-resistant, protecting against woodworms, beetles, and other pests.
3. Aesthetics
Composite decking combines the natural beauty of wood with the ease of low maintenance and offers a wide selection of colours and finishes to suit any outdoor style. Available in diverse textures, including embossed wood grain, composite decking provides an authentic look and feel without the upkeep of traditional wood.
Another major advantage of plastic-wood composite decking over standard wood options is its extensive colour range. This variety allows for flexible styling options, whether you prefer a neutral look that complements your home or a bolder approach with contrasting colours. You can even finish your deck with bullnose boards in different shades to create a picture-frame effect or a unique multicoloured pattern.
5. Safety
Composite decking is a secure option for your outdoor space, offering slip-resistant surfaces that are ideal for poolside areas and other wet zones. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking doesn’t splinter, helping to reduce the risk of injuries and making it a safer choice for everyone.
6. Easy to Install
Composite decking is designed with ease of installation in mind, making it an excellent choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. The boards typically come in standardised, pre-cut lengths, which simplifies the installation process and reduces the need for extensive cutting or special tools.
Many of our composite decking options also feature interlocking systems or grooves that work with hidden fasteners, securing each board in place without visible screws or nails. This not only makes installation faster but also ensures a smooth, seamless surface, giving your deck a polished and high-end appearance.
7. Eco-Friendly
For environmentally-conscious consumers, composite decking offers a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Made from 100% recycled materials (typically consisting of a blend of FSC-accredited hardwood fibres and recycled plastics) composite deck boards not only reduce waste but also minimise deforestation by eliminating the need for natural wood.
In addition, the wood-plastic composition of composite decking is more durable than natural lumber, and the low-maintenance nature of composite materials means there’s no need for regular staining or varnishing, which helps avoid releasing harsh chemicals into the environment.
Composite decking products, made from items like recycled plastic bags and sawdust, provide an eco-conscious alternative that combines sustainability with resilience.
In conclusion, composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s valued for its durability, low-maintenance benefits, and eco-friendly qualities. With 4Everdeck as your trusted partner in creating your ideal outdoor space, you’ll receive premium composite decking materials that are both stylish and sustainable.
Ready to begin? Contact us today to start your composite decking project or browse our other blogs for more information on wood composite products.
