Benefits of Composite Decking VS. Traditional Decking
Composite Deck Design
Composite Decking is an alternative to the traditional wood decks, invented late 1980s. So what is composite decking exactly? And why would we use that material as opposed to the traditional timber that has been used for generations on the decks that we install here at Forni Landscaping Arts? We will tell you, along with discussing all of the pros and cons that go along with both kinds of decking: Wooden vs. Composite.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a type of material used to construct decks. It is made up of wood fibers encased in plastic and has the rich natural look of wood without worrying about all of the negative aspects of owning a large wooden structure placed out in the elements. There are many different types and styles to choose from when it comes to choosing composite decking for your outdoor structure. Here at Forni Landscaping Arts, we only use composite decking when we build decks for our clients, no matter the size, because in our expert opinion it is simply better, and we want to share with you why we think so!
But First, About Traditional Wood…
Traditional wood is usually treated with chemicals in order to preserve it and help it from degrading. Chromated arsenicals are one type of chemical compound that have been used as wood preservative pesticides since the 1940s. These chemicals do pose a health threat to those who work in the wood treatment facilities as well as plants and aquatic invertebrates, according to the EPA. In 2003, wood products treated with chromated arsenicals were discontinued for residential use voluntarily by the manufacturers. However, there are still structures including outdoor decks and playsets that contain wood treated in this way because the EPA never required the removal of these structures. In order to keep these products from leaching chemicals into the environment and causing harm one must keep up with applying a penetrating protective coating such as stains. These stains have to be re-applied every couple of years in order to remain effective.
Since chromated arsenicals have been discontinued in the treatment of wood products, the treated wood industry has been trying to find an effective alternative ever since and have yet to find something that works as good when it comes to preserving the wood. Needless to say, our treated wood products today are much more likely to start degrading faster than treated wood from the past. Treated wood today has a much higher chance of splintering, rotting, warping, cracking, containing mold and pests as well as increased overall degradation.
Whether we are dealing with older decks that contain highly toxic chemicals or newer decks that are just simply less protected from the elements, either way, we are constantly worried about keeping up with the maintenance of these structures in an effective way, and it does get expensive.
The Alternative Option For Decks Today & The Benefits…
Composite decking is a material that we here at Forni Landscaping Arts choose to utilize when we are designing and installing decks for our clients. There are many reasons we choose to work with this better alternative, one being that when we build a deck for our clients, we know it is going to last and withstand the harsh Ohio weather. The material is durable and strong with its wooden particles that are encased in plastic, and then shaped into decking that is now available with a variegated appearance & randomized embossed grain patterns so that no two boards look alike, just like real wood patterns.
Within 6 months, a brand new deck made from traditional wood will loose its original luster as it will fade due to exposure to UV rays, precipitation and other weathering agents, but composite decking will not fade in the sun or Ohio winter weather! 10 years after your new composite deck is installed and it will still look the same as it did on day one with only a little cleaning here and there. The reason for this is traditional wood absorbs water much easier so if one isn’t using a proper stain and staining a traditional wooden deck regularly it will develop mold issues, crack, splinter, rot and be a home to many different kind of pests. With fully moisture resistant composite decking that can be purchased one can avoid all of these issues with very low maintenance associated with it, no staining invovled!
Composite material is more stable, it doesn’t degrade like wooden decks do so it is safe for kids, family and friends to walk on barefoot. In the past when composite decking first came out it used to get pretty hot to walk on barefoot in the summertime, but now there are options that reduce the composite decking heat absorption so it stays at a comfortable temperature to walk around on barefoot! Composite decking is also scratch resistant so it will stay looking nice as well as not splinter like traditional wood decks.
It is true that the initial cost of composite decking is a little more than the traditional wooden decking, but if you were to add up the maintenance cost of a traditional wooden deck you would see that the financial benefit of the composite deck is much greater over time because it doesn’t require the ongoing investment along with the inevitable replacement. And finally, one last benefit of composite decking over traditional decking is it can also be made of recycled material, making your new composite deck environmentally friendly!
So if you are interested in replacing your current deck or just want to add one onto your home, we can help you not only design and install it but we can make sure you are getting the best materials that do not hurt the environment and leave you with a low to maintenance free space to simply enjoy.
