Composite decking is created out of recycled wood and plastic. It looks like real lumber but it won't rot, warp, crack or splinter.

Composite decking can be made to mimic the look of other types of materials such as brick, rock or stone from the same basic category. It's generally low-maintenance and easy to clean. Composite decking boards are manufactured using a traditional pressure or high-pressure mould to form the individual pieces. They are typically not formed in long planks like traditional lumber; instead, they are formed into square or rectangular shapes with rounded corners for easier handling. Once they have been moulded together several boards will be placed side by side until enough length has been achieved to complete the installation. The boards are then sheared down to the correct width and routed on the top and bottom for a smooth, splinter-free finish. The boards are then sanded along their length to remove any variations in colour from the manufacturing process. They are also sanded on their top and bottom faces to make them suitable for use as outdoor decking. The first step is to measure off your deck area making sure that it is large enough to accommodate all of your furniture as well as leaving room to walk around comfortably. Once you have measured your wood decking boards, you can begin assembling them together side by side until they reach one full direction of your deck. You will need a power drill with screwdriver bits or a screw gun depending on whether you choose screws or nails to hold these pieces together. Prior to assembling the boards together, you will need to add a plastic or rubber sealant strip along the edge of each composite decking board so that it adheres properly and snugly with the next board in line. To install these pieces, just use your screwdriver bits and drill them into the ends of every other wood decking board while they lay side-by-side on top of one another. You should also apply caulking between every joint and into any exposed ends and cracks about an inch deep for maximum waterproofing capabilities. Once you have done all this, you will then be able to stand back and admire your brand new deck area which is made from everything that would typically end up cluttering your local landfill.

Is composite decking better than wood?

Composite decking is an excellent alternative to wood because it's virtually maintenance-free. Wood decks need yearly sealing and staining; composite decking boards don't. Composite decking is mostly made from recycled decking materials, so it makes sense environmentally as well. When you replace your wood deck with a composite one, you're doing three positive things for the environment: recycling old materials using plastic recycling bins, eliminating future waste (wood decks must be disposed of when they wear out) and creating less pollution by reducing or eliminating the need for harmful chemicals that are used in treating wooden decks.

Is composite decking slippery?

Manufacturers often add traction-enhancing features to their product lines-bevelled boards, textured surfaces-to avoid accidents on slippery surfaces. If you're concerned about safety, it's a good idea to wear shoes on your deck the same way you would in the house. Socks are slippery when wet and don't have anti-slip properties. Any composite board and other composite decking products, like all outdoor decks, should be inspected periodically for signs of wear and tear. Composite is slightly more resistant than wood to rot and deterioration due to moisture, but over time even the hardiest material will break down. Make sure your deck is properly cared for during winter months so that it doesn't warp or crack during cold weather.

What types of bugs can affect composites?

Since there are no natural resources that termites eat (they eat dead stuff), they don't feed on composite products. Ants will not get inside either, because composite doesn't have any cracks or voids for them to nest in. Composite is not susceptible to rot or mould, so there are no fungi that will attach themselves to the material either. Termites don't eat it, ants can't live in it and mould won't grow on it. The only downside is that termites will sometimes feed on fasteners that they find buried inside of the composite installation.

How do you clean a deck made from composite materials?

It's best to avoid using harsh chemicals on your deck. A mild detergent and water will remove normal dirt, stains and smudges. However - if the dirt is tough or caked-on - use a cleaner that's specifically designed for exterior wood surfaces. Always test a small area first before applying a new product to ensure it won't damage the colour of the boards. Keep in mind that some cleaners can damage certain types of plastic composites, so make sure not to mistake one for another. You shouldn't need to oil it regularly at all.

Is composite decking any good?

Composite decking is far better than wood because it doesn't need to be stained or sealed every year, so it saves you lots of time. Composite is also more resistant to rotting or warping than regular wood, or even timber such as Merbau, so the material will last much longer. Composite boards are very durable and won't dent, scratch or splinter as easily as some other materials do. The colour on composites usually won't fade over time either, so you won't have to worry about that aspect of maintenance.

How does recycled plastic decking work?

Recycled lumber addresses many concerns homeowners have with both polyethylene and lumber products - both aesthetically and environmentally. These products offer all the benefits of lumber, but with added enhancements. These enhancements include recycled content (up to 100%), rot resistance, insect resistance, warp resistance, PPS superior resistance, durability, structural integrity and strength depending on the manufacturing facility which could cause issues surrounding structural strength.

What does composites' colour look like?

Composites today come in a huge variety of colours - so you can choose one that matches the exterior of your home or complements your landscaping. The vibrant hues are made possible by using pigments rather than dyes; this technology allows for deeper shades that are more resistant to fading due to sunlight exposure. Plus, composite boards and other composite decking options have no knots or grain patterns, which means there are no imperfections that can absorb sunlight and change colour over time. Additionally, most manufacturers offer an array of shade options within the same product line using recycled hdpe as raw materials.

What is the best composite decking material?

Today's composite materials are much less expensive than they were even a few years ago. They also require very little maintenance, since they don't need to be stained or painted as traditional decks do. Composite boards are typically made from recycled plastic components, so they're an eco-friendly option too as are many plastic recycling bins.

What are the best ideas for backyard decks?

A custom-made rooftop deck offers a number of benefits that are perfect for your home. Not only will this space allow you to relax in privacy, but it can also save you money on landscaping costs and lower recycling costs by creating an outdoor extension of your indoor living space. This flexible design concept gives you endless options when it comes to designing or furnishing the area. Multi-level decks are another great option because they offer more than one level of usable space, which means there's room for various activities within different areas.

What is synthetic wood made of?

This material is made from plastic and wood fibre. As the name suggests, synthetic wood has properties very similar to natural wood, so it can be used in many of the same applications. However, because this material doesn't contain any actual wood, it's often less expensive than real dimensional lumber shape or lumber products. And thanks to its maintenance-free exterior and various colour options, you'll never have to worry about rot or warping either. However, the best option would be to use wood fibres with UV stabilised polypropylene plastic, wood-plastic composites and reclaimed hardwood fibre.

What is the best composite decking?

Today's composite materials offer a number of benefits that make them better than traditional wood decks. They don't require yearly staining as most woods do, they offer superior durability and warp resistance and their rich colours won't fade over time, although some may experience slight discolouration if they get wet frequently. Better yet, composite decks are environmentally friendly because they're made from recycled materials. If you are looking to build a deck yourself, Work Safe Victoria has a handy guide to staying safe and beginning the project.

Is wood or plastic better?

As with most things, there are benefits and drawbacks to either material - so it ultimately comes down to the specific application in which you plan to use them. For example, some homeowners choose wooden decks because they love the look of traditional flooring material. However, depending on the type of soil where your house is located and how much everyday foot traffic your deck gets, real wood may not be a practical choice for you because it can rot or warp after extended exposure to moisture. Composite decks offer the same versatility as traditional lumber products without these issues, making them an attractive alternative even if they are more expensive such as high-density polyethylene produced deck boards, capped composite and unique co-extrusion process.

Is composite wood strong?

Composites are extremely strong and durable - so they can be used in a wide variety of applications. In fact, this material is often called "the green alternative" because it's made from recycled materials and doesn't require any staining or painting. It can be used in the packaging industry for food packaging, shampoo bottles using easily recyclable material and hardwood materials simply such as most commonly used plastic, post consumer material, mildew resistant, traditional pressure treated and prevalent plastic. This means that composite wood never needs to be replaced either. It will last for years without cracking or rotting thanks to its sturdy exterior.