COMPOSITE DECKING

Composite decking is different from timber and other synthetic decking. It provides reliable functionality, requires substantially less upkeep, and is kinder to the environment. It’s hardy enough for the outdoor applications traditionally done in wood – and is available in natural-looking finishes– but its lifestyle and environmental advantages make it more user-friendly and eco-conscious than timber.

Composite decking can be used in nearly all applications for which we previously used timber decking. However, unlike wooden decking, composite can be made using recycled and reused raw ingredients; preserving trees from felling and keeping waste out of our landfills. The “blend” of these ingredients through the specialised extrusion process creates decking planks which are free of the imperfections found in timber, making composite profiles more consistent and often easier to work with. And, perhaps most important for your daily life, composite content can include additives that help ward off or completely eliminate the hassles which plague traditional timber decking.

Original, or first-generation composites (also known as mono-extruded) had inconsistent performances, leaving some skeptical of synthetic decking. However, given the great potential of a low-maintenance, eco-friendly decking alternative, significant engineering energy has been devoted to this industry. And the results are staggering. Today’s quality composite is not just an equal alternative to wooden decking, but a superior option. The cumbersome, heavy solid composite boards of yesteryear have given way to stronger, lighter planks that offer exceptional span capabilities. Finnicky first-generation hollow composite boards have been revised into planks with the shape and structural integrity of I-beams.

High quality composite should be resistant to warping, rotting, twisting, cracking, splitting, splintering, significant fading, heat absorption, moisture absorption, scratching, staining and mold. Yes, really. It is designed for long-term usage without the need for sealants, or other potentially harmful chemicals. It is a low-maintenance product that lets you enjoy your deck, rather than continually care for it.

Today’s composite engineering is able to create lighter weight boards with significant span capabilities which lessen the amount of decking substructure needed and speed up installation. Some composites are designed with a convenient side groove to make installation all the more efficient by allowing the use of hidden clipping systems. As an added bonus, these clips create a seamless end finish and help to control the expansion and contraction of the boards.

The look of modern co-extruded composites is now as varied and versatile as that of natural wood. Composite can be produced in a range of colours, textures and finishes, some mimicking the look of hardwood and some distinctively modern or otherwise unique. Cutting-edge colour technology provides the subtle shade nuances found in different varieties of hardwoods to give your quality composite a more natural feel.

Most top-line composites now come equipped with capping, or durable coating, which protects the core of the plank and allows for a more detailed aesthetic. Capped composite boards can be fully or only partially capped. There may be certain projects where partial capping will suffice. However, full capping offers increased protection and durability. Carefully check the extent of capping provided on different composite boards. A fully capped board should include capping even in the side groove of the plank.