After a busy summer day, nothing beats the feeling of lounging in a patio chair and having a cold drink on your own deck. If you do it right, it can feel like a little oasis just for you and your family in the middle of a busy world.
When it comes to what type of deck you want, you really have two choices: wood or composite. While most people think of wood when they think of a deck, composite decking is gaining in popularity for a lot of reasons.
In this article, we will show you some of the advantages of investing in a composite deck over a wood one so that your very own oasis isn’t out of reach after all.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is different simply because of its composition. Composite decking boards are a combination of wood and plastic, often utilizing wood waste from mills and factories and combining it with recycled plastics. The result is a material that is actually denser, stronger, and heavier than wood decking boards.
Composite decking boards also give you more versatility than traditional wood. While rectangular like wood, they can vary in shape with the two most common shapes being solid and grooved. A solid-shaped composite board looks just like a wood plank and is applied with screws on the top of the board. Grooved or slotted, shaped boards feature a notch cut down each side to conceal the fastening system. That means your deck will have a smooth surface and not contain screw holes.
Why is Composite Decking Worth the Investment?
While it’s true that composite decking materials may be more expensive upfront, they more than pay for themselves over time. Some of the biggest benefits you’ll see if you go with composite decking are:
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Better Durability
No one considering installing a deck would say that they would rather save money upfront for a less durable deck that won’t last. In many things, the saying “You get what you pay for” is true. Besides not having to worry about repairs and replacement not long after its initial installation, you also have the security of knowing it’s strong enough to withstand the additional weight of everything that will be on the deck: patio furniture, barbecues, your family, friends and pets. Composite decking provides exceptional strength that seems impervious to wear and tear.
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Low Maintenance
Don’t get us wrong. Wood decks are lovely, too. However, if you have ever owned one, you know that they can be WORK to ensure you get the most life out of your deck as possible. That means maintenance to prevent water damage, warping, discoloration and rotting. From staining to painting, a wood deck can be a chore. Composite decking, however, takes far less effort to keep looking nice and new.
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Easy to Customize
Because you’re not limited by types of wood or tied into a constant cycle of restaining the wood after time, you have a lot more options when it comes to customizing the color of a composite deck. This is perfect if you’re going for a specific look in your backyard and want the perfect color to compliment your home. Best of all, unlike wood, it won’t fade over time and will retain the color you wanted.
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Environmentally Responsible
If you are environmentally conscious and work hard to reduce your carbon footprint, composite decking easily helps you have the deck of your dreams without the guilt on your conscience. Since most of the boards are made of recycled materials, you are lessening the impact having a deck can make on the environment. Furthermore, decks require a great deal of lumber, so you know your happy place didn’t require cutting down a lot of trees.
These are just a few of the reasons a composite deck might be the best selection for you and your family if you’re thinking about adding a deck to your home.
If you want more information about composite decking and whether or not it’s right for you, contact one of our professionals at Dependable Home Services today. Our crew has the knowledge and experience to guide you through a smooth composite deck installation. Contact us today to talk about what you’re looking for in your home deck.