The new generation of decking?
Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
As the thermometer creeps upward, there is a mass unfurling of deck umbrellas. If the time has come for you to build a new deck, replace your tired, splintered or mouldy hardwood timber decking, or you’re building a new home from scratch, you'll be happy to know there are now other alternatives to traditional wood decking.
Decks are the fastest degrading component of any home.
Favourite decking softwoods like pine, and hardwoods like Kwila – leech, twist, splinter, grow mould, rot and pop their nails. Only ritualistic maintenance slows the decomposing that occurs from the day it’s laid. Unless you have deep pockets and can pay someone to oil or stain it to keep it looking beautiful, or your have a lot of spare time on your side, your deck is not going to get the love it deserves and very quickly it will turn into a green and silver splinter generator that devalues your home. Here are some insights into the latest decking materials I would like to share with you.
Fortunately there are now more options to choose from when it comes to selecting or comparing decking materials. Softwood or hardwood timber decking can look fantastic when cared for and maintained properly, however they can be very ugly, impractical and hazardous when not cared for. Enter composite decking. Traditional decking timbers including; Pine, Kwila, Vitex and others, are being replaced by an international trend of new generation composite decking materials that offer plenty of benefits over timber. These include; faster installation using special clip systems, long straight lengths, wider boards, a range of colours and profiles, no splintering and minimal maintenance required.
Not all composite decking is made equal.
Some brands use virgin materials and others use recycled materials. Some claim they are eco-friendly, when only a percentage of the product is reclaimed or recycled, while others are obviously not eco-friendly, using virgin polymers and unsustainable trees. The composition of the product is critical to ensure longevity against the elements. Decking composites range in price and quality significantly. Expensive composites aren't necssarily higher quality than more cost effective brands and vice versa.
Brand is key when it comes to making a decision on your timber composite decking.
In my next blog I will discuss what attributes to look for when selecting your composite decking composite and how to make a decision that’s right for you.