Composite Decking Benefits You Will Love

One of the best ways to improve your outdoor living space is with a new deck. When it comes to residential decking, homeowners have various options regarding material, color, and style. However, the two most popular types of decks are wood and composite decking. 

While wood decking is more traditional, more homeowners opt for composite decking. Why? Composite decking offers the same rustic aesthetic as wood decking but offers several additional benefits. 

If you consider a new deck installation, it’s worth looking at composite decking. Below are some of the several benefits that a composite deck offers. 

1.    There Are Different Types of Decking Materials to Choose From

Composite decking is highly versatile and customizable, ideal for any home and personal taste. A composite deck board consists of recycled materials and polyethylene, plastic, or PVC. To create a composite deck board, these materials mix with rice hulls, wood fiber, or other fillers.

Homeowners can customize their composite deck using different types of deck materials. For example, waste wood composite decks use ground-up wood from furniture manufacturers and mills to create a composite deck that looks indistinguishable from natural wood.

Additionally, recycled plastic decks use shredded polyethylene to create smooth and modern-looking composite decks.

2.    A Composite Deck Board Is Easy to Install

One of the primary benefits of composite decking is the ease of installation. Traditional wooden deck boards require several nails and screws to secure into the deck platform. A composite deck board uses special fasteners that are nearly invisible. 

Installing the hidden fasteners requires no additional tools and is a near-effortless process. Additionally, the screws can match the color of the decking materials, creating a smooth and seamless look. 

Composite deck boards are available in similar cuts and sizing as traditional wood boards. For example, most composite deck boards come in lengths between 12 and 20 feet. Overall, installing composite deck boards is like installing traditional wood decking.

3.    It Requires Minimal Maintenance

A common concern among homeowners considering new decking is potential maintenance. Like any other part of your home, your outdoor living space requires basic care. Thankfully, composite decking requires minimal maintenance. 

Composite decking materials don’t require any staining, sealing, or painting. As a result, they are not only easier to maintain than wood decking but will look better longer. In addition, most high-quality decking comes with a warranty should you notice any splitting or damage from rot and insects. 

It is essential to remember that composite decking does require some maintenance. But, generally, all it needs is routine cleaning to keep it looking pristine. 

4.    Impressive Durability

Composite decking has an impressive life span and overall durability. Most composite decks last between 25 and 30 years, whereas wooden decking lasts up to 15 years with proper maintenance. 

Since composite decking uses materials resistant to weather, moisture, rot, and insects, they are less likely to need repairs down the road. 

Another benefit of composite decking is its inability to splinter. Since it consists of small wood fibers covered in plastic, it is safer to walk on with bare feet. 

5.    It Boosts the Aesthetic of Your Outdoor Living Space

Composite decking is available in various colors and patterns, making it easy to customize. For example, you can choose decks that use wood chips to mimic a traditional wood deck or go with a randomized grain pattern to make your deck stand out in your yard. 

Homeowners can create a more uniform look for their outdoor living space by matching the boards to the treads, railing, and balusters. In addition, homeowners can personalize their deck with endless color options to fit their unique tastes and outdoor aesthetic goals.

Composite decking can boost the look of your outdoor space, but it can make it more enjoyable. Newer materials have better surface temperature control by reducing the heat absorption up to 35%.

As a result, you can enjoy walking your deck during the summer without worrying about burning or blistering your or your family’s feet. 

6.    It’s Eco-Friendly

One of the most significant advantages of composite decking is its eco-friendly material. For example, every ten square feet of a composite deck board contains thousands of recycled plastic grocery bags and 1,000 milk jugs.

The recycled plastic helps take care of the planet and makes the composite deck more durable and versatile. 

7.    It’s an Affordable Decking Option

Cost is a major concern for homeowners regarding home improvement projects. Although installing a new deck is an investment, composite decking can save you money in the long run with a greater life expectancy and reduced maintenance requirements. 

Basic composite boards start around $4 per square foot. You can expect to pay approximately $7.20 per square foot for higher-quality decking boards. Additionally, most manufacturers offer a limited-life or 25-year warranty to protect the functional integrity of your deck. 

How to Choose a Decking Material

From composite wood to vinyl decking, there are multiple options for a deck. With so many choices, it can be hard to determine which one is best for your home or business. 

Due to its long life span and minimal maintenance requirements, composite decking popularity is growing. However, it is critical to consider various factors when deciding on a decking material, including your budget, aesthetic goals, and desired deck size. 

Get An Incredible Composite Deck With Perfect My Home

Not sure how to get started on building a new deck? Perfect My Home is here to help. Our outdoor design experts can help you find the suitable decking material for your outdoor living space at a price that won’t stretch your budget. 

We know how exciting yet confusing an outdoor home improvement project can be. With our expertise and your style goals, we can help you create a beautiful outdoor space with composite decking. Contact our team at Perfect My Home in Ballwin, MO!