Modern Composite Decking Concepts

Composite decking has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces. Compared to traditional wooden decks, composite options offer greater durability, lower maintenance, and a wider range of design options to elevate your backyard.

Modern Composite Decking Material Options

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers, plastic, and other durable materials. The combination allows manufacturers to create deck boards with natural looks that match different architectural styles. Available options include:

• Wood-plastic composite - Features a core of recycled wood and plastic encapsulated in an outer shell for protection against fading and staining.
• Capped composite - Has a core of composite wood fibers with a durable polymer cap for enhanced performance and elegance.
• Polyethylene and PVC - Made entirely from synthetic materials like polyethylene or PVC for maximum durability.

When choosing between material options consider factors like budget, performance needs, intended use, and visual appeal. Many quality composite brands offer decking in a spectrum of natural wood shades and stunning colors to complement your design scheme.

Composite Decking Advantages Over Wood

There are several reasons composite decking has grown more popular than traditional wooden planks:

• Durability - Composite materials resist rotting, splintering, cracking, and insect damage better than natural wood.
• Low maintenance - Unlike wood decks, composite options don't require yearly staining or sealing to preserve their beauty.
• Customizable - Composite allows more creativity in terms of shapes, patterns, and colors to achieve your dream deck design.
• Eco-friendly - Many composite boards feature recycled content like reclaimed wood and plastic.

These benefits make composite an ideal, low-hassle material that can better withstand the elements than traditional wooden planks. Quality composite decking has been engineered to retain its vibrant facade for decades rather than slowly weathering like wood.

Composite Decking Disadvantages

Understanding the limitations of composite can help set proper expectations:

• Higher upfront cost - Composite decking often costs $3-12 more per square foot compared to pressure treated woods recognized as suitable for deck board framing.
• Can still stain - While resistant to rotting and insect damage, most composites can become stained if spills aren't cleaned promptly.
• Mold inhibitor formulas can trigger allergies - The chemicals added to prevent mold/mildew growth may aggravate scent sensitivities for some.
• Heat retention - The materials tend to absorb and retain heat at higher rates than wood, making decks uncomfortably hot for bare feet on hot days.

Composite Decking Cost Considerations

When budgeting your project remember that material cost represents only a portion of total expenses. Other elements like demolition and disposal, framing lumber, fasteners, railings and stairs also factor in.

Installing the decking yourself can yield significant savings. Basic tools like a circular saw, impact driver, and drill allow reasonably handy DIYers to handle most composite projects.

Tips for lowering composite deck costs

• Salvage existing deck framing in good condition
• Use hidden fasteners instead of screws/nails for a cleaner look without added trim costs
• Select smaller dimension boards (e.g. 1x4 planks versus 1x6) to reduce square footage pricing
• Research manufacturer sales on prior year or overstock colors
• Mix premium boards on surface areas with more affordable alternatives used on concealed undersides/structural pieces

Composite Decking Longevity Factors

Quality composite decking lasts 25-30 years on average per manufacturer claims, but real-world performance depends partly on proper installation and care. Considerations influencing longevity include:

• Underlying framing integrity - Rotting joists lead to structural weakness regardless of decking material used.
• Decking color selection - Darker hues retain heat accelerating weathering and strain on materials.
• Climate conditions - Longer freeze/thaw cycles necessitate condensation drainage while intense UV exposure degrades certain polymers over decades.
• Traffic patterns - Heavier use means more wear. Commercial applications see faster breakdown than residential spaces.
• Ongoing maintenance - While low-maintenance, following manufacturer care guidelines extends service life.

Composite Decking Maintenance Requirements

Annual maintenance is simpler for composites versus wood alternatives. However, following best practices keeps your decking materials looking their best:

• In autumn, clear fallen leaves and debris to allow proper water drainage.
• Remove snow buildup manually rather than with metal shovels/blades that could scratch decking facade.
• When washing, use manufacturer recommended cleaners/bleach mixtures and avoid abrasive brushes.
• For stubborn stains, apply dedicated composite deck cleaners followed by a diluted bleach solution to restore color uniformity.
• Inspect under decking/framing yearly for structural issues and reattach loose anchoring points if found.

Tips to avoid mold and mildew growth

• Allow adequate airflow/ventilation under low-elevation decks
• Angle decking slightly for moisture runoff
• Install quality joist tape for cleaner look and drainage channel creation
• Use dedicated joist guard paint/stain for protection in damp climates
• Opt for lighter color decking less prone to visible discoloration

Composite Decking Installation Guide

Proper practices during construction ensure your decking performs as expected for decades. Key steps include:

1. Reinforce framing following local codes for live/dead load capacities.
2. Select hidden fasteners or top-down screws allowing 1/4" spacing between board ends for drainage/contraction.
3. Follow manufacturer gap guidelines between decking width-wise based on regional climate temperate extremes.
4. Stagger ends between rows avoiding aligned seams which can promote early cracking.
5. Use fascia boards around entire deck perimeter to finish sides/hide framing.

Safety considerations

• Some composite and fastener types conduct heat reaching high temperatures bare feet or paws shouldn't contact long.
• Added traction strips become vital for aged individuals and special needs populations prone to slips.
• Incorporate electrical outlets to eliminate running hazardous cords across traffic paths.