How to Choose Composite Decking

If you’re building a new deck, you need to know how to choose the right material. While you can find many different types of composite, you should avoid those that are particularly dark, dense, or have a grained surface. Another thing to look for is a fade-resistant top layer. While they are more expensive, these materials are more durable and will stand up to the elements. However, you need to take your deck’s weight into consideration when selecting composite decking.

Avoid dark and dense composite decking

If you’re building a new deck, choose a lighter-colored, barefoot-friendly variety. Darker shades of composite decking central coast can get a lot hot in the sun and make barefoot walking painful. Also, avoid decks with dark, dense composites. Many manufacturers are using recycled wood in their composite products. This means that they use waste wood from sawmills and post-consumer recycled products. But one brand, Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., uses very little new wood. This wood is generally poor quality and has no other use except composite decking.

In addition to fading and deterioration, dark composite decking is more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in humid, dark conditions, where they receive very little or no light. Additionally, they need a porous surface to form colonies and spread. The porous surface of the decking material makes it the perfect place for these mold and mildew colonies to form. Therefore, the best option is to use a light-colored composite decking.

In addition to its appearance, high-end composite decking will also have better grain patterns, giving the deck a more natural appearance. Most expensive brands have subtle shading and individual “grain” variations. Some manufacturers even buff each board at the factory to remove the plastic sheen. Lastly, higher-end composites have a wider range of colours and matching add-ons. But be aware that these add-ons will cost you more money than the boards themselves.

Avoid composite decking with prominently grained surface

Composite decking comes in three basic types, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and nonwood plastics. The first two types contain some wood, while polyethylene and polypropylene are primarily plastics. Nonwood plastics contain no wood, although recent developments have made composite decking look more like real wood. The third type is polyvinyl chloride. Although nonwood plastics do not contain wood, manufacturers are constantly finding new ways to improve the look and feel of their products.

Before cleaning your deck, remove loose debris and scrubbing it with warm water. This will prepare the surface for soap. Next, make a solution of dish soap and warm water and mix well. Dip the head of a brush into the bucket and scrub the surface thoroughly. Once the surface is cleaned, rinse the cleaning solution thoroughly. Avoid power washing older composite decking products, as it could cause serious damage. When using a power washer, make sure to use a low-power setting with a fan-tipped nozzle.

While composite decking is low maintenance, it is important to remember that it will eventually need cleaning. It doesn’t require painting, sanding, or any other maintenance. Unlike wood, it also doesn’t sustain damage from mold and mildew. Generally, mildew and mold can be removed using a soap-and-water solution. In addition, general debris often builds up on a deck next to a tree, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. To prevent mold and mildew from forming, sweep the deck frequently to avoid any buildup.

Avoid composite decking with a fade-resistant top layer

Many composite decking manufacturers advertise fade-resistant top layers, but you can’t stain them. These top layers fade over time, turning an otherwise beautiful deck an ugly gray. These chemicals are unpronounceable, and some of them are toxic. This makes composite decking not the most environmentally friendly option. Nonetheless, they are a good alternative to wood or composite decking. Here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing a new composite deck.

Fade-resistant top layers are crucial in preventing fading. Fading will make your new boards look different than the old ones. You may even find it difficult to match the new boards to the old ones. This can be a complete disaster. To avoid this problem, purchase fade-resistant top layers for your composite decking. Trex decking is a popular choice. It’s a compression-molded product with an extruded outer shell.

Fading is an inevitable part of composite decking. Some types will require periodic maintenance, so be sure to read product reviews before making a final decision. Some composite decking may also be slippery, so keep this in mind when shopping. Make sure to buy more than enough square footage to avoid this problem! That way, you can enjoy the benefits of composite decking while saving money on maintenance costs.