Renowned for its incredible lifespan and virtually maintenance-free properties, composite decking is fast overtaking its traditional wooden counterparts and becoming the material of choice for decked areas all over the country.
Made from a fusion of wooden and recycled plastic fibres, with a touch of pigment and a small percentage of bonding agent to bind all of the materials together, composite decking lasts far longer than traditional wood despite the fact that it doesn’t contain a single preservative.
Protective plastic
You may not think it but plastic is one of the key reasons why composite decking is so popular. The plastic materials and coating act as protection for the wooden fibres, meaning the boards won’t be prone to rotting or decay.
With British weather typically wet, cold and damp for much of the year, our climate offers the perfect conditions for rot, mould and mildew to flourish on traditional wooden decking boards. It isn’t a problem for composite decking however, thanks to the plastic layer that offers both stain and water resistance.
Composite decking can also cope with constant exposure to the sun and cold temperatures and thanks to its polymer plastic coating, it won’t fade or wear down over time.
Basic care for an ‘as new’ look
One of the main features of composite decking is that it requires very little in the way of maintenance.
An annual brush down to remove any debris that has accumulated over the colder months and a rinse using specialist decking wash are enough to keep your decking in pristine condition due to the robust materials and polymer coating.
However, if you fancy giving your garden a lift and want to try out a new shade for your decking, a wide range of specialist paints are now available specifically for decking boards. This means that you can change the colour just as easily as you would with traditional decking to further prolong its lifespan in your garden or outdoor space.
Check your warranty By now, you’re probably already sold on the idea of composite decking to create an attractive and long-lasting feature. Our final tip is to check the length of warranty offered on your choice of composite deck as it can vary from a fairly standard 10 years up to as much as 25 years. This warranty will guard against rot or structural
damage under normal residential conditions so can also prolong the life of your chosen composite decking.