Composite decking and recycled wood
It is quite commonly known these days that composite decking is created using recycled or reclaimed wood. But what exactly is that? We take a look below
What is reclaimed wood?
Reclaimed wood is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, and other sources, such as old bridges, barns, and warehouses. The process of creating reclaimed wood involves carefully removing the wood from its original source, cleaning and inspecting it, and then milling it into usable lumber. The reclaimed wood is then used in a variety of applications, including flooring, paneling, cabinetry, and furniture. Oh, and not to forget composite decking in the UK. In this blog post, we will explore in-depth how recycled wood is created and used in composite decking.
The process of creating reclaimed wood starts with identifying suitable sources of wood, such as old buildings, bridges, and other structures that are no longer in use. Once identified, the wood is carefully removed taking care not to damage any of the surrounding materials. The wood is then transported to a facility where it is inspected for rot, decay, and pests. Any wood that is not suitable for reuse is discarded, while the rest is cleaned and dried.
Reclaimed wood is then milled into usable lumber. This process involves cutting the wood into specific dimensions and shapes using a sawmill. Using a planer, it is imperative to remove any rough surfaces and to create a smooth finish. This wood is then sorted and graded according to its quality and appearance.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the applications that reclaimed wood is used in is the manufacturing of composite decking. Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic polymer binders. The wood fibers give the composite decking a natural wood-like appearance while the plastic binders add strength and durability. Mixed together with several other substances, they create composite decking boards.
The benefits of using reclaimed wood
The use of reclaimed wood in composite decking has several benefits. The first is that it is a sustainable choice. Meaning, it’s eco friendly and better for the environment. Any wood we reclaim, means less ends up in land fills and reduces the demand for virgin wood, which leads to less tree felling. Why’s this important? Well, it helps to protect natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of harvesting new wood. On top of this, reclaimed wood also has a unique character and patina that gives composite decking a more natural and authentic look. Just check out our Royale range in the wood grain finish and you’ll know what we mean.
Cost effective composite decking
Another benefit of using reclaimed wood in composite decking is its low cost. Reycled wood is often cheaper than fresh new wood, which help to reduce the cost of bringing decking to the market. This is really handy when you’re trying to keep the costs down whether you’re a home owner or a property estate agent, looking for an reasonable and sustainable alternative to traditional timber decking.
Difference in reclaim wood quality
Just like much else in life, not all re-cycled wood is suitable for use in composite decking nor is it all of the same quality. Ensure that the wood is free of rot, decay, and pests and properly clean and dry it before use. Additionally, the reclaimed wood should come from sustainable sources and not coming from old growth forests. Many reputable reclaimed wood suppliers are certified, this ensures that the reclaimed is coming from eco-friendly sources. Ultimately, there are many products out on the composite decking UK market and they are not all created equal. The quality of the wood they use, is just one of the factors that will determine the how good the end product turns out.
Best performing composite decking UK, can be found at Deckorum. With a choice of colours and designs to meet your needs.