Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Tayyaba Shafqat
Given the fact that you have already heard about composite decking and the benefits that it can offer to your outdoor spaces, you are now on the lookout for the best garden decking composite and wondering how to go about it? Well, before you proceed with your search, take a minute to get familiar with some of the most important things about this type of decking so as to make sure that you pick the one that will offer you what you want in the long run. This guide has been written to help you in that regard, so keep reading!
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking, also known as plastic decking, is a newer material that can be used in garden areas, thanks to its high resistance to weather and water damage. It’s a good choice for areas with heavy rain and high temperatures, as it does not splinter or warp. With composite decking, you can have a maintenance-free space that looks great year round. Below are some pros and cons of using garden decking composite around your home.
Pros and Cons
Garden decking composites range in price, materials, color and textures. It’s important to research before you buy so you make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Some consider certain features a pro while others consider those same features a con; to say there is only one best option wouldn’t be entirely accurate. That said, if you take into account cost per square foot (or meter), cost of maintenance and durability over time, we’d argue that synthetic wood composites with UV protection are hands down better than wood varieties—if not for anything other than their low-maintenance nature.
Low weight
garden decking composite is an ideal choice of material. It has a low weight, it is therefore easy to transport from one location to another. That makes garden decking composite a preferred choice as it is quite easy to maintain, because you do not need heavy machines for carrying out repairs. Composite materials are light in colour, which helps them blend with their surroundings and does not change much in terms of appearance over time, unlike wood for example. Garden decking composite has good weather resistance which protects against UV rays and protects from outside elements like snow, rain or cold winds etc. If you wish to go by aesthetic value than garden decking composites can easily be stained using vinyl paints which can be bought at local stores.
Easy installation
Since garden decking is often used outdoors and in places that may experience inclement weather at times, you want to make sure that your garden decking composite can be installed easily. To do so, look for grooves or holes in each plank as well as for pre-drilled holes. Both help with installation by making it easy to slip a board into place and hold it there while you add another board. If possible, install garden deckings on a surface such as concrete or wooden boards rather than directly onto soil. Doing so helps ensure they stay in place during bad weather and also makes them easier to keep clean over time—simply hose them off rather than scrubbing them down with a brush or soap and water.
Resistance to outdoor conditions (extreme weather, UV rays)
Garden decking composite is more resistant to corrosion than wood, and will therefore retain its beautiful appearance for longer. While wood may only last 3 years outdoors, garden decking composite can be expected to last 15-20 years with no further maintenance. This is because garden decking Composite is made from polypropylene (PP), a plastic which remains flexible at low temperatures (-50°C) while exhibiting great abrasion resistance and low UV absorption. Polypropylene requires no treatment of any kind before installation in a garden, it won’t splinter or warp in sun or rain, even over long periods of time – making it perfect for DIY garden furniture. Conventional timber can weather in as little as three years and quickly becomes brittle if left exposed to sunlight.
Good appearance
The need to have a backyard or patio area is an important part of having a home. What better way to spend your leisure time than enjoying it in a beautiful garden in a warm sunny day? Garden decking is also something that you would wish for in your home. Well, you can choose whether you want it made out of wood or even built out of concrete. But if you prefer one that doesn’t require much maintenance and can be placed almost anywhere, then your best choice is going with garden decking composite material instead. This kind of materials gives you several benefits because they are made up of recycled plastic materials with cement and resins added into them so they will last longer than other materials while remaining strong and durable no matter what kind of weather condition they get placed in.
Stable construction with quality materials
If you’re looking for a strong, durable garden decking composite, choose one with a solid construction. Most manufacturers of quality garden decking composites use a thick wood product that is reinforced with resin or another adhesive to make it resistant to warping and cracking. Be wary of composites made from flimsier woods like pine or juniper; these don’t hold up as well in wet weather and may be more likely to warp after being exposed to direct sunlight. When choosing your material, consider both long-term durability and short-term aesthetics. Wooden garden decks are extremely stable and strong, but they aren’t always considered high-quality by some homeowners who prefer other materials over wood.
Safety
Using garden decking composite is great if you have kids or pets running around. Especially with younger children, it’s important to make sure your garden is an area where they can play safely and easily. As opposed to wooden decks that can break and splinter, garden decks built with composites don’t pose as much of a safety risk. This may mean additional cost upfront but is a worthwhile investment over time. Composite materials are also weather-resistant, which makes them ideal for areas like your backyard.
