Composite Timber Decking Pros & Cons
Do you want that classic timber look without all the classic problems of wood? When it comes to decking, you now have a choice - composite vs natural timber.
There are pros and cons to both materials and here we look at the benefits and drawbacks in more detail.
Definition
What is composite timber decking (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)? Composite timber decking is a man-made product comprised of 60% wood fibres and 40% recycled plastic combined with selected bonding agents and tints. The material is made using a co-extrusion process, where the components are melted together and then forced into molds of various shapes (including decking planks).
The wood fibres are predominantly recycled sawdust from timber milling and the plastics are from recycled materials such as shopping bags. The two types of plastics used are polypropylene and polyethylene, with polypropylene being the most popular due to its lower heat absorption.
Advantages Of Composite Timber Decking
There are a number of benefits to using composite rather than natural timber. These include:
Low maintenance – because of its unique properties, composite timber decking needs very little maintenance compared to natural timber which must be regularly sanded and painted or varnished.
UV resistant – whereas natural timber is subject to fading from the sun, composite timber decking retains its colour and vibrancy despite the effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Slip resistance – composite timber decking is less slippery than natural wood, which can become slick underfoot when wet. Composite timber decking has a surface that absorbs less water and drains better when correctly installed.
Scratch and stain resistant – unlike natural timber which is easily marked and stained, composite timber decking resists scratching and stains that timber would typically absorb.
Rot and warp resistant – while not waterproof, composite timber decking resists dampness, meaning it is less likely to rot if exposed to wet conditions for extended periods. It is also less likely to warp from exposure to the elements than natural timber.
Aesthetic appeal – composite timber decking can be purchased in a range of colours, allowing you to better match the rest of the house or create the contrasting look that you want. It can also reproduce the natural beauty of timber due to the sophisticated manufacturing process.
Long-lasting – because of its ability to resist rotting, warping, and cracking from exposure to the elements, composite timber decking lasts much longer than natural timber, which must be maintained regularly and replaced periodically.
Environmentally friendly – because composite timber decking is comprised of recycled wood fibre and plastic, it is friendly to the environment. And because it requires little cleaning and maintenance, it also has a smaller carbon footprint than natural timber which must be periodically cleaned, often using toxic chemicals.
Easy installation – composite timber decking is faster and easier to install than natural timber due to the use of hidden fixings and planks manufactured to fit precisely together.
Cooler underfoot – because composite timber decking is made using polypropylene, which has a higher melting point, it is cooler underfoot when exposed to the sun than other forms of decking.
Termite resistant – unlike natural timber which is highly susceptible to termites, composite timber decking is resistant to termite infestation due to the materials it’s made from.
Chemical resistant – composite timber decking is also resistant to pool chlorine and salt water, making it the ideal decking for swimming pool surrounds and in coastal locations.
Stronger construction – while natural timber can have weak points, composite timber decking can be molded in a variety of designs without compromising its structural integrity.
Disadvantages Of Composite Timber Decking
While this section of the article was intended to be a list of the disadvantages of composite timber decking, in writing it seems there are very few of them. The main one seems to be it costs more initially than natural timber. However, when you take into consideration that it can be installed faster and is more durable and long-lasting than timber, its cost-effectiveness would seem to outweigh the initial greater outlay.
It is also more eco-friendly than natural timber. While timber is a natural product, it’s carbon footprint from plantation harvesting is higher than composite timber decking, which uses the byproduct of natural timber production which would normally be wasted.
One other minor disadvantage of composite timber decking is it is purported to be difficult to repaint. But this would hardly seem to be a major deterrent, given the obvious number of benefits it offers.
The third criticism made by some is that the additional cost of using composite materials will not add to the value of your home. It is the deck itself that will value-add (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) rather than the material it is made from. But again, this seems trivial when compared to the large range of advantages composite timber decking would seem to offer.
Obviously, the choice of decking materials is the homeowner's decision and will depend on budget, preferences, and lifestyle. Hopefully, this article has suggested one possible alternative to natural timber from the many choices now available.
