decking materials Part2 wood, composite, plastic, which one?

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All About Decking Materials Pt.2

Wood, Composites, Plastic Decking Discussed

Composite decking is gaining ground after a consideration of wood.

"Composite” means :

That the decking is comprised of plastic and various wood molded together to produce a deck board. For plastic, Polyethylene is the most used ingredient while vinyl is sometimes used too. How these are mixed in what ratios can affect the performance of the deck board.

There are more than 40 manufactures of composite decking and more to come. All manufactures claim the following benefits for composite decking:

Resists heating and fading.
Will not rot or deteriorate in any weather.
Contains no toxic chemicals or preservatives.
Low maintenance, never requiring staining, weathering, or sealing.
Slip-resistant when wet
Appealing colors and some with wood grain textures.
Will not sliver or splinter.
Supporting Rails, Balusters ,posts, to compliment your deck

So who are the main players in producing Composite Decking?

Trex, Elk, Epoch Evergrain, Geodeck (which has tongue & groove joints), Nexwood, Tendura (also T&G joints), TimberTech, Veranda, and many others.

Interestingly, the Growth rate in the US, for composite Decking is expecting to increase 21% yearly. Composites are gaining in popularity.

Most Homeowner’s are becoming more familiar with manufacturing of composites. They boost low maintenance although it will require regular cleaning.

Perfect system? No Composite decking is not.

During the initial 3 months you can expect:

Composite decking to weather by 10% which is normal considering that composite decks have wood fibers. When viewing or comparing decks, make sure to look at decks that have been exposed to the sun for at least a year. You will have a better idea in deciding if you like that deck material or not. Keep in mind that in your local Home Depot , You'll find in the painting department, a paint chart that provides pre matched paint colors for existing composite decks, such as trex and others. Why?

Because Composites will fade some in time, are subject to mold and susceptible to stains. Cleaning and a mold remover can help, but if not attended to you end up with an ugly looking deck. To bring back these decks to pristine appearance may require future painting of the deck. Now think- Wasn’t one of the main reasons you purchased this deck, to avoid painting it? So maintain that deck.

Also, weigh carefully all pros and cons of composite decking. For instance,composite decking boards are weaker than wood, requiring the underneath to be held up by 2x6 Pressure treated wood joist and beams, all to avoid sagging or drooping and (Tip) pay attention to the joist spacing required by the manufacturer--most important.

Another Important Composite Decking Consideration

In the Forest Products Journal. Scientist findings on Composite decking tested can and does rot if they’re not treated with a preservative.

An Recent example of rotting and recall:

CPSC, Kadant Composites Inc. Announce Recall of Certain GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: When the decking or railing material is exposed to hot temperatures and sunlight, it can prematurely degrade. The degraded material could break, posing a fall hazard to consumers

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

To improve composite decking, recently many Composites now boast that they are using preservatives on the surface or in the material to protect the deck board from rotting. Which means it contains some kind of chemical now. This may not be an agreeable situation for you especially if you want to avoid any type of chemicals in the building of your deck. Also this preservative process has increased the cost of Composite decking to the point that it’s close to or the same as buying plastic decking such as eon decking.

Installing a new deck is a large investment to a home. My appeal to you is please, please, do your research.

Read brochures from various manufactures. Look for the specifications, take note of the strength, expansion, water absorption, durability, and density. Get what you want . Make sure it is a deck of low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, fade resistant , good quality,, and doesn’t warp or splinter.

Be sure to follow manufacturer’s installation instruction to a -T-. If you don't , you run the risk of creating problems such as bending of the board which means taking extra time to remove and replace those deck boards. So follow the directions carefully.

Currently there are more than 40 manufactures of composite decking and more are expected as technology moves ahead in the decking construction home improvement business

Read Part 3 of this series as we look at Plastic Decking

Visit http://www.eonoutdoor.com for eon info.

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