Decks have evolved into being an important extension of the house. They serve the roles of an entertainment hub, sanctuary, kitchen, and outdoor playroom. So whether you are building a brand new deck or replace one that you have already, it is very important to be aware of what decking options are available to you. Decking material options in the past were quite limited. However, these days, there is a wide range of choices that are available, and an increasing number of builders and homeowners are choosing composite and other alternative decking board materials. Over time, t has undergone a number of different incarnations. There have been important technological advances that have significantly improved the overall quality, durability, feel, and look of the various composite decking materials that are available.
Composite decking isn’t simply a short-term fad. It is rapidly becoming a mainstay within the home improvement and decking industries. As builders and consumers become more familiar with alternative materials, there continues to be an increased demand for them. Although using composite decking continues to increase, there is still an important question: how does composite decking stack up against traditional decking materials?
Wooden Decks – Are You Willing To Perform The Annual Deck Maintenance That Is Required?
Wood decks require many hours worth of labor-intensive maintenance each year. It is essential to scrub and stain a wood deck on a regular basis. Moisture is trapped by traditional wooden decks, and they will splinter, crack, and twist if they are not preserved on a regular basis with paint or stain. With wooden decks, you need to spend several days on a deck regimen. One day will be spent on sanding in order to remove scratches and splinters, another day on power washing, and yet another day for applying a stain. Then a sealer will need to be applied on yet another day.
With composite decking, none of those things are required. There is no need for any sanding, staining, or sealing. One of the main reasons why so many consumers buy composite decking is because it requires so little maintenance. For most kinds of composite decking, all you need to keep it looking fabulous is a little water and soap.
Consider Exposure To Various Elements – Rot, Insects, Weather
Traditional wood decks tend to be prone to rot and damage from regular wear and tear, insects, temperature fluctuations (ice and snow loads, freezing and thawing), weather, and moisture. An unprotected deck with deteriorate. Decking protecting agents can be effective. However, they need to re-applied at least every other year. A wood deck does not have lifetime protection. However, re-applying a protective barrier annually or every other year depending on the area you live in, will help to slow the deterioration process down.
With composite decking, wood decking maintenance demands are not required. That is because composite decks are made out of recycled materials (wood and plastic) and most have an outer layer now as well. A hard, exterior shell is created that protects against UV fading, insects, scratching, mildew, stain, and much more. Traditional wooden decks have a 10 to 15-year lifespan. Since composite decking is rot, insect, and weather-resistant, it can last for up to 25 to 30 years or even longer.
The Look Of Real Wood Is Still Important
All of us here at Ugly Deck understand that homeowners want their decks to be beautiful in addition to being functional. Your deck should help to enhance your landscape and backyard and be a valuable extension of your house.
Traditional wooden decking can be gorgeous. Exotic and tropical woods are very striking, and weathered pale gray or richly colored oiled hardwood can beautifully complement any backyard and home.
Composite decking is very beautiful as well, but doesn’t have all of the maintenance hassles that wood decks have. Composite decking is available in many different styles and colors. There are some composite materials that mimic the look of wood grain while others are multi-chromatic or monochromatic.
Composite decking also can be hyper-realistic and look like a tropical hardwood without needing to do any labor-intensive maintenance. Hidden fasteners are often used by composite decking instead of on-deck screws, which leaves a pristine and clean surface that requires only low amounts of maintenance and is completely free of nail pops, warping, and splinters.
Composite decking offers plenty of variety as well as interesting design possibilities. Both homeowners and contractors enjoy all of the creativity that is offered by composite decking. From contemporary to classic, to exotic hardwoods and traditional grains, composite decking offered by Ugly Deck and provide you with a look you really love.
Environmental Impact
In the past, the most common kind of decking material that was used was pressure-treated wood. However, the process of “pressure-treating” is concerning. In order to make this material resistance against bug infestation and suited to use as an outdoor flooring, chemicals are injected into pressure-treated wood. You cannot burn or recycle wood that has been treated with chemicals.
Composite decking manufacturing is practically waste-free, and there are no toxic elements contained in the product. Thousands of tons of plastics and wood are diverted from incinerators and landfills every year due to the manufacturing process for composite decking.
Conclusion: Composite Decking Against The Competition
Composite decking not only stacks up against the competition but in some respects it actually surpasses it. Only low maintenance is required by composite decking and no sanding, sealing, or painting is required. An eco-friendly process is used to make it, salvaging plastics and woods that otherwise would end up in landfills. Also, composite decking is affordable, especially when you take long-term maintenance costs into consideration. This type of alternative deck material is warp, rot, insect, and weather-resistant. Numerous composite decking options are also stunning and beautiful.
Next Steps
No matter what kind of decking material you select, there are a couple of key factors that need to be considered. How do you plan to use the deck? Where will it be built? Does the deck come with a warranty? Most important of all, who will install the deck? Will you hire a contractor or build it yourself?
When it comes to decking, it is very important that you know what to expect. No matter what type of decking material you choose to use, make sure you know what your options are. Conduct your research and know that Ugly Deck is available to build your dream deck for you.
Call UglyDeck today at 952-736-3308 or visit our online store at https://uglydeck.com/store/
