Composite decking is a long-lasting beautiful, attractive, and ecologically friendly decking material. Since its entrance into markets in the 1990s the material has seen a dramatic improvement in terms of design and technology. With more good brands like Brite Decking Australia in composite decks and options to choose from than before, it’s difficult to decide what to purchase and what you should avoid.
If you’re considering making composite decking This is what you have to be aware of:
Types Of Composite
The composition and the quality of composites can vary greatly. The majority of them are made up of recycled plastics and wood fibers that have been reclaimed. They are available in partially or not-capped or fully capped types. Certain “composites” offered on the market lack wood fibers whatsoever.
What does it mean:
1. Non-capped composites
Made up of wood fiber and a plastic mix These boards are then molded to resemble an ordinary plank of wood. Because of their manufacturing procedure, making an uncapped, non-capped wood composite that’s like real wood in appearance is not feasible.
The initial composite decking materials were not capped. However, this kind of decking has gone out of market due to problems with warping as well as advances in technology. Take a look at our article about the way composite decking has evolved to find out more information.
Certain manufacturers like MoistureShield as well as TimberTech have uncapped composites. They tend to be less costly and offer less of a stain and fade warranties.
2. Capped composites
To overcome the problems the initial versions of composite decking encountered and to address the issues, the manufacturers came up with the capping method. This kind of decking has the composite core, which has an extremely hard PVC outer layer that is spread across 1-3 sides. This protects against scratches, fading, staining and warping more effectively than other materials.
Other composites with caps are made of PVC material wraps around all 4 sides, creating an effective barrier against insects, water ingress and warping. Some, such as those manufactured from TimberTech has a PVC capping , even in the fastener grooves to provide greater protection.
3. Pure PVC
This type of composite isn’t really a mix of materials in the least. The pure PVC composites, such as Azek decking do not contain wood fibers, but only high-quality plastics that have an extremely realistic wood appearance.
As compared to their partly organic alternatives, PVC plansks offer top-quality heat absorption, fire resistance also scratch-resistant. They’re also very light which makes them perfect for decks on roofs. Since this material is the result of tests and research and testing, it’s strong enough to warrant a 30 year stain and fade warranty as well as an unlimited warranty against damage such as termites, rot, and mold.
Shapes Of Composite Boards
As with wooden decking materials and composite decking, they are made available in various dimensions and shapes. Each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages to take into consideration:
4. Solid Shape
Similar to traditional wood plank, a solid composite decking comes with a rectangular profile. It is hung by screwing into the top of the deck, just as wood. It is heavier than other kinds of composites, however it has robust stiffness.
5. Slotted Shape
It’s like solid composite, however it has the notch cut along both sides to use the hidden fastening method. Utilizing hidden fasteners helps keep the PVC cap in place to protect it and creates a stunning deck surface with no screw holes. Certain manufacturers do not cover it with a PVC cap, making the notch more susceptible to insect and water penetration.
6. Ridged Shape
One side only of the board is used, as the bottom side has cut-outs that minimize weight and costs.
7. Hollow Shape
A lot lighter than other composite boards nevertheless, it is clearly made of the material is plastic. End caps prevent insects and other small creatures from nesting in hollow spaces.
8 . Choosing A Colour
Although colour may not be the most important choice to make but it’s certainly the most emotional one. Every manufacturer provides a wide range of colors available. If you’re deciding among top brands such as TimberTech as well as Azek as well as Trex You can feel confident about your choice and select the style and price that is most suitable to your requirements.
Knowing how you would like for your home to operate will assist you in selecting the ideal color palette. If you’re considering colour choices, consider these questions:
- Does the space extend from your inside space?
- Do you wish to bring the color of the deck with the outside?
- Do you think your railing will match the design or trim of the home?
Composite Deck Construction
The construction of a deck is a popular DIY job. But, when you consider the expense and the technical requirements for composite decking is best left to an experienced deck builder or carpenter.
Here are a few concerns about composite decks for construction:
9. Composite Deck Permits
Before you begin determine if you require you need a building permit to build your deck. Visit our website to discover whether you require a permit for your Metro Vancouver deck building.
10. Joists for composite decks
The framing of a composite deck is not the same as framing wood decks. The composite materials used in decking require a strict structure to ensure that they don’t bow or warp when exposed to heat from the sun. The minimum joist span is 16-inches at the centre and 12-inches when running the boards at a 45-degree angle. Additionally, decking made of composite typically has a guarantee that lasts for 20 years or more. To prolong the lifespan of a wooden joist, the top builders wrap them in UV-treated waterproofing membrane prior installing planks made of composite.
11. Usability
If you are looking for dry space beneath your deck to store items or for outdoor living, you should consider an irrigation system such as the Dryspace system from TimberTech. If you’re creating outdoor living, then the aesthetics of your space will be a factor What do you would like the framing’s bottom to appear? The Dryspace system connects to the bottom of the joist and provides a the finished surface, which means it’s not necessary to install soffit
