In an industry survey, it was found that adding a deck onto your home can have a return of up to 86% on the funds originally invested in the project. Decks are popular gathering points in a back yard. Besides the financial return, by adding a deck onto your home you add functional and comfortable living space to your outdoor living area.
When you are looking at adding a deck onto your home, there are a couple of different material types that are popularly used today. Among these materials are a variety of composite decking materials, also known as wood-plastic composite. A couple of the more popular brands are TimberTech and Trex.
There are a wide range of benefits to using composite decking for deck construction, including, but not limited to:
- Environmentally Friendly – due to being made primarily of recycled wood and plastic. Since composite decking does not contain toxic chemicals, it is an Earth friendly solution.
- Increased Durability – as it is resistant to decay fungi and insects.
- Color Retention - is not an issue since the composite decking does not need to be stained or painted ever.
- Easily Maintained - since it never needs stain or paint, and is decay resistant, it only requires a washing 2-3 times a year to prevent mildew and mold build up.
Even though composite decking tends to be more expensive than other materials, it pays for itself when you consider the cost of upkeep for other materials. The styles of composite decking available today are solid and hollow. Solid composite has a larger contraction and expansion ratio. However, it emulates real wood better than hollow composites. Hollow composites have a lower contraction and expansion ratio and tend to get more nicks and scratches from very heavy traffic than the solid composites.
Unlike real wood decking materials, the composite material will not readily splinter or crack, and rarely, if ever, would a properly installed plank of composite decking need to be replaced. By doing your research before deciding which material to use in your deck, you can get the look, feel and quality that you want.
