Composite decking is a mix of wood and plastic materials, with wood fibers supporting mildew, mold, insect infestation, and rot. While it may combat water better than traditional lumber, it is not waterproof outdoor decking material. Wood decking is a natural product that can be sustainably produced, helps capture carbon as it grows, and adds beauty to the space. Plastic decking, such as Azek Deck, Evolve, and Forever Deck, is made from 100% plastic (recycled or virgin) and contains no wood fibers or fillers. It is stain-resistant and doesn’t crack, warp, or splinter.
PVC deck boards are made from high-strength plastic and may include foaming agents to make them a strong-yet-lightweight material for use in deck boards. Composite decking is one of the lowest-maintenance decking materials on the market and lasts around 25 years. Wood plastic composite decking has several unique advantages compared to traditional wood decks, such as its durability, lightweight, and highly stain-resistant properties.
When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to scratches that damage composite boards. Composite decking is resistant to rotting and insects, and it even meets the strict fire codes in California. Composite decks are said to last over 30 years but can be up to four times stronger than plastic or composite products and possess up to nine times the stiffness of artificial decking.
While composite materials offer excellent durability and low maintenance requirements, they often cost more than wood. Composite wood decks and docks pose a significantly reduced risk of collapse, as they are weatherproof and waterproof. However, composite decking is usually heavier than PVC decking but lighter than traditional wood. PVC decking is considerably more expensive than composite decking and tends to look less like wood when compared to wood-composite deck boards.
📹 Cons of composite decking: An honest review
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Is plastic wood as strong as wood?
Plastic wood is resistant to deterioration and decay due to its chemical makeup, making it tougher and more impenetrable. Despite years of use, plastic lumber doesn’t chip, rot, or splinter like organic wood. It’s also heat and cold-resistant, meaning it doesn’t expand or contract under hot, humid, or cold weather. This is due to the rigid, synthetic materials of recycled wood not absorbing moisture like organic wood, resulting in fewer and less intense fluctuations.
Is plastic wood good for decks?
Composite decks are a popular choice due to their low maintenance, UV resistance, low-slip, low absorption rate, stain and scratch resistance, rot, splinter, and warp resistance. They are not as prone to fading when exposed to UV compared to natural wood decks, and they are available in a range of colors from lightly colored to darker, more contemporary finishes. Composite decking is also rot, splinter, and warp-resistant, making it a durable and long-lasting option.
Unlike natural pressure-treated wood decking, composite deck boards can withstand more severe weather conditions, such as UV exposure without fading, mold resistance in wet weather, and no expansion and contraction in cold climates. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to extend their garden deck’s lifespan without the need for additional treatment or protection.
Is plastic decking better than wood?
Composite materials, while often more expensive than wood, offer greater durability and less maintenance. While wood remains the most common choice for decks, composites are growing in popularity, accounting for about 16 of the $7 billion-per-year deck market. Synthetic wood commands about 16 of the market. When choosing between composite and wood, consider factors such as cost, maintenance, durability, and appearance. Some pros and cons to consider include the natural look and color, durability, and the potential for a more natural look.
What is the downfall of composite decking?
Wood composite deck boards are of a greater weight and less strong than traditional wood, which causes them to sag and bend. As they are unsuitable for use as load-bearing or structural products, builders are required to utilise wood for the understructure and framing.
Is plastic wood waterproof?
Wood Preparation offers a quick-drying filler in three varieties: Natural, Oak, and Teak. These are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. The product is waterproof, facilitates the application to edges, and allows for painting, staining, or varnishing. The product is currently available in 20-gram tubes, but production has been discontinued. It is optimal for use on edges.
Is plastic decking slippery when wet?
PVC, short for polyvinyl chloride, is a low-maintenance thermoplastic used in flooring, decking, fencing, and cladding. It offers excellent water and scratch resistance and is often more slippery than wood due to its plastic outer layer. Poor drainage is a major reason for PVC decking’s slippery nature. Unlike wood, PVC absorbs minimal amounts of water, making it dangerous without proper drainage. Water pools on decking, often due to inadequate board spacing.
PVC is also susceptible to mould growth, as it is waterproof, but it can be influenced by pollen, leaves, dirt, and debris over time. This can make the decking slippery and stain it. Despite its waterproof properties, PVC decking can become slippery due to the presence of mould and mildew growth, which can cause stains and abrasions.
What is the downside of PVC decking?
PVC decking is a popular material but has drawbacks, including UV damage, brittleness, and difficulty in repair. Despite its resistance to fading, PVC can become brittle or crack, and homeowners may need to replace entire decks if damaged. However, reputable suppliers like Futurewood can reduce these issues. If you choose to install PVC decking in your garden, it can provide additional outdoor living space, increase property value, and improve the aesthetics of your home’s exterior. Visit their website for helpful tips for your decking project, free of charge.
How long do plastic deck boards last?
Composite decks have a lifespan of 30-50 years, depending on their installation, care, and maintenance. Expert contractors like DeckSource can provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor living space. Wood decks typically last 15-20 years, but may last longer if made from more durable wood and maintained properly. Wood decks also require more care and maintenance, such as cleaning with specialized products, sanding, and regular sealing and staining.
How long does plastic wood last?
Plastic lumber is a durable and cost-effective alternative to real wood for outdoor projects. It is typically warranted against weather damage for over 20 years, making it an ideal choice for projects that require no maintenance. Composite boards made from recycled plastic and wood dust have proven to be durable and look great even in rainy conditions. Various types of plastic lumber, including decking boards with faux wood grain, lightweight PVC trim boards, and solid plastic stock, offer excellent durability under tough outdoor conditions.
However, when switching from real wood to plastic, it is important to consider factors such as cutting, shaping, and joining the material. Plastic lumber is made from waste products, but its manufacturing costs are passed on to end-users. It is also important to note that plastic boards are typically sold in long lengths, which can be advantageous for deck builders who can pick up the material from local suppliers. However, finding a supplier for small orders or shorter materials can be challenging. For more information, refer to the Buyer’s Guide on page 70.
What are the disadvantages of plastic lumber?
Plastic wood, despite its numerous advantages, has some drawbacks. It lacks strength and stiffness compared to real wood, making it lighter and less durable. The sound produced by plastic lumber is hollow, unlike natural wood. The texture of plastic wood is also different from natural wood, with a noticeable difference in texture from a distance. The visual effect of plastic elements can be noticeable when near, compromising the authenticity of real wood.
This divergence in texture, touch, and sound feedback may affect the overall user experience, especially for those who value the authentic attributes of real wood. While plastic wood addresses challenges associated with natural wood, these nuances also influence individual preferences and priorities when making decisions between plastic lumber and natural wooden materials. As technology and materials continue to advance, efforts are being made to minimize these drawbacks and refine the plastic wood experience for consumers.
📹 What is the Best Wood Filler?
5 years ago I started a test. I repaired a piece of wood with 5 of the most popular wood fillers and epoxies and left it the elements …
i would say to the above deck guy: “nice try but no cigar!” this guy obviously either sells composite decking or he installs that product. here’s a “few” CONS that he somehow failed to mention about composite decking. 1. wooden cedar or pressure treated wood (standard wood decking) can be installed over a sub-frame of up to 24″ “on center” but is usually installed on sub-floor linear boards at 16″ “on center.” composite decking MUST have a sub-frame planking with NO MORE THAN 12″ “on center” between the boards as composite decking cannot have more than that span or it will warp or “droop” in the void between boards. this fact adds substantial cost to materials. 2. ALL composite decking has an “embossed” fake wood grain surface to it for appearance. this grain pattern is VERY “shallow” and if a board gets a deep scratch or cut, this damage cannot be repaired by “sanding” it out. if one attempts to do this, all the embossed surface pattern will be removed and the board will not match any of the adjoining boards. all wooden decking can have scratches sanded out as “wood grain” goes through the entire “natural” board. 3. ALL composite decking WILL fade and darker colors fade more than lighter ones do. if you have to remove a deck board due to damage (that cannot be fixed), any replacement board will not match. that is not the case with wood products. even if a wood deck has fading due to weathering, wood can usually be sanded or refinished to match older adjoining boards. 4. “chalking surface powder” tends to form on composite (plastic) decking over time as the plastic decomposes.
Here’s my honest review after spending $66K on a Deckorators deck: Boards have deep grooves, hard to clean. I am talking hands and knees cleaning. I had one bad board, worthy of a warranty claim. They want me to take care of it on my dime and they will replace. But, they want the labor cost to be $25! Really? WTF? I can’t get a kid to cut my lawn for $25t. Warranty is crap. I will sue the company after I pay to replace the board.
4 out of 5 of the cons mentioned are also potential cons of wood decking; the only true difference among the issues mentioned is that PVC-based/coated decking gets significantly hotter than wood. Millboard composite decking (mineral based) does not use PVC and does not get as hot as Trex, TimberTech, etc. In my opinion, the following are the REAL cons of PVC-based composite decking: 1. Cost. Composite decking costs more than wood for the decking material and fasteners unless you go with a really exotic and expensive wood species. The framing costs are higher for composite decking, too, as you really need to use 12″ o.c. joist spacing to completely eliminate sagging and bowing (even though most mfr’s allow 16″ o.c. framing) and requires a double joist at every butt joint plus extra framing to support the “picture frame” border typically used to hide the cut ends of the deck boards. Wood decking is typically installed over 16″ o.c. framing and some wood decking can be installed over 24″ o.c. framing. Note that Millboard composite decking can be installed over 16″ o.c. framing and does not require double joists at butt joints. It has the highest material cost of all composite decking options, however. 2. Dimensional stability. PVC-based composite decking has a much higher coefficient of expansion than wood or Millboard and therefore requires 1/8″ – 3/16″ joints at the ends that open and close as the material cools down and heats up respectively. Wood decking can be butt jointed with no gaps and Millboard decking requires only a 1mm gap (about 1/32″).
Mu brother in law and I built our decks in 2003, I paid $3,500 for materials using Eon a PVC all plastic decking foe 20×25 deck. He paid $2,500 for a 28×20 cedar. Mine faded within 6 months, but has been care free ever since. Mean while every 2 years he has to pressure wash and buy 6 gallons of stain. He has replaced over 15 deck boards and rail spindles and his deck always looks dried out. The carpenter bees love him He curses and admits his short sighted decision all the time. Composite is a down grade from PVC, but way better than wood. The pros significantly outweigh the cons.
Everything you’ve said is completely wrong or irrelevant. Wood stain fades faster, wood scratches easier. I have 7 year old composite that has not faded in the slightest. Wood stains way worse than composite. Composite is far more liquid resistant than wood. Composite is cooler than composite. You can check this with an IR camera. Wood burns your feet regardless. This article is so disingenuine.
Our Stupid Landlord is taking out a sound wooden porch and replacing it with a Composite porch. Once it is finshed, we will never be able to use it like we did with the old over 100 yrs old wooden porch. Haet would radiate from that plastice flooring enough that no-one will be able to sit out on the front porch anymore. It will become wasted space at our house. If the sun beats on it (and it will), it will be like walking on super hot sand, and burn your feet if walked on barefoot. Heat will break down that Composite board over time and not last like the old wooden porch did for so many years in the past. Renters at our building are just livid with the Landlord about this. It would have cost less to replace the old worn out boards on the wooden deck, than buy a whole new Plastic/wood Compositer deck. A well repaired woodden deck would outlast this piece of crap and be more enjoyable to use in the end for all the renters. Sometimes Landlords suck and don’t know what they are doing.