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Composite Decking - The Ultimate Choice
in Materials for Your Deck
The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
and Installation Considerations
By Mark J. Donovan
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Composite decking materials have come a long way since
their introduction. Gone are the days when mold and mildew growth
became imbedded in between the plastic and wood fibrous materials.
Composite decking manufacturers have also addressed much of the
crumbling, cracking, and fading issues that were so prevalent with the
early composite decking materials.
Composite decking conceptually is a wonderfully green building product
due to the fact that it can, and often is, manufactured from recycled
plastic and wood products. |
Composite decking boards are also fantastic in the sense that
maintenance is minimal compared to traditional wood decking
products. Composite decking boards are also extremely stable
compared to wood decking material. With composite decking,
expansion and contraction, as well as twisting, curving, and
cupping are minimal or non-existent issues altogether.
Another major advantage of composite decking is that it can be
worked with using standard building tools, include skill saws.
The only recommendation is to use a higher tooth count blade
when cutting the material to ensure cleaner cuts. Also, like
wood decking materials, many composite decking cuts can be
straight or curved. You can even use a router to bevel or
chamfer the edges. However, there are some types of composite
decking materials that may not be suited for this so ask about
whether or not the specific type of composite decking material
you’re considering can be beveled or chamfered if your plans
include this. Also, with some types of composite decking
material small air bubbles in the composite decking can be
exposed when you cut the boards leaving it a bit unsightly.
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About the only real complaint with composite decking today
is that it is just still so expensive compared to many wood decking
materials. In some ways the cost is justifiable as it involves
manufacturing, versus harvesting, and it offers so many advantages over wood
decking materials. But on the other hand, it is made from recycled materials
so you’d think its raw material costs would be low.
Also, typically there are still some minor fading issues with the newer
composite decking materials. The amount of fading depends upon how the
composite decking material is manufactured. |
Composite decking boards are colored throughout the depth of
the board, which helps to mitigate some of the fading concerns.
However, expect some minor fading in the first couple of months.
Afterwards the color should be fairly stable.
You also need to consider the spacing of deck floor joists
when installing composite decking. 24 inch spacing between floor
joists is highly not recommended. In some cases it may be wise
to space floor joists every 12 inches when installing composite
decking to make sure that there is no sagging of the composite
decking planks in between the deck floor joists. Each specific
composite decking manufacturer should be able to tell you their
preferred joist spacing. Also, if you use hollowed edge
composite decking planks you’ll need to address the exposed
ends, either by capping the ends or using a skirt around the
periphery of the decking surface.
Finally, when it comes to fastening composite decking material to the
deck frame you can use either deck nails or screws, just as long
as their non-corrosive, e.g. galvanized or stainless steel. Deck
screws, however, are typically more recommended. Also, when
using screws it is highly recommended to countersink the screws
a little bit below the adjacent grade of the deck plank surface.
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For more help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Information
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