| |
|
Demand for
Composite Decking on the Rise
ARA) - Few products have had such a dramatic effect on the home improvement
industry as composite decking over the last few years. With few exceptions,
building products generally change very little from year to year. So when the
demand for any new product exceeds double-digit growth, everyone in the industry
wants a piece of the action. The result has been a number of manufacturers
rushing to introduce a variety of new products. Homeowners are understandably
confused about which one is right for their home.
Composite decking products, made primarily from a combination of wood or other
cellulose fibers encased in synthetic material, have been around for more than a
decade. The wood fiber adds strength.
|
|
It also greatly reduces the expansion and contraction that can occur as
decking heats and cools with changes in the weather. The synthetic material
or plastic protects the wood from moisture, which can cause decay.
Homeowners are enticed by the lower maintenance that composite decking products
offer. Traditional decks require time to maintain their original appearance. In
contrast, composite decking products generally require no painting or staining
and very little annual maintenance. |
Composite decks also can be built with the same tools you use to construct a
wood deck. Manufacturers usually suggest that you cut their products with a
circular saw equipped with a blade that has 20 or more teeth per inch. Most
composite decking products do have to be attached using screws instead of nails.
However, most professional decking installers would recommend a quality screw
for any material because it's less likely to come loose as decking materials
expand and contract.
|
Find a Qualified Home Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Home Remodeling
Contractors! |
So if you think you might want to use composite materials to build or replace
your next deck, how do you choose the one that's right for your home? The most
basic difference between brands is the material itself.
The key to making a long-lasting, durable composite product is to fully
encapsulate the wood particles. Large wood fibers can be difficult to surround
and protect. A close look at the surface of some composite decking boards will
reveal wood chips that are or could become exposed to the elements with a little
wear. Exposed wood chips would eventually decay. What's a good alternative?
Oasis composite decking is manufactured and warranted by Alcoa and distributed
by Weyerhaeuser. It's made entirely of first generation, high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) and yellow pine finely ground to the consistency of flour.
Its fine wood particles can be well encapsulated for high moisture resistance.
The small particles also meld together to create a strong product with color
distributed all the way through the board.
Oasis also features a reversible surface with one side featuring the texture of
natural wood grain and the other a brushed texture. It comes in four colors:
Coastal Redwood, Light Oak, Spanish Cedar and Weathered Grey. Each board has
slight, natural variations that enhance with exposure to the sun. Oasis
composite decking is available in two thicknesses for maximum flexibility.
Fascia boards, rails, post covers, post caps and balusters are also available in
various dimensions. Oasis products are covered by a manufacturer's 10-year,
limited warranty.
To learn more about Oasis, call (877) 235-6873 or visit www.weyerhaeuser.com/wbm.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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.
Deck Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on decks from one of our prescreened and licensed deck contractors. This process
is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your decks price
estimate.
|
|
|
