| A lot of companies are offering composite decking | | | | Composite materials have some environmental |
| products. But what exactly is it? How do you know if | | | | benefits as well. Some companies commit to using |
| it\'s right for your project? There are a lot of web | | | | only recycled materials. Most do use some |
| sites out there promoting it as a perfect material, but | | | | combination of recycled and new materials. Whatever |
| as with any material there are many things to | | | | the ratio of new to used, there is no denying that it |
| consider before you make a choice. Here are the | | | | creates a market for post-consumer woods like |
| basic facts and how to shop for the right type for | | | | construction waste, and post-consumer plastics like |
| your project. | | | | bags and bottles. |
| What is it? Basically it is a combination of plastic and | | | | One thing you should be aware of is that composite |
| wood. The types and amounts of each material | | | | decking materials are not entirely waterproof. They |
| differ depending on the company. Generally it | | | | are water resistant. This means they are not likely to |
| consists of recycled wood from various sources, and | | | | rot, but they can. The best way to protect yourself |
| all or part recycled plastics. The wood and plastic is | | | | against this possibility is to get planks that have been |
| combined, heated and extruded into planks | | | | treated with a preservative during the manufacturing |
| resembling traditional wood planks. Some are even | | | | process. Another thing you need to do is check you |
| made with a grain-like pattern to resemble wood. | | | | warranty or guarantee very carefully. Make sure it |
| You will find two main types on the market, solid and | | | | covers all damage. Then, make certain you install the |
| hollow. They\'re manufactured using the same | | | | deck according to directions. Failure to do so may |
| method, but there are a few differences. The hollow | | | | result in the company not honoring the guarantee. |
| planks use less material and are often less expensive. | | | | You may be wondering if there is a catch. But there |
| Many people like the feel of the solid planks better | | | | is nothing to be worried about. As with anything, you |
| because they feel more like wood. But the hollow | | | | will need to be sure you are getting a really good |
| planks can be as strong, or sometimes even stronger | | | | product. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of |
| than the solid planks, so check the strength ratings. | | | | all materials and manufacturers available to you. |
| The hollow planks do need special pieces to finish the | | | | Composite decking is a wonderful product and might |
| ends, so are not recommended for decks that have | | | | be just the thing for your project! Just make sure |
| odd shapes or angles. | | | | you have all the information. |
| So what makes composite better than wood? The | | | | So go ahead, do your research! You should also |
| main advantage is maintenance. With composite | | | | request samples. This will let you get a feel for how |
| planks, the color goes all the way through. This is | | | | your deck will look and how the material will perform. |
| great if it gets scratched. The plastic makes it water | | | | A new deck is an investment. If you choose your |
| resistant, and it cleans up easily. With a quality | | | | supplier carefully, you should be able to enjoy it for |
| product, your maintenance is very low. No staining, | | | | decades to come. |
| painting or refinishing. | | | | |