Composite Decking by Dream Decking

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and bonding agents. This modern decking solution offers enhanced durability, resistance to rotting, and minimal maintenance requirements. With its natural wood-like appearance, composite decking provides an attractive and long-lasting alternative to traditional wood and plastic options.

Pros of Composite Decking:

- Enhanced durability and longevity
- Resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage
- Low maintenance requirements
- Wide range of colours and styles Natural wood-like appearance
- Environmentally friendly

Cons of Composite Decking:
- Higher upfront cost compared to wood
- Can become hot in direct sunlight
- Can scratch and stain, although less so than wood
- Colours initially experience slight fading

A composite deck has an impressive lifespan, typically lasting between 25 to 30 years. Composite decking is engineered to resist rot, decay, warping, and insect damage, offering superior longevity compared to traditional wood decks.

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance, eliminating the need for regular staining or sealing. Occasional cleaning to remove debris and dirt is recommended. It's naturally resistant to mold and mildew, but inspecting for any growth is advisable. Routine maintenance ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your composite deck.

For more information, read our blog.

Uncapped boards tend to be cheaper. Although the material is resistant and hard wearing, they do not come with the same protection against staining and colour fading. This means that in the first couple of months the boards may fade a small amount as residual tannins (wood oils) leach out from the board after being exposed to the environment.

Capped composite boards come with an exterior plastic coating, which means that the boards become highly resistant against fading and staining. The boards are easy to wipe clean and keep their colour when exposed to the environment.

Composite decking comes in hollow and solid varieties. Hollow boards tend to have hollow chambers running throughout the length of the plank, whilst solid boards are stronger and heavier.

Composite decking is not slippery when wet. In fact, independent tests show that composite decking is anti-slip. The results prove that, even when wet, composite boards have a low risk for slip potential. Keeping your deck clear of mildew and algal growth will help preserve the non-slip properties.

Read more about anti-slip decking here!

All uncapped composite decking undergoes a natural lightening in colour after installation. This is a result of UV exposure and natural wood oils, called tannins, washing out. After about 8 to 10 weeks the colour of the boards will stabilise. Find out more about composite decking fading.

Composite decking has a larger initial cost than timber. However, the lifetime cost of composite decking is lower. A timber deck requires yearly painting and refinishing. These maintenance costs make timber more expensive than composite decking in the long term. Read more on composite vs wood decking.