If you’re planning to build the backyard deck of your dreams then you should consider using composite decking. This is made of recycled wood and plastic so it has the benefits of both materials and they mitigate the other’s weaknesses.
Composite Decking
Composite decks have a long lifespan of 20 to 30 years so you and your family can enjoy it for many years. Read on to learn more about the benefits of composite decks, the differences between wood and composite decks, and if you have any questions or want a free quote, contact our Grand Rapids deck builders.
The Benefits of Composite Decking
Composite decking has a lot of benefits. First, they don’t warp, splinter, or rot unlike a wooden deck. Some people may think that composite decking never cracks and this is not true. Composite decking is crack resistant, meaning that weather conditions won’t cause it to crack but dragging large heavy objects across your deck can cause significant damage.
Despite being partially made of recycled wood, composite decking doesn’t attract termites or other insects. Also, they only require minimal maintenance. Simply wash it once a year using a soft bristle brush and some soapy water.
Modern composite decks stay cooler than wooden decks which makes them great as a pool deck. Composite decks are also slip resistant so you can have peace of mind whether you’re just stepping out of the pool or walking outside after it rains.
Wood is known to fade the older your deck gets. Composite also fades, but it’s generally only for the first two or three months and then it should keep its color for years to come. A lot of people choose composite decking because they offer all the benefits of a wooden deck without the drawbacks of one.
Composite decks generally cost more than a wooden deck. However, you save a lot of money in the long term with all the maintenance that you won’t have to do for a composite deck that a natural wooden deck requires.
Environmentally Conscious
Composite decking helps the environment by keeping lots of plastic and wood out of landfills. According to This Old House, every 10 sq. ft. has about 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags and 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs.
The average deck is between 300 to 400 square feet. Even on the lower end of 300, that’s 90,000 recycled plastic shopping bags and 33,000 one-gallon milk jugs that aren’t going to a landfill.
You can choose from a vast array of colors for your composite deck. This way, you can best complement the outside of your house or create a whole new look for your backyard. If your deck exceeds a certain height, you’ll need to install deck railings. This will protect people from tripping and falling off of your deck and potentially getting hurt.
Contact Us Today
Are you looking to get started on building your own composite deck? Give our expert a call at (616) 608-9713 to get a free quote. All we do is deck replacement and installation!