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Even though your backyard deck may seem perfect, keeping that raised wooden surface in good condition may be a complete pain. Homeowners gladly embraced the less demanding plastic-composite decking when it first appeared in the 1990s, even though it was more expensive and only came in grey. Sales of composite decking Melbourne took off ten years later as businesses started to sell new products that resembled Brazilian walnut and fresh-cut cedar but never turned grey.
This popularity also benefits the environment because most composites are created from waste, such as used plastic milk jugs, shopping bags, and sawdust. The fact that composites don’t have the same feel or appearance as natural wood is irrelevant. After they’re installed, they simply do their job and require only a yearly wash-down, giving you plenty of time to work on your nap.
What is composite decking?
Composite deck boards are made by a decking supplier Melbourne using compression moulding or extrusion. The wood and synthetic components are carefully mixed to create a dense core material. The brand you select will determine the proportion of genuine wood to artificial materials. The longevity of specific composite deck boards is increased by their outer cover, which provides additional defence against weather and UV rays.
The mixture is often heated and extruded after mixing equal amounts of plastic and wood fibre with pigments, UV inhibitors, and borate preservatives. Before cooling, the warm surface is embossed with any existing texture.
Types of Composite Decking
Because of its versatility, composite decking comes in various varieties to suit your requirements, specifications, objectives, and financial constraints. Among the primary kinds are:
- Solid Composite Decks
Solid composite decking is preferred because of its strength and longevity. Its dense and solid core, in contrast to hollow composite, makes it durable and, in some situations, of higher quality. Additionally, it can retain its structure and is more resistant to warping because it is hard.
Because it is heavier than other composite decking options, you should ensure you can manage it, but it is appropriate for high-traffic places like restaurants or swimming pools. Because it is denser, walking on it is also quieter.
- Capped composite decks
A protective layer, typically a polymer sleeve, covers capped composite decking. Because of its increased water resistance, it is ideal for damp or humid environments, including rain, and is less prone to problems like rotting, swelling, or mould growth. Compared to hollow composite decking, this protective covering may be more expensive, and if it is exposed to sunlight, it may absorb heat, necessitating additional shade.
- Hollow composite decks
A less popular profile than conventional solid and even scallop boards is hollow composite decking. particularly in the European market, is becoming more and more well-liked. They are not equal in design and perform differently, even if both hollow.
Let’s start by discussing the brands that produce hollow composite decking; we will go into more detail later. Then, answer some crucial questions about hollow composite decking so that you may better understand it before installing it on your deck.
Hollow composite boards, like scallop boards, are less expensive. By cutting the material from thirty to forty per cent, you are saving money on both materials and frequently overlooked shipping. Shipping costs will be lower if it weighs less.
Composite vs. wooden Decks
Although it is frequently held, the idea that wood decking is less expensive than composite can be a little deceptive. Composite decking is relatively steady in price, although lumber has recently increased up to three times over pre-pandemic costs and is still variable. Composite decking boards are much less maintenance-intensive than wood decking.
Composite decks last between 25 to 30 years, while wood decking lasts 10 to 20 years (but some MBCs can typically last up to 50 years). Therefore, wood decks do not survive as long as composite decks, even with routine care. Buyers can, however, take a variety of actions to increase longevity.
Final words
We provide our customers with the most reasonable and affordable composite decking at Melbourne’s price. We also provide services for installing such things, so give us a call, and we will consult about the expenses required. So, if you are on the hunt for composite decks for your outdoors, you have landed at the right place.