What Is the Best Composite Decking Material?

Composite decking is a popular option among many homeowners today. Unlike wood decking, it is cheaper and easier to maintain, yet still more durable and sustainable. And as a new concept to many homeowners, people often cannot tell the difference between wood and composite deck boards.

Composite Decking Selection Considerations

This guide goes through the basics of composite decking, including what composite decking is, reasons why it serves as a popular alternative to wood decking, and factors to consider when shopping for the best composite decking.

• Composite Decking Materials
• Benefits of Composite Decking
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Composite Decking
• Industrial Applications
• Miura Board – The Ideal Composite Decking Brand

. Composite Decking Materials – What is it Made of?

Composite decking uses a variety of materials instead of wood:

• Wood composite. A blend of sawdust and recycled plastic, wood composite serves as the most popular composite decking material. With appearance and feel like wood decking, wood composite also comes in an array of colors and can be styled to look like laminate flooring.
• Plastic. Plastic composite decking uses a variety of plastic materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and vinyl. It is lightweight and durable. Additionally, many of the high-end brands can be styled to look like authentic wood decking.
• PVC/vinyl. PVC and vinyl composite decking material is made of 100% polyvinyl chloride. Easily customizable, vinyl offers an abundance of color selections.

Other common materials used for composite decking include:

• Poly
• Rubber
• Other recycled materials

. Benefits of Composite Decking

Due to its many benefits, composite decking’s popularity keeps growing. Most notably, using it eases the global dependence on wood. For every home to afford a wooden deck, it would require a lot of this finite resource, and over-harvesting will likely devastate the forests.

Other significant benefits of composite decking include:

• Great value for money. The installation cost runs higher than that of wood decking. In the long term, however, the choice for composite decking saves a lot of money and time, as covered below.

• Durable. That characteristic sleek and elegant look and feel of wood decking does not always last. Instead, it wears and tears over time, develops splinters and stains, and generally degrades overall as a material. However, durable composite decking retains its structure and look over time.

• Easy to maintain. Because of its short-term resilience, wood decking needs proper maintenance. This care includes cleaning, sheltering from extreme weather, and making all necessary repairs. Low-maintenance composite decking does not need this type of attention over time.

. Cost-Effectiveness

The initial cost of composite decking surpasses that of wood decking. Yet in the end, choosing to build with composite decking material still proves more cost-effective.  Durability and easy maintenance over time help keep long-term cost low.

Composite decking lasts longer than wood decking. Not prone to the degradation associated with wood, it does not splinter or rot away over time. That means that less money will be spent on repairs and replacements, saving the consumer more than the margin difference of wood decking.

Maintenance can also be costly. With wood decking, handyman help may be needed to fix small problems, increasing overall cost over time. Composite decking does not degrade as much as wood decking, which means lower maintenance expenses.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Composite Decking

So, what makes the ideal composite decking? That depends on personal preferences. However, there are several factors that every shopper should take into consideration:

• Material. Different materials used to make composite decking have varying strengths and shortcomings. Some materials provide more durability while others look more visually appealing. For wood composite decking, benefits in both design and strength position it as the most popular or best composite decking material.

• Aesthetic appeal. Wood decking remains popular for the elegant wooden appearance. However, some of the more versatile composite decking materials can be styled to look realistically like wood. Compared against one another, many people cannot tell the difference between wood and composite decking.

• Color and texture. In addition to a wooden appearance, some composite decking materials can also imitate the texture and feel of genuine wood. But, unlike wood decking, composite deck boards can offer a variety of colors and designs.

Industrial Applications

Composite decking works for more than just residential backyards. Other applications expand beyond the home, reaching such industries as construction, transportation, and public works or governmental projects. On a smaller scale, it can be used in industrial projects such as:

• Assembling ramps
• Constructing stadiums and bleachers
• Paving boardwalks
• Building marinas

Miura Board – The Ideal Composite Decking Brand

Miura Board pushes the limits of composite decking. It takes recycling to the next level by making use of plastic waste and natural fibers such as rice hulls, or synthetic fibers such as post-consumer carpet. Stronger and more durable, Miura Board products pack an original aesthetic appeal. Get in touch with Miura Board to learn more about the best composite deck boards on the market.