When exposed to the elements, wood and wood-plastic composites (WPC) inevitably degrade and decay over time. Weathering occurs from environmental influences including sunlight, moisture, microorganisms, and extreme temperature changes, all of which affect not only the aesthetics of the materials but eventually also their structural integrity. Public installations like boardwalks, marinas, ramps, and bleachers built from wood or WPC suffer additional strain caused by constant use and often abuse in the form of vandalism.
Many factors contribute to the skyrocketing cost of replacing and maintaining wood and WPC installations, but these two are the primary drivers:
- The decrease in pressure-treated lumber’s service life following the industry’s switch from arsenic-based to copper-based wood preservatives
- The ever-rising cost of labor and skilled labor shortages
For these reasons, more and more cities, municipalities, state parks, and property management companies are searching for cost-efficient alternatives to traditional wood decking.
One such alternative is Miura Board™, which is a fiber-reinforced, durable, wear-resistant composite material upcycled from plastic scrap and post-consumer carpet backing fiber. Because of its unique manufacturing process and the absence of wood in its composition, Miura Board™ drastically extends the service life of outdoor fixtures, thereby slashing maintenance costs without the need for costly installation fixtures.
Using Miura Board™ in Decking Applications
Miura Board™ offers an extremely durable, wear-resistant, 100% recycled alternative to pressure-treated wood and WPC decking. Outdoor features constructed using Miura Board require no costly installation fixtures or maintenance after installation and deliver a long service life at a low cost of ownership.
Miura Board™ can be used in a wide array of outdoor applications. Some examples include:
