Composite Wood Decking - Pros & Cons
In recent years, composite wood has increasingly become a popular alternative as
an alternative to using natural wood for decks and deck components , extensively promoted as a product requiring little regular maintenance that will not twist, warp, splinter or fade like natural wood products used outdoors. And indeed composite wood does exhibit some outstanding traits, nevertheless there are other characteristics of composite wood which it is useful to be aware of. Let's take a look at some of the main points.
Firstly, it's important in any discussion such as this to note that like most products, composite wood will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer in view of the fact that not only will there be variations in basic components : polyethylene or polypropylene, virgin or recycled plastic materials or any ratio of the two, wood fibre, bamboo fibre or other fibre components or a mixture of these , but minor components such as UV stabilizers, processing aids pigments etc will also vary. And any of these components together with the actual processing and extrusion procedures can affect the ultimate properties and characteristics of composite wood decking. So the observations below must only be taken in a general context .
1. No twisting or warping. On condition that that the composite wood profile has been extruded with due care so that no stresses have been allowed to build up in the profile, then indeed composite wood decking should not twist or warp under normal conditions. However it has been observed that composite decking may experience some bowing along its length, though this will not automatically be a problem if the decking is firmly screwed or nailed to bearers. It might however bring about some slight problems with interlocking composite wood deck tiles where the slats on the tiles are not firmly attached to bearers underneath .
2. Fade resistant . Provided that the manufacture of the composite wood decking has used good quality colour pigments designed not to fade under UV sunlight , then certainly composite wood decking will normally display minimal color change in exterior exposure . Typically the colour may fade only about 10% in the first few months but will then fade very little after this time.
3. No splintering . Composite wood decking will indeed not display any splintering because it does not contain long sharp fibres.
4. Stain resistance . Composite wood is not resistant to staining, and it is a good idea if the material is to be used around outdoor grills etc, that a sealing product designed purposely for composite wood is aapplied as soon as possible after the deck installation.
5. Structural strength. Typically , composite wood will not have the structural strength equivalent to the strongest hardwoods such as eucalyptus hardwoods or Ipe . It also needs to be supported by bearers at closer intervals than natural wood decking, since it is prone to sagging. With composite wood deck tiles however which are set on firm surface, this will not be an issue.
6. Mold and mildew resistance. Whilst composite wood may contain some additives to reduce the formation of mold and mildew, most consumer reports tend to indicate that composite wood does not show any improved resistance to mold and mildew in comparison with natural wood.
7. Decay & Rot Resistance. Composite wood should not decay or rot under ordinary circumstances , although there have apparently been cases of faulty manufacturing of defective components where composite wood has shown unacceptable deterioration in use.
8. Insect resistance. Since composite wood decking is partly composed of a plastic material it will not typically be attacked by wood boring insects.
8. Resistance to scuffing and marking. Composite wood is not a particularly hard material , so will not have the same resistance to scuffing and marking as the strongest hardwoods such as Ipe.
9. Fire resistance. Since composite wood is composed of a plastic material and wood fibres, it is not fire resistant , whereas some hardwoods such as Ipe are rated as Class A fire resistance .
So like most materials, there are pros and cons and it's really up to the individual consumer to decide which features are critical to them.
by: Marcos Keyes
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