subject: Composite Decking Is By Far The Best Choice [print this page] Isn't it strange that we like to talk about the weather all the time in Britain? Our temperate climate is always changing and seems to be the subject of much debate whether it is nasty or nice outside. It's true that the weather makes it difficult for us to rely on any outside event with certainty, but we have to make the best of it and move on, which we do quite well. When it's time to think about your spring and summer plans, you might think about constructing outdoor decking. This is when you start to think about that climate, to see how you should approach this project and the selection of materials.
When you think of outdoor decking, the rich colours of teak and hardwood come to mind. However, you may rightly think that maintenance will be an issue, with fairly frequent visits from the handyman to account for, or many a long hour deducted from your spare time in the future. You should consider composite decking, which is a great alternative to teak or IPE decking.
There are many advantages associated with composite decking. It looks like hardwood decking and feels like it too, but without many of the problems. Otherwise, you might have to deal with bugs or insect infestation on a regular basis and issues like wood rot. Composite decking will not split or warp whenever those temperature changes dictate and the ever present moisture arrives from those rain showers. It's good to know that you don't have to apply sealant or weatherproofing to this type of product and to be constantly worrying about whether it is time to apply another coat of weatherproofing because the old one is simply not up to the job anymore.
When thinking about the expense associated with decking installation, you've got to add in the further maintenance also. It can really add up quickly, especially if you're going for a special type of wood instead of a composite. Keep in mind that decking which is synthetic has durability properties like plastic, while at the same time being as pleasant to look at as a hardwood. Put simply, it provides the most desirable properties of both worlds, and has an excellent resistance to UV light and fading.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the addition of an outdoor deck is the best way to increase the resale value of your home. Indeed, according to the Association's survey, the amount that you spend on your decking project can yield an 80% return on investment, when it comes time to sell. You can imagine that the new buyer will be pleased to hear that the project features composite decking rather than hardwood, so that he or she can continue to enjoy the beauty and functionality of the addition without that extra and time-consuming maintenance.
We are all taking a leaf from Prince Charles's book and becoming more sustainable. There is no reason why the decking should not be environmentally friendly either, as some of the best composite decking is made from reclaimed hardwood and recycled polymer. Don't forget that you don't need to spend money on those nasty chemicals to stain or seal either, another score for the environment.
