subject: Advice On Comparing Composite Decking To Wood From General Contractors Seattle [print this page] Advice On Comparing Composite Decking To Wood From General Contractors Seattle
While real wood is still the traditional favorite when it comes to building a deck on a home, there's a new option available called composite decking. There are a lot of benefits to composite decking, and it's available in a variety of colors. You can even get composite decking that looks like real wood. This article looks at how composite decking compares to wood decking, including what's in it, and why you might want to choose it for your brand new deck building project.
What It's Made Of
Composite decking is made of sawdust and plastic that contains color, a bonding agent, and preservative. After melting and mixing these ingredients together, the mix goes into a mold for drying. When it comes out, you have an incredibly strong plank that can even resemble real wood when put into a mold that has a wood grain design.
When you pick up a plank of composite decking, you'll notice it's hard and heavy. It will last years longer than a wooden deck, and you can cut, nail, screw, and build with composite decking just as you can with wood.
Environmentally Viable
One big plus for composite decking is that it's environmentally viable because it's made using recycled materials. The fact that composite decking saves trees is a big plus for many people, even above the fact that composite decking will not attract pests, and it won't rot even in the harshest weather.
Colors And Wood Styles
Composite decking typically comes in styles that look like real wood, including the most commonly used types of wood for building decks. Not only do they resemble deck building woods like redwood planks, but they're also the same color as these planks. Since the color is added during the mixing process, the color runs all the way through composite decking planks. It doesn't just sit on top of the planks like paint that can peel or flake away with time. It's permanent coloring all the way through.
In addition to wood colors, you can also get composite decking in a variety of other colors that make it look like painted wood. The good thing about these planks is you get the look of painted or stained wood without having to paint or stain. Since the color runs all the way through, you don't have any painting or staining maintenance to worry about either.
Other Benefits
Composite decking also offers a number of other benefits. One great benefit is these planks will not attract mold or mildew that can make them slippery. In fact, composite decking is slip resistant, even when wet. Since composite decking is a solid piece, you don't have to worry about it splintering or even about getting splinters when running your hand across the handrail, or walking on these planks barefoot. They're also strong and long lasting in any type of climate extreme cold, glaring sun, lots of rain, and more.
If you're planning to build a deck, or you need to replace your home's existing deck, hire general contractors Seattle to ensure a safe and secure deck, and consider giving composite decking a try.
