Best of 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, theres a new option available called composite decking. There are a lot of benefits to composite decking, and its 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 whats in it, and why you might want to choose it for your brand new deck building project.

What Its 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, youll notice its 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 its environmentally viable because its 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 wont 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 theyre 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 doesnt just sit on top of the planks like paint that can peel or flake away with time. Its 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 dont 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 dont have to worry about it splintering or even about getting splinters when running your hand across the handrail, or walking on these planks barefoot. Theyre also strong and long lasting in any type of climate extreme cold, glaring sun, lots of rain, and more.

If youre planning to build a deck, or you need to replace your homes existing deck, hire general contractors Seattle to ensure a safe and secure deck, and consider giving composite decking a try.