How To Build a Deck You'll Never Worry About

You may have heard the stories: Owners of wood decks complaining about warping and splintering, or about the creepy-crawlies that made homes in the knotholes of the lumber. It's enough to make you think twice about installing a deck.

Wood decks can be a beautiful investment - if you've got the time to devote to caring for them. But sometimes you just want to install your deck and start enjoying it... and continue enjoying it with as little maintenance as possible.

That's where composite wood decking comes in. Composite wood decking is a revolutionary product that combines the look and texture of real wood with the durability and sturdiness of a plastic composite. Wood decking has a great natural look and feel, but it can fade and crack without a rigorous maintenance schedule. Composite decking retains its beauty and strength with little effort. And it can do it while maintaining that same outdoorsy look.

Lumber, by its nature, is attractive to termites, woodlice and other pests; composite wood decking won't appeal to even the hungriest of insects. You're a busy homeowner, and you've got enough chores on your list. There's no reason to add more, like spraying for bugs and slopping water sealant all over your deck in the hot weather.

What's more, most composite wood decks are environmentally friendly, and feature the natural look of real lumber because they contain real lumber. When composites are created, their manufacturers reclaim and reuse wood by-products - sawdust, wood fibers and other lumber cast-offs that would otherwise go to a landfill - and combine them with other materials that seal in both beauty and strength. The result is a composite wood decking material that retains its attractiveness in the face of anything nature throws at it. Rain and snow, mold and fungus, bugs and burrowers - composite decks can deflect it all.

The wonders of competition in the free market have resulted in a vivid rainbow of composite decking types; because several companies manufacture it, composite wood decking also comes in a variety of textures, colors and patterns, any combination of which is sure to satisfy your desire for a warm, pleasing aesthetic.

Each manufacturer specializes in a specific type of decking. Trex, for instance, offers versatility of style, whereas TimberTech planks are famed for their comfort. Before beginning any decking project, it's important to outline for yourself what you want in a deck. It'll help you make the right choice when it's time to pick a manufacturer.

Your individual needs will decide the kind of composite wood decking material you should buy. If you're looking for the smoothness and comfort associated with an indoor floor, try TimberTech's Floorizon Plank, with its hidden-from-view fastener system and its silky surface. If it's versatility you're in the market for, Trex Accents may be for you: On one side, a smooth, soft surface; on the other, a standard wood grain. Many composite products allow for numerous design possibilities, so you can have swooping postmodern curves and simple, straightforward coziness, all in the same deck.

As environmental consciousness grips the world more and more, and people become more concerned with reclaiming and recycling waste, composite wood decking products will become more prevalent and popular. There's really no better way to build a deck that retains its sturdiness and beauty over the years.

Kevin Ott is a freelance copywriter who lives in California and writes on a variety of topics, including home improvement, food, travel, marketing, and a variety of other topics. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of composite wood decking material (to both contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners) in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply here:

http://www.decksupplies.com

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Answered - The Six Most Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Wood Decking Materials

If you're a homeowner deciding whether to build a deck, you've got a lot of decisions in front of you. The most important choice you face is what kind of deck you want to build. Will it be a porch? A barbecue area? A pool deck? The choices are limited only by your budget and your creativity, so this will undoubtedly be the most challenging decision.

But it won't be the only one.

Composite wood decking -- materials composed of reclaimed plastic and lumber scraps formed into planks, rails and studs -- has been rising in popularity among homeowners since its introduction years ago. And while wood is still in widespread use, builders looking for increased durability and longevity look to composites to fill their needs.

DIY decking enthusiasts often come to decking professionals with a variety of questions about what kinds of materials they should use. Here are six of the most common questions:

Will a composite decking system look good?

Composite decking materials are designed from scratch specifically to be used on outdoor decks. Because of this, the design of composite decking systems incorporates a flawless, consistent look, free of knotholes, raised grain areas, or imperfections. Wood materials, like cedar decking and ipe hardwood decking, look great in their own right, but can sometimes feature minor imperfections that might not match your style. Composite decking systems have a more consistent look. Composites, while attractive, may not be the best choice with deck builders who want a more rustic look to their decks.

I'm concerned about environmental impact. Are composite decking systems for me?

The planks in most composite decking systems are made from reclaimed wood scraps and sawdust, mixed with recycled plastics. Buying composite wood decking often relieves the demand for virgin wood. And while some environmentalists have raised concerns about the non-biodegradable nature of composite decking, many agree that using composites is much friendlier to the planet than using harsh wood treatments to preserve wood decks.

Are composite decking systems easy to install?

They sure are. Once again, the design of composite decking materials is geared specifically toward deck construction - making most systems easy to install. Products by companies like Trex and Geodeck often feature tongue-in-groove design, turning assembly into a weekend project.

Are composite decking systems as durable as wood?

In fact, they're known for their durability. Procell decking, for instance, is resistant to scratches, and is designed to retain its grain over time. Almost all composites are also unattractive to insects, saving you from worrying about termites and woodlice. Most of the problems we associate with aging wood decks - warping, cupping, twisting, and so on - simply aren't problems with composite decking. A system that uses these composites will last for years without a substantial economic or maintenance investment.

Are composite decking systems cheaper than wood?

Initially, you're likely to pay more for a composite decking system. But think of it as an investment: In the long run, you'll spend less money. With composite deckings, there's almost no upkeep cost, in dollars or man-hours. You won't spend a dime on water-sealant or stain, because there's no need to treat or restain composite wood. You'll only need to sweep off leaf litter in the fall, and hose the deck down when it gets too dusty. And when you factor in the increase in property value and quality deck brings to your home, it makes even more financial sense to go with a composite wood decking system.

How is a composite decking system good for my kids?

Most kids hate wearing shoes, right? Meaning that in summertime, you're constantly on the lookout for wood splinters and burned feet - if you've got a wood deck. But since a composite decking system won't splinter, warp or heat up in the sun, you won't have to worry.

Kevin Ott writes about home improvement projects (like deck construction, basement remodeling and mold removal) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of decking material in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply at http://decksupplies.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.