Composite Decks

Another great alternative to hardwood decks are composite decks  and pine decks, which are comprised of equal parts wood to plastic. This building material is often sourced to create decks as a cheaper alternative to wood due to its durability, appearance to hardwood, and its sustainability. Like hardwood, composite lumber can easily be stained to achieve a lighter or darker color that matches your desired deck appearance.
 
 
Durability
 
As one of the most durable materials available for your deck, composite lumber is resistant to many outdoor elements that wood simply is not. Since it’s a smoother material, it is safer for pets and families that walk on it barefoot frequently. Likewise, it rarely succumbs to sunlight fading, discoloration, staining, moisture buildup, and cracking. Therefore, composite lumber makes for a great deck to surround your pool or to provide a social area for your family and friends. All of these benefits help make composite lumber an ideal building material for your outdoor deck space. Composite lumber is strong enough to hold many people and is suitable for outdoor furniture to gather around.
 
 
Upkeep
 
The upkeep for a composite deck is generally pretty simple and can be done regularly with a brush and warm water or the occasional power washing. Whatever method you decide to opt for, composite decks rarely require extensive maintenance to keep them looking good and clean. If you decide to clean with harsh chemicals, soaps, or cleaning agents, be sure to use ones that will not damage the staining or sealing agents that are coated on top of the composite lumber.
 
 
Sustainability
 
What attracts clients to composite decks is their make up. Combined with recycled plastic and wood bits, composite lumber is seen as one of the more environmentally-friendly options for building sources. It’s relatively easy to recreate using old or used plastics and wood and can easily bring a new use to outdated materials. Since composite lumber is easily durable against outdoor elements such as water, mold, and pests, it likely won’t need replacing for many years and can continue to be functioning over time without worry or deterioration. If you decide to build your deck from composite lumber, you know you will be getting a sustainable material that has been ethically and organically sourced from old ones, giving back to the environment in a positive way.
 
 
Cost
 
The cost of composite lumber may seem hefty at first, but in the long run it will turn out to be cheaper than most hardwood flooring systems. As maintenance costs remain low and it’s less prone to damage, your composite lumber deck won’t require much upkeep for the years following its installation. If you’re on a budget or would like an easy alternative to hardwood decks, composite lumber can provide just that. The pricing of composite lumber will vary depending on where it’s sourced from and how much of it you need, but overall, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this hardwood alternative.