10 Biggest Myths about Composite Decking Boards

In the past, wood was a simple choice for decorative materials. Because there were few suitable substitutes. Now, wood deck is no longer the only option for people. For more than twenty years, composite decking materials have been a developing market. And it has been accepted and used by more and more people. Compared with a wood deck, composite decking has many advantages. Such as low maintenance, waterproof, mildew-proof, and easy installation.

As a new decorative material, composite material has changed the deck decoration industry and opened up a brand-new side. For new decorative materials, there is always a process before they are accepted by the whole society. There are many misunderstandings about the appearance, cost, and performance of composite materials. Now, let’s discuss some misunderstandings about composite decking.

Myth 1: Composite Decking Is Not Environmentally Friendly

Many people believe that composite decking is harmful to the environment. They think it has a greater impact on the environment than natural wood. However, this view does not take into account the disadvantages of wooden decking. For example, felling trees and treating wood with chemicals can make it difficult to recycle and remove.

However, this argument does not apply to composite decking. This is because composite decking is usually made from recycled wood and plastic. No trees are felled during the manufacture of composite decking. It is therefore an environmentally friendly and sustainable decking material.

So is the use of composite decking good for the environment? The following facts show that composite decking is the most environmentally friendly option:

Use of Recycled Materials

Most composite decking manufacturers, use recycled materials to make the decking. For example, 95% of Trex outdoor decking is made from recycled materials. And 85% of COOWIN outdoor decking is made from recycled materials. These recycled materials include waste wood, plastic bags, newspaper sleeves, and other plastic waste.

Waste Is Reused

Composite decking manufacturers use huge amounts of waste plastic and wood shavings every year to create durable, environmentally friendly outdoor decking. This prevents large amounts of plastic from entering landfills and rivers.

No Chemical Hazards

Composite decking boards are very friendly for people with children or pets. This is because they do not require chemical treatment to provide excellent water, mildew, and fade resistance. As a result, they do not release any harmful chemicals into the environment. Thanks to this environmentally safe material, people can rest assured that composite wood decking is a safe choice for building outdoor living spaces.

Myth 2: Composite Decking Gets Too Hot in the Summer

Another common misconception is that it gets too hot to walk barefoot on composite decking when the temperature is high outside. Anything exposed to the sun gets hot. So does this mean that composite decking is not heat resistant? Many people are surprised to discover that modern composite decking has come a long way in terms of reducing heat.

On the other hand, the color you choose can have a significant impact on how warm the deck feels. Light-colored composite decking reflects the sun’s rays better than dark-colored decking, keeping the surface cooler. If you plan a covered deck in the right place, it can be a cool place to relax or entertain guests even on the hottest days.

Although composite decking has better heat dissipation properties, the surface can still become hot when exposed to the sun for a long time. Therefore, we recommend that you wear shoes, socks, and booties for pets. This will help you and your pets enjoy life on the deck even more.

Myth 3: Composite Decks Are Too Expensive

Some homeowners may wonder whether investing in a composite deck is worth it. Especially when they first see the price comparison between composite decks and pressure-treated wood. However, this argument fails to take into account the long-term cost of maintaining a wooden deck. To keep a wooden deck in good condition, it needs to be sanded, stained, and sealed regularly. The supplies needed for this maintenance can cost hundreds of dollars a year.

Composite decking, on the other hand, requires much less maintenance. This type of decking does not need to be stained or sealed. So you don’t have to worry about replacing worn boards or repainting. According to HomeAdvisor, maintaining a wooden deck can cost between $540 and $1,050 per year. Maintaining a composite deck, on the other hand, only costs between $15 and $20 per year. This means that a composite deck can save you a lot of money over its lifetime.

In addition, a composite wood deck can increase the value of your home. This is because it requires less maintenance and is more environmentally friendly. According to the 2024 “Cost vs. Value Report” from Remodeling magazine, adding a composite deck costs an average of $24,206. When you resell your home, it sells for an average of $16,498. This means that using a composite deck can recover 68.2% of the cost when the home is sold. So it’s easy to see why more and more people are opting for composite decking.

Considering that the material only accounts for a third of the total cost of the deck (if a builder is hired), opting for composite decking makes even more financial sense. Choosing a durable, low-maintenance composite deck will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors even more.

Myth 4: Composite Decking Is Easily Scratched

Wooden decking is easily scratched and chipped by children’s toys and outdoor furniture. This is because wood naturally shrinks and swells due to environmental influences. As a result, temperature changes and inclement weather (such as snow or sleet) can also cause the wood to crack.

So, can composite wood decking be scratched? Most composite products on the market today last a long time. With capped composite decking, there is a strong protective shell on the outside that can withstand a lot of foot traffic. It is therefore ideal for families or those who like to host parties outdoors.

In addition to using capped composite decking, you can also take some simple measures to protect the appearance of your outdoor space:

• Moving furniture or large items such as boxes should be lifted over the deck surface, not dragged.
• Place furniture pads on the legs of outdoor tables, chairs, and sofas.
• If your pet has long nails, they should be trimmed regularly.
• Do not use a metal brush to clean leaves, branches, or other debris from the deck.

Myth 5: Composite Decking Looks Fake

Early composite decking didn’t look very realistic. However, improvements in design and materials have made a huge difference. The latest composite wood decking realistically replicates the rich colors and textures of solid wood.

Today’s high-performance composite decking boards look more natural than ever. Their color and wood grain designs look just like real wood. In addition, the subtle color variations on the same board perfectly imitate the beautiful imperfections of real wood.

Whether you prefer a bright tropical style, a calm coastal vibe, or a neutral hue that matches any home exterior. There’s always a color in COOWIN’s composite decking series to suit your style.

Myth 6: Composite Decking Is Prone to Warping

Warping is a problem that anyone choosing a decking material has to face. However, this problem has been largely solved with the new generation of composite decking and the correct installation method. For example, COOWIN composite decking boards will not bend or warp. Wood, on the other hand, expands and contracts easily in response to changes in temperature and humidity.

Although high-quality composite decking boards will not bend, you should still take extra care when installing them. If you are doing the work yourself, make sure you follow the instructions carefully so that the boards are not installed too closely together.

If the boards are too close together, they may squeeze against each other when the decking boards expand slightly. This can cause the entire deck to look distorted. Also, make sure that the joists are installed at the correct distance from each other so that the weight is evenly distributed across all the boards and they do not bend.

Myth 7: Composite Decking Is Prone to Fading

No one wants a decking material that will gradually fade in the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause serious damage to wood. So, is composite decking resistant to UV damage?

High-quality composite decking is UV-resistant. It therefore prevents discoloration and color changes, even in direct sunlight. In addition, capped composite decking with a polymer shell has even better UV protection. So when you build an outdoor living space with composite decking, you don’t have to worry about the decking boards fading. It will keep looking good for decades to come.

On the other hand, unlike wood, composite decking does not fade. So you don’t need to stain or paint the decking every year or two to prolong its life. With the new composite decking materials, you can enjoy the outdoors even more.

Myth 8: Composite Decking Will Grow Mold

Many people who want to turn their backyard into a living space are worried about mold. They therefore want to know whether composite decking is water-resistant. If the right measures are not taken, mold can grow on the decking, just as it can on any other outdoor surface.

But composite decking is made to be waterproof, and water is the prime cause of mold and mildew. Composite decking, and in particular capped composite decking, has excellent water-resistance properties. This means that mold is less likely to grow on composite decking boards than on wood.

If you notice mold on the surface of the composite decking, it is most likely caused by organic debris accumulating on the surface. Therefore, even if mold does appear, it is easy to remove. Although composite decking is extremely low-maintenance and easier to care for than wood decking, some basic cleaning is still required on a regular basis.

You can clean composite decking with just soap and water. Clean the decking every now and then during the year with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using metal tools when cleaning composite decking as they can scratch the surface. If there are stubborn stains, you may need to use a special composite decking cleaner to remove the dirt.

Another way to prevent mold from growing on any type of deck is to ensure there is adequate air circulation. Damp areas will dry out more quickly if there is adequate air circulation. Therefore, when installing the deck, ensure that the boards are properly spaced apart. If water collects on the deck, sweep it up as soon as possible.

Myth 9: Composite Decking Cannot Be Installed By Yourself

If you’ve always thought that installing a composite deck yourself is too difficult, you’re wrong! COOWIN can provide you with detailed installation tips, how-to videos, and customer service. This can help you complete the entire installation process.

Most professionals and DIY enthusiasts agree that installing a composite deck is just as easy as installing a wooden deck. And the tools needed to install the deck are basically the same. However, there is one very important “professional tip”: be very clear about the location of the joists.

As composite decking is stiffer than wood, variations in joist height can cause the deck surface to appear uneven. If you encounter strange joists during installation. Then you may need to cut off the excess or place shims where they are too low.

Myth 10: Composite Decking Must Be Laid 12 inches Apart

To ensure safety and structural stability, it is important to ensure the correct spacing between joists when laying the decking. The spacing rules depend on the type and load-bearing capacity of the decking. However, for many composite decking brands (such as Trex and COOWIN), as long as the boards are laid perpendicular to the frame, the spacing between the joists can be 16 inches.

If the boards are installed diagonally, on the other hand, the spacing between them should not exceed 12 inches. COOWIN provides you with detailed installation instructions to help you plan the best project. You will then know how to properly install the deck joists.