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Top 13 Composite Decking FAQs

Saturday, June 18, 2022

What is composite decking?

Composite decking is a type of wood that looks like real wood but is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers. This material is resistant to damage from weather, insects and rot. It can also be stained or painted to match any color you want.

Composite Decking Photographing

What are the main types of composite decking?

Composite PVC Decking – This type of composite decking is made from a combination of PVC, plastic, and wood chips. It comes in various styles and colors that can be customized to match your home’s exterior.

Composite Wood Decking – This type of composite decking is made from a combination of natural wood fibers and resin. It comes in various styles and colors that can be customized to match your home’s exterior.

Composite Aluminum Decking – This type of decking features a steel mesh backing with aluminum posts, rails, and screws. The material is lightweight but strong enough for commercial use as well as residential use.

Composite Decking Deserts

What’s best — a wood deck or a composite deck?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding between a wood deck and a composite deck. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it comes down to what you’re looking for in your home’s outdoor space.

A Wood Deck

The first thing to consider with a wood deck is the cost. A solid wood deck will cost more than a composite deck because it requires more maintenance and upkeep. Wood decks also require more labor to install than composite decks do. Because they’re made from natural materials, they can be prone to cracking and warping over time if they aren’t treated properly or maintained regularly.

A Composite Deck

Composit decking are typically made of PVC or wood fibers mixed with resins and plasticizers to create a durable material that looks similar to wood but doesn’t splinter or crack as easily as real wood does. Composite decks are generally less expensive than solid-wood decks because they don’t require as much labor or maintenance over time. They’re also easier to install because they don’t need any nails or screws — just drill through the holes on their surface, insert the fasteners into place, then tighten them down with wrenches or screwdrivers.

best composite decking

How is composite decking different from other decking materials?

Composite decking is a combination of synthetic and natural materials. It is made up of recycled wood fibers, plastic, and other materials. This composite material is molded into different shapes and sizes to create different decking products. Composite decking has become an increasingly popular choice for outdoor living spaces in recent years.

The benefits of composite decking include:

Durability – Composite decking is extremely durable, low maintenance, and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as sun exposure, rain, snow, salt and more.

Strength – Composite decking is much stronger than regular wood because it contains recycled materials that give it added strength and durability. This means less worry about splintering or cracking when you walk on your deck.

Appearance – Composite decks are available in many different colors and styles so you can choose one that fits your home’s design perfectly!

a composite decks

What are the most common issues with composite decks?

Composite decks are the most common type of decking material available today. They’re made from a variety of materials, including plastic and wood, which are all molded together to form a composite. These decks can be very durable in most climates — but they’re not immune to problems.

Here are some of the most common issues with composite decks:

Cracks and warping. Composite decks can sometimes crack or warp over time due to weather conditions or poor installation. This can be caused by improper ventilation, which allows water to seep into the cracks and freeze during cold winters — causing expansion and contraction that leads to cracks.

Moisture damage. If you live in a humid climate, your deck may experience moisture damage from excessive moisture that gets trapped inside the deck’s layers. You can prevent this problem by installing ventilation holes in each joist space so air can circulate freely through them.

Fading and chipping paint. The paint on your composite deck may begin to fade or chip over time due to UV exposure from sunlight. This is especially true if you live in an area where there’s little cloud cover during the summer months. You should always apply a protective sealer once every two years to prevent this from happening.

composite deck balcony

How do I fix a composite deck that is sinking?

How do I fix a composite deck that is sinking?

If you have a composite deck that is sinking, you may be able to repair it without having to remove the entire deck. If someone has installed correctly and not warped or damaged the deck in any way, it should be easy to fix. However, if the wood has become warped or damaged due to weathering or improper installation, you may need to replace the boards entirely.

How do I know if my composite deck needs replacement?

Inspect your composite deck for signs of damage such as warping, cracks or splintering. If any of these conditions exist, your deck may need replacement boards. If your composite decking has been installed incorrectly with excessive fasteners or no fasteners at all, your boards may not have adhered properly to one another and could separate.

How do I repair a composite deck that is sinking?

There are several ways that you can repair a composite deck that is sinking. First, inspect the subfloor beneath your existing board for damage such as gaps between joists and loose nails which could cause movement in your board above them. If there are no issues with the subfloor or joists beneath them then consider adding additional support

Why is my composite deck cracking, splitting and warping?

Composite decking is a great alternative to wood and PVC, but it’s not without its problems.

The biggest complaints are that the material cracks, splits and warps. It’s usually not a problem at first, but as the years go by your decking can worsen until it looks like junk.

The good news is that there are ways to prevent this from happening — or at least slow it down. Here are some tips to keep your composite deck looking its best:

1) Use the right tools when installing the decking

2) Don’t over-tighten screws

3) Don’t use chemicals on your deck

4) Clean up spills immediately

What kind of maintenance does a composite deck need?

Composite decks require little maintenance beyond cleaning and occasional staining. I can clean composite decks with soap and water, or a mild detergent with water. You may also want to use a stiff bristle brush to scrub dirt from the surface of your deck.

If your composite deck has become stained or faded over time, you can sand and refinish it with a stain-and-sealer product. Stains come in several shades and textures to match your decking material. Sanding should be done before applying the stain, and I should fill any cuts or gouges in with wood filler before staining. Typically, staining a composite deck takes less than an hour; however, drying time varies depending on the weather conditions where you live.

How long will a composite deck last? And how much does it cost?

A composite deck is going to be more expensive than a traditional deck, but it’s also going to last much longer. Composite decks can last 50 years or more, depending on the climate where you live and how well you take care of it.

I made most composite decks from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), which is a combination of polymers and reinforcing fibers that’s molded into a solid form.This material is extremely durable, so it can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. It doesn’t splinter like wood or crack like concrete. It also resists rot, mildew, mold and other common problems with other types of materials.

The lifespan of your new deck will depend on several factors: Where you live, how well you maintain it and what type of maintenance regimen you choose for your home.

For example, if you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall every winter and have young children who like to play outdoors on the deck year-round, then you probably want to choose one of these products that feature fasteners designed specifically for snow loads (such as the Fiberon brand).

What is the Difference Between Solid and Grooved Planks?

Solid wood flooring is generally more expensive than grooved planks. The difference in price is mainly due to the amount of time and labor that goes into producing a solid plank floor.

Grooved flooring is made by cutting the wood into thin pieces called planks. Someone then glued together the planks to form a continuous surface, which is then sanded smooth. Since the grain of each plank runs in a different direction, they form an interlocking pattern that resembles wood floors.

I made solid wood flooring from one solid piece of lumber that has been milled with grooves into its face. The grooves allow for expansion and contraction as the wood ages, which can add strength and durability to your floor.

How Do I Clean My Composite Deck?

Composite decking is durable and low-maintenance, but it still needs to be cleaned regularly. I should clean composite decks at least once per year, and more frequently if they get a lot of dirt or stains.

The best way to clean your composite deck is with a pressure washer. You can rent one from your local hardware store or hire someone to do it for you.

Before you begin, make sure that the deck is dry and clean of any loose debris or dust. Get rid of any standing water on the surface by using a hose or watering can. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove any dirt or stains from the surface of the decking. If there are algae stains on the surface of the deck, use a scrub brush with warm water and mild detergent. Rinse off all soap residue thoroughly with clean water before moving on to step 4 below.

Next, spray down your entire deck with warm water from a garden hose attached to your pressure washer. Spray each section of your composite decking for about five seconds at full pressure (about 2,300 PSI). Pay special attention to areas where mold or mildew may grow such as corners or around doors and windows where rainwater collects most often.

Should I Use Hidden Deck Fasteners or Deck Screws When Installing Decking?

We’re often asked, “Should I use hidden deck fasteners or screws when installing my deck?”

The answer is that it depends on what kind of decking material you’re using.

Hidden Deck Fastener Installation

They used primarily hidden fasteners with hardwoods and composites. These types of materials are not as strong as softwoods like cedar and redwood, so they need to be secured with a little more force. It also used hidden fasteners when installing composite materials over concrete, since they have a tendency to pull away from the surface if not installed correctly.

Deck Screw Installation

Someone can instal softwood decks with screws, but you’ll want to make sure that the screws are long enough to penetrate through all of your layers of wood. Some manufacturers recommend using 2″ deck screws for this purpose, while others recommend 1-1/2″ or even 3″ screws if you’re installing over an existing deck surface or if you’re installing a large amount of decking material (more than 100 square feet). If your boards are short (less than 12″), then 1-1/2″ or 2″ screws will work fine because there isn’t much chance of them pulling out through your boards.

How often should I maintain my composite deck?

You should clean your composite deck with soap and water on a regular basis (once every few months). You should also inspect it for loose boards or nails that could cause tripping hazards. If any repairs need to be made, make them immediately so they don’t become worse.

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