Composite Decking Sheffield

Composite decking materials are derived from the combination of wood fibre and plastic mixed with pigment. The waste wood is attained from wood mills and furniture factories. At the same time, the recycled plastics from shopping bags and other plastic packaging complete the materials. For many, settling with composite decking is for its lesser need for maintenance, compared with all forms of timber decking. Also, composite decking has a longer lifespan since there won't be the same risk of rotting, warping, or splitting which you would find with a natural timber. The earlier ‘first generation’ composite decking did have a tendency to lighten over time. However, the ‘second generation’ composites have much better UV shielding to virtually eliminate any fading for at least 25 years. As well as different colours there are also different types of composite decking options; textured grain, two-faced, plastic-wrapped, paper board, watertight, and many others but we will keep things simple and focus on the most popular, which are tried and trusted.

Composite decking requires minimal care and maintenance when compared to timber decking. However, you still need to tend to composite decking to get the best out of it. Despite requiring minimal maintenance, caring for your composite decking will help it to retain its new and bright look. Ensure that there is no standing water on your composite decking is one useful tip and ensuring that the underside of your composite decking is well ventilated – so just be mindful of how you use the space under raised decking as storage.

The initial cost of composite decking is the big difference compared to timber decking. Once it’s been installed, composite decking requires minimal care and has a low cost of maintenance. By comparing the long term cost of both composite decking and timber decking, you would most likely settle for composite decking. However, in the short term, composite decking comes at a considerable cost, even though it's an investment that is worth every penny. The cost of composite decking can easily be offset over time due to its durability and long lifespan when compared to timber decking.

For any of these two, there are advantages and disadvantages. However, three factors often determine whatever choice you settle for. Firstly, the installation cost; pressure treated timber is by far the cheapest of the options. Looking from the angle of durability and lower maintenance, composite decking will always be the better option. This is due to its water-resistant and dense nature. The other aspects of appearance and environmental stance are probably the most subjective. Some people just want to use natural products and think this natural look has appealing visuals. However, with wood effect composite decking also available this has become less of a factor from an aesthetic perspective. From an environmental angle, whilst most timber products are now sourced from sustainable forests, composites are mostly made up of recycled materials and if they last longer, effectively their lifetime carbon footprint will be less. So in reality one doesn’t necessarily outperform the other in this respect. Consequently this typically leaves the final choice down to durability, maintenance time and effort versus initial cost of installation.