Advantages of Composite Decking Material

I knew it was time to get serious about replacing our old, rotting deck when I walked across it with no shoes and ended up with a splinter the size of Texas. It’s one of the joys of owning an older home — sometimes home improvement projects just present themselves! But planning a glorious new outdoor living space in the springtime isn’t such a bad thing. And with all the new-fangled composite decking material out there these days, hopefully this project will be one we’ll enjoy for many years to come.

I know some purists out there say that redwood is the only way to go for decks, and some builders mention using waterproof aluminum, but the more I’ve read, the more it seems that composite decking material is a better answer. There are a number of companies out there making composite decking material these days, from LockDry to Permadek to Trex, and all offer a number of advantages over traditional lumber. It’s great to be able to shop on the Internet for these different materials and compare prices and features.

Because it’s a carefully engineered product, composite decking material tends to be a lot tougher than wood. It’s not as prone to splitting and warping, and unlike lumber it doesn’t have to be stained repeatedly to prevent water damage. Our builder says composite decking material is easy to cut, easy to nail, and looks great without even a swipe of paint or stain. It’s a virtually maintenance-free choice.

And for those of us who are looking for ways to go green, composite decking material is a real winner. The ingredient lists on some of these brands include things like recycled plastic bags, reclaimed sawdust, extruded polystyrene, and a whole host of other materials that might otherwise have ended up in a landfill. So from an environmental standpoint, it’s a choice I feel good about.

We had a good contractor who was able to provide precise measurements for our project, so ordering composite decking material off the Internet ended up being a real time-saver. We were able to find great pricing, and because our stock was shipped right from the factory, we didn’t have to wait too long to get started on our project. And believe it or not, when it was all said and done, we came in under the budget we’d set for a traditional lumber deck. I can’t wait to invite some friends over, crank up the grill, and break in our fabulous new outdoor space!