Plastic & Wood Fiber Composite Decks

Synthetic materials used for decks are referred to as Composites because they are made of a combination of materials - some synthetic and some natural. They are attractive because maintenance is greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated. It is best for people who wish to do away with the annual maintenance required on wooden decks. It is the polyethylene decking composites that form the major chunk of the composite decks market. They comprise of wood or wood fiber that is blended with plastic. This results in a plastic lumber material that is slightly softer, which means that it will not span quite as far but would be easy to work with. Composites can have textured finishes applied to it. They are the most wood-like of the synthetic materials.

The advantages of composite decks are that they will not warp, split or crack like natural wood. Maintaining composite decks becomes much easier as you only have to sweep or hose and they don't fade like a wood deck. Composites can be easily worked on with standard tools. You could go in for colors that match your home. Some composites include recycled materials so are more environmentally friendly. The downside is that composite deck material is costly and can be more expensive then pressure treated lumber. Also it is much heavier than wood. Some of it can't span as far as wood so requires smaller joist spacing. FRP or fiberglass reinforced plastic is a new decking material that needs no maintenance and doesn't crack, split, or warp. It is an exceptionally durable decking material, more durable than traditional decking and retains its attractive appearance. The initial cost of FRP decking is significantly higher than conventional alternatives for all its overall long-term value.