While Composite Decking has received some bad press over the years, in recent years its quality has improved by a mile. There was some bad quality decking around when it first hit the market but these days every piece of decking is far superior than it once was. Of course, using timber decking would always be preferable. It has become common knowledge that timber decking is a great way to cover a dry patch. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore alternative materials for your decking. As we have already mentioned, the composite decking has improved quite considerably over the years and sites such as https://www.dinodecking.co.uk/ ensure they only ever sell high-quality decking.
Despite the improvement in quality, there are still a few myths surrounding this type of decking and here is where we hope to dispel them all:
Composite Decking Fades
Most modern composite decking is UV resistant, although no product is 100% resistant to UV rays. While you can expect the colour of your new composite decking to fade slightly over a 10-year period it should not fade as much as you may think. Timber decking is likely to fade a lot quicker than composite decking as it will become bleached by the sun.
If you are worried about your decking becoming faded you may wish to purchase a darker shade. Many different shades are available, however, you can rest assured that your nice new decking is unlikely to fade very much at all.
Composite Decking Becomes Stained
While most wood decking becomes stained over time composite decking does not. While you may need to give your decking a wash from time to time it will not become stained; according to Miles at Peaks Power Washing, a wash at the start of every season should make your decking look much cleaner. While staining may occur if rotting vegetation comes into contact with it, you will not see as many stains as you would if you had wooden decking.
Composite Decking Becomes Mouldy
Mould is highly unlikely to harm your decking. This is due to the fact that composite decking does not get wet very easily. Wooden decking tends to swell and contract when it gets wet but this is not the case with composite decking at all. You can install composite decking in your garden or around your caravan and expect it to be mould-free for many years. If you are concerned about your decking simply give it a wash once a month to remove any debris.
Composite Decking Warps
Warping will only occur if the decking has been incorrectly or badly installed. This is why it’s essential that you always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. If another person is installing composite decking for you please make sure that they are qualified to install it.
Composite Decking is Hard to Maintain
Composite decking is very easy to maintain, in fact, it’s easier to maintain than wood decking. While anything that is left outside over a long period of time will become dirty, composite decking simply needs a wipe from time to time. This is because this type of decking has been specifically made to need little maintenance. It, therefore, does not need to be treated with any varnish over the years or washed with any chemicals.
Composite decking does not come with any nails or screws which means they will not work their way loose. In other words, you can install your composite decking, give it a wash every 3 to 4 months and it should require no more treatment.
Composite Decking gets Hot
The surface temperature of composite decking will rise during the summer months. Darker coloured decking is likely to get hotter than lighter decking. This is because lighter colours reflect the heat whereas darker colours absorb it. The decking you install is unlikely to get too hot to walk on in barefoot, but you may want to wear something on your feet just in case. All types of decking no matter what they are made from will get hot when the sun is shining down on it.
Composite Decking Retains Water
While composite decking retained water when it first hit the market this is no longer the case. In fact, modern composite decking retains considerably less water than wooden decking. This is due to the fact that the blend of recycled wood and plastic has been made to avoid moisture being absorbed. In order to ensure your decking does not retain any water at all, you may want to consider capping it off.
While some people do experience issues with their composite decking, most of the issues are caused by bad installation.
In recent years, the quality of composite decking has improved dramatically, which is why more and more people are now happy to install it in their garden. Think about where you would like to install your decking, what colour you would like and how much decking you need. Then, enjoy using your new decking for many years, adding a special touch to your garden or even your caravan.
