Introduced as a viable alternative to timber, composite decking helps reduce or even eliminate the typical maintenance issues associated with traditional wooden decking. Staining and cleaning is part and parcel of owning a timber deck, and timber purists see this as a labour of love. Composite decks like Trex, in contrast only need a basic clean with soap and hot water on a semi-annual basis – a quality that even stone can’t compete with.
Trex composite decking has been specially engineered to perform better in the rain and the sun’s UV rays and are designed to be fade, stain, scratch and mould resistant. The component parts are bonded together under high pressure to create an incredibly durable solid inner core which does not crack or break like hollow profiles. The outer shell provides protection on three sides with a breathable layer to the base offering superior weather protection while still allowing your deck to breathe, adding to its durability. Trex backs this up by providing a limited 25-year guarantee to residential customers and a limited 10-year guarantee to commercial customers.
Manufactured from a mixture of recycled plastics and wood fibres, composite decking also offers a more sustainable solution than traditional timber. For example, Trex composite deck boards comprise up to 95% recycled materials including 1.5 billion plastic carrier bags a year, which dramatically reduces the amount of plastics ending up in landfill sites. The only virgin material is the outer shell, a proprietary custom blend of nine elements, which delivers a natural low sheen, a deeper grain finish and provides wear resistance for high traffic areas.
Composite decking is particularly well suited for use in the commercial sector where ongoing maintenance can be costly and poorly maintained decking can create a potential hazard for end users. Composite decks come in a variety of colours and require no staining throughout their lifespan and still retain their colour for years.
Many composite decking products can be fitted with fixings that allow for a screwless finish and faster installation. However, like all the other benefits of composite decking, this comes at a premium – composite decking products tend to be more expensive than their timber equivalents but it certainly provides value for money in the long run.
Come and visit us on stand G724 at the Ideal Home Show 2017, London Olympia from 24th March – 9th April.
