Composite decking, from brands such as Trex and TimberTech, is made from a blend of recycled plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC) mixed with wood fibers (like wood chips or sawdust). Not only does the durable synthetic material resist warping, it also holds strong against rot and insect infestations.
What decking material lasts the longest?
Aluminum and Steel
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What is the best material to use for decks?
Best Deck Material Options for 2022
- #1 Pressure-Treated Wood. Among the various types of wood decking, pressure-treated lumber is the most common.
- #2 Cedar Decking. Cedar is commonly regarded as a higher-quality material than pressure-treated lumber.
- #4 Composite Decking.
- #5 Hardwoods.
What is the longest lasting wood decking?
Ipe, the proven longest-lasting decking, 75 years or more
This is its strength; unlike cedar, which varies in level of resin, Ipe is just plain hard, dense. So hard and dense that it repels water and insects.
How long do composite decks last?
between 25 and 30 years
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking
- A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood.
- Composites aren’t natural.
- Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free.
- You’ll need to comparison shop.
What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?
10 to 15 years
THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you’ve chosen and how well you keep up with wood’s rigorous maintenance schedule.
What is the best quality decking?
Here’s a look at the best decking materials worth considering.
- 1) Composite Decking.
- 2) Natural Softwood Timber Decking.
- 3) Hardwood.
- 4) Thermowood.
- 5) PVC Decking.
- 6) Aluminium.
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Decking Material.
What does Trex decking cost?
Trex decking costs range from $5 to $12 per square foot, compared to $3 to $7 or more per square foot for commonly used wood planks. Pressure treated wood might cost another $1 to $3 per square foot. You’ll also average $400 per year on maintenance on most wood decks between cleaning, painting and staining.
Is black locust good for decking?
Black Locust grows faster than any other known hardwood tree and is known to significantly reduce the demand on tropical rainforests. Sassafras and Black Walnut are also wonderful options for decking and flooring from fast-growing, renewable trees.
How long does cedar decking last?
15-20 years
It’s a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn’t warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
Which is better vinyl or composite decking?
When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards. Plus, while any material left in the sun will show fading, vinyl is also better protected against color fading than composite.
Is composite decking worth the money?
There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.
Is Trex decking better than wood?
The Hassle-Free Alternative To Wood Decking
A Trex® composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it. No sanding, staining, or painting here—a little soap and water or a quick power washing is all the maintenance Trex requires. Wood decks take constant care. Trex composite decking is more durable and longer lasting.
What’s the life expectancy of Trex decking?
25 to 30 years
Trex and TimberTech Composite Decking Warranties
Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years — and they have warranties to match.
Does composite decking sag?
Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.
Does composite decking deteriorate?
Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, making it last for 25 to 30 years or longer.
Does Trex decking get moldy?
Composite decking materials are made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. Several manufacturers have been involved in class-action lawsuits, largely because consumers claim the wood lookalike harbors mold. Trex, a popular manufacturer of composite decking, says mold will not damage the deck boards.
Why are my deck boards rotting?
Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle.
Is it OK to power wash Trex decking?
Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.
How do I keep my decking from rotting?
15 ways to prevent deck joist rot
- Ventilation Dries Deck Joist Extending their Life.
- Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer.
- Allow Water to Escape Helps Preserve Deck Joist.
- Overhang your decking, direct water away from the joist.
- Slope Joist.
- Flash the ledger and beam.
- Remove Protruding Post Railing.
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