The kind of decking you will employ will be among the most crucial decisions you have to make about an outdoor living space. This is true regardless of your level of expertise—professional, do-it-yourselfer, or homeowner. Although treated wood is often used for the construction of decks, the surface is the component most likely to be under considerable wear and strain.
We are going to take a comprehensive look at the differences and similarities between conventional wood decking and composite decking since durability is such an important factor.
The Lifespan of Composite Decking Compared to Wood
Decking made of traditional pressure-treated wood just does not have the same longevity as composite decking. In general, the lifespan of wood decking may range anywhere from ten to twenty years; however, in order to reach that longevity, you will need to adhere to a maintenance regimen. On the other hand, composite decking generally has a lifespan of around 25 years or more and requires just a fraction of the normal maintenance that wood decking does.
When compared to composite decking, traditional wood decking requires less maintenance
About maintenance, the regular maintenance of conventional wood decking may be very costly and directly affects the lifetime of the boards if it is neglected. To stop the wood decking from degrading, sanding and adding sealer to it on a couple of years’ intervals is essential. All you have to do with composite decking is give the deck once-year power cleaning. Using composite decking can not only increase the lifespan of your outdoor living space but also save you money and effort throughout that period.
Decking Sturdiness in Connection to Wetness
Water may contribute significantly to a deck’s degradation throughout the course of its lifespan. One of the main reasons for this phenomena is that wood deck boards expand when enough moisture is added to them. As soon as the expansion starts, the wooden deck boards will start to crack, which will harm the deck’s structural integrity.
It is recommended that sealant be sprayed once or twice a year since moisture and water pose such a danger to the durability of traditional hardwood decking. Wood decking is also prone to warping and decaying if sealant is not applied consistently.
Splintering’s Effect on Deck Durability
The material will eventually begin to splinter when using typical wood decking. Additionally, there is a chance that moisture may seep into the material if there is a splinter or fracture. Splinters may also develop to the point where certain boards need to be torn out and replaced, making it hazardous to walk barefoot on a deck.
Composite decking significantly reduces the chance of splinters since it encases wood fibers in polymer. Because of its long-lasting resilience and splinter-resistant nature, composite decking is a reliable choice. Using it for an outdoor living project will provide you the assurance that it will last over time.
Risk of Termite Damage to Composite and Wood Decking
Termite danger is another major issue with wood decking’s longevity. Once termites have entered the decking, regular painting and/or sealing may help slow them down, but the long-term damage is often rather serious. Professional exterminators are needed to eliminate termite colonies from the deck in order to prevent them from spreading to the house.
In addition to being more resilient than conventional wood, composite decking is termite-resistant. Termites will nearly always favor genuine wood, but there is a very slim risk that they will begin to consume composite decking. This is because composite decking lacks cellulose, which termites prefer as food, although conventional wood does.
Construct Durable Outdoor Living Areas with Superdeck Composite Decking
Choose Superdeck if you want composite decking that will look fantastic and be dependable in its longevity. The coziness and warmth of real hardwoods are provided by our products without the need of upkeep.
