Find Local Composite Decking in Melbourne

What Is the Usefulness of Composite Decking

Do you want a deck that is long-lasting and requires little upkeep? Then composite decking is an excellent option to consider. With professional composite decking installation, you can transform your backyard into a paradise with this perfect low-maintenance solution. As a significant investment for an outdoor space, composite decking blends strength, usability, and style, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Durability

The most visible advantage of composite decking is its durability and low maintenance. It's built to last, being recycled plastic and wood fibres, so keeping an eye on heavy foot traffic, pets, and furniture around it can be prudent. Unlike wood, composite decking does not break because of weathering elements. It will not absorb water or expand when rained on and will not splinter or fade in the sun or snow. Composite decking will provide a durable material that does not degrade for several years.

Minimal Maintenance

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. Although sanding, staining, and sealing a wooden deck are standard yearly tasks, composite decks typically only require washing with soap and water. This material does not swell nor contract significantly, so it will not rot, crack, or dry out as readily as traditional wood. It is, therefore, perfect for humid rooms or those close to a swimming pool, as it saves some energy that could have been spent cleaning.

Splinter-Free and Safe

One of the key benefits of composite decking is its safety. Over years, wooden decks can crack and develop splinted surfaces, dangerous for bare feet, children, and pets. Composite decking doesn't have this rough surface issue typical of aged traditional wood, which can cause injury. Instead, it is smooth and safe to walk on for everyone. This makes it ideal for families who wish to have a stress-free environment whenever they are outside.

Resistant to Insect Damage

It is also important to note that decks made of wood are bound to be attacked by insects such as termites. Conversely, composite decking is highly resistant to pest attacks. It is constructed from synthetic and wood-plastic composite materials, so termites and wood-boring ants are not attracted to it and thus cannot cause havoc to the structural framework as they might with untreated wood. This protection ensures your deck remains stronger and safer for years, even without regular insect treatment.

Budget-Friendly

Although composite decking can have a higher initial cost than some types of wood, its long-term value can make it budget-friendly. Recent supply issues have, at times, raised the cost of conventional lumber, making composite decks comparatively more attractive in certain market conditions. While the initial cost may be slightly higher than traditional wood, the lack of required annual maintenance like staining or sealing, and minimal repairs, make this option a worthy investment over its lifespan.

Aesthetic Appeal

Composite decking has come a long way in aesthetics, with considerable innovation in this area. It now often features realistic wood grain patterns and can look like a natural wooden finish without the associated upkeep. Numerous colour options and customisation possibilities allow people to choose a design that satisfies their preferences, from more traditional shades of wood to ultra-modern smooth and shiny appearances. High-quality composite decks are designed to resist fading, meaning the deck will retain its beauty and colour integrity for an extended period.

Composite decking works amazingly with any house, making it worthwhile due to durability, less maintenance, safety, and aesthetic appeal. This option has all-around benefits: it is long-term and yields a beautiful patio that does not need further alteration.

Does composite decking scratch, warp, fade and get hot?

While considering it, most homeowners may ask themselves questions concerning composite decking's scratch-resistant feature and its susceptibility to warping, fading, and heat.

• Scratching: Scratches are not easily seen on many types of composite decks since they are designed to be highly resistant to scratching from everyday use. Nevertheless, some pale scratches might become noticeable if you drag heavy furniture with unprotected feet or items with sharp edges across the surface. Protective pads should be placed under furniture legs to avoid scratches, and heavy items should also be placed carefully.


• Warping: Composite decking is generally less prone to the same amount of warping as traditional wooden decking. The blend of plastic and wood fibres produces more stable composite boards in different weather conditions compared to solid wood, which can bend or change size due to moisture absorption. Composite materials are engineered to remain rigid and resist deformation from moisture or typical temperature changes.


• Fading: Fading is less of an issue with quality composite decking compared to natural wood, which can fade significantly and unevenly. It may experience some slight lightening over time when exposed to direct sun; however, modern composite materials are manufactured to be highly resistant to colour loss. Many of the latest composite boards are processed with UV inhibitors to ensure the boards resist fading and maintain their attractive colour.


• Heat: One often-asked question is whether composite decking gets too hot in the sun. Like any outdoor surface, composite decks can warm up on hot, sunny days. However, lighter colours will generally reflect more heat and tend to be cooler underfoot than darker shades. Some manufacturers also offer lines designed for better heat dissipation.

Composite decking has a lot of excellent benefits that suit any home to beautify those outdoor spaces. It's solid and extremely low in maintenance, safe for families, and does not attract pests or weather conditions as readily as wood; its initial cost might be higher than some wood options, but with long-term value and limited upkeep, its cost-effectiveness can be significant.

Considering the many benefits discussed, composite decking is an excellent choice for upgrading outdoor living spaces. If you're planning such an improvement, finding the right professionals is crucial. Homeowners often start by searching for a general 'composite decking service near me'. To narrow down the options effectively, looking specifically for a 'local composite decking service near me' can help identify nearby experts. For peace of mind and guaranteed quality, it's highly recommended to select a 'licensed composite decking service near me' to handle your composite decking installation.