Composite decking boards Automatic translate

Investing in a wooden deck is not just a fashion choice. Wood as a natural material is perfect for a terrace. However, it requires preliminary protection from destructive factors. Composite decking is a very good alternative to wooden decks.

1. Composite decking boards – what are they?

What are the characteristics of composite decking boards? First of all, the combination of natural wood with polymer technology. Therefore, you are dealing with products that combine the advantages of wood and polymers.

Main advantages

• Thanks to the wood fiber matrix, aesthetics and warmth are preserved.
• On the other hand, composite decking boards, thanks to polymers, are resistant to biological and chemical corrosion.

Most often, composite decking boards are produced using extruders.

2. Types of composite decking boards

Using PVC

The main factor that differentiates wood composites is the type of polymer used. PVC, that is, polyvinyl chloride, is very often used.

First of all, polyvinyl chloride provides the strength parameters of the slabs. In addition, it has a positive effect on maintaining high flammability and resistance to high temperatures. It should also be remembered that the resulting composite decking boards are recyclable.

Thus, polyvinyl chloride forms the properties that make composite decking boards outweigh the strength or stability properties of traditional wood. Therefore, they are finding more and more customers and are becoming a popular solution for terraces.

Using PP and HDPE

However, composite decking boards are not always a combination of wood and PVC resin. Polypropylene or polyethylene is also often used.

The production of composite boards of this type is much simpler than the production of boards, one of the main components of which is polyvinyl chloride. This directly affects their price. It’s relatively lower.

Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene composites contain more natural wood. Like the price, the strength and resistance ratings are relatively lower than those of PVC composite boards. Composite boards that combine polypropylene or polyethylene with natural wood are susceptible to abrasion and scratches.

Composite beams

We should not forget that when choosing composite decking boards, additional elements may be needed. An example would be composite beams.

Beams are used to create a structure underneath the deck on which composite boards are laid. The number of beams you use depends on whether you use what are called clamps to connect the composite boards. The clamps are easy to use because there is no need to drill. However, if you do not use this type of clamp, you will definitely have to increase the number of beams.

Depending on the prevailing conditions, manufacturers offer low or reinforced beams. The second solution is relatively higher, but allows you to install the system on a network.

3. Alternative uses

It would seem that composite boards are used only on terraces. However, this is not their only possible use.

Therefore, composite boards are not only an alternative to terraces. They are also very often used on porches. They have also become a popular solution for decking, external walkways or the edges of pools and ponds.

Where did this come from? First of all, the features of composite boards, due to which they have an advantage over traditional wooden boards. Composite boards are most often corrugated and non-slip. In addition, moisture does not pose a threat to them. That is why they arouse such interest and are a readily purchased building material.

4. Service

In addition to non-flammability, resistance to low temperatures, no need for painting and impregnation, maintenance itself is also an important factor in favor of composite boards.

Composite decking boards are safe and easy to use directly. Taking into account the use, we are talking not only about the process of their wear, but also about the maintenance itself. In the case of composite boards, this is neither burdensome nor difficult. To keep composite boards clean, dirt must be removed using high pressure water and traditional cleaners. In case of greasy stains, degreasers are used. It should be remembered that solvents should not be used on the surface of the composite decking, as they will certainly not benefit the composite decking.

In addition, manufacturers of composite decking boards do not recommend the use of cleaning machines. As you can see, maintenance is simple and does not require special skills. However, how long a deck made from composite boards will look great depends largely on care.

Composite solutions are durable, and their manufacturers confirm this with a warranty period. Composite decking boards have proven themselves to be systems that are not only beautifully presented, but above all, functional. This is a convenient innovation for your terraces, but also for you, because you save not only time, but also money that you would have to spend, for example, on impregnating natural wood.

Composite boards are usually sold individually, length from one and a half to 6 meters, width 15 or 25 cm. The price of one board (for example, 240x15cm) usually ranges from 1500 to 3000 rubles.