Are you looking for a way to extend your living space? Do you want a place to enjoy outdoor cooking? Entertain guests? Kick back and relax?
A deck is the perfect solution. Decks serve as a wonderful setting to gather together friends and family for fun, food, and relaxation. Imagine everyone gathered around enjoying the cool night air, their bellies full of your best barbecue. The kids are running around playing flashlight tag when you hear a sudden yelp followed by the unmistakable sound of crying.
Your perfect evening has turned into a game of Operation, fishing for splinters in the bottom of little feet.
While we love natural cedar and redwood decks, they do require maintenance to keep splinters at bay. If you have kids running around barefoot outside, there is another decking option you may want to consider. It’s great for furry friends as well.
Have you heard of composite decking? It’s one of the most popular decking materials on the market today, and for good reason.
Let’s explore why composite decking is a wonderful alternative to your traditional decking lumber wood, particularly for families with young children.
What exactly is composite decking?
Composite decking is made up of a mixture of materials, such as wood fibers, wood pulp, plastic fillers, and recycled plastic. Composite decking is not the same as plastic decking, commonly referred to as PVC decking. While plastic decking entirely consists of synthetic materials, composite decking is a distinct blend of artificial and natural materials that gives this decking material a unique appeal.
How easy is composite decking to clean?
Cleaning your composite decking is simple. To remove dirt or debris, a quick application of soap and water will do the trick. As parents of kids are well aware, any surface where food is served is susceptible to turning into a big mess. How does composite decking hold up against grimy food spills or sticky ice cream residue from that backyard birthday party? Amazingly well. It’s nothing a quick rinse with your garden hose can’t clean up. No special cleaning products are needed to clean composite decking.
Does composite decking require a lot of upkeep?
Compared to a wood deck, composite decking materials are near maintenance-free. Wood decks need to be sanded down, then stained or painted to maintain the integrity of the natural wood surface. Otherwise, the wood will begin to split, warp, crack, and break. No staining or painting is required to upkeep a composite deck. This means no waiting for stain or paint to dry where your deck would be off limits to your family, children, and friends for an extended period of time.
Can composite decking withstand inclement weather?
Composite decking can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. It is extremely durable and designed to keep up with the wear and tear of heat, cold, rain, or snow. Natural lumber is prone to rot and deteriorate, particularly when not maintained with a protective coating of stain and paint. The last thing any family gathering wants is hurt children with wood splinters in their feet from cracked wood. Composite decking is a strong material choice that will not warp or twist, providing years of a safe, smooth surface.
Is composite decking easy to install?
Composite decking is known for its easy installation. Most composite decking is entirely made of composite materials, helping all the parts to fit together nicely. Even the railing systems of composite decks are user-friendly to install.
Railing systems are an important safety component of any deck system. Little ones and pets need that barrier to remain safe and protected while enjoying your deck. In fact, a railing system is required by the International Residential Code if a deck is elevated off the ground above 30 inches, a rule adopted by most all cities across the United States.
Composite decking often has hidden hardware and fasteners to hold the boards in place, making the walking surface barefoot friendly. No need to worry about popped nails or screws tripping or hurting little feet.
Can a garden, outdoor kitchen, or jacuzzi go on my composite decking?
Yes, to all of the above. Composite decks are extremely customizable. If you want to install an outdoor kitchen as part of your deck design, a composite deck is perfect for the job. If you want a jacuzzi or just decide to set up a kiddie pool from time to time, the water resistant coating of a composite deck is a great protectant. The beauty of a composite deck is its versatility to accommodate all the customized elements that homeowners want as part of their deck. In addition, you can make a composite deck a unique shape. If you would like a circular or curved look to your deck, composite materials adjust to most any design you can dream up.
Is composite decking right for my family?
Composite decking is worth the investment. While the upfront cost is typically more than a wood deck, you will not regret the long term benefits of composite materials. Composite materials can hold up against foot traffic, wear and tear, inclement weather, and the endless pitter patter of little feet. It is one of the most family-friendly decking systems you can install. With little to no upkeep requirements, you can count on spending more time enjoying your deck compared to maintaining it.
Composite decking comes in a variety of colors, styles, and brands. Contact a Denver area composite decking specialists to explore the options available to you.
