More than ever, homeowners are searching for ways to improve the functionality and design of their properties. One of the most popular areas to renovate is outdoor spaces. A deck can take the enjoyment and property value of your home to the next level. Other than being a great space to relax outdoors, decks can also improve the flow and overall design of your home. For those living in unpredictable climates such as Colorado, it’s important to have deck materials built to hold up in even the harshest of weather. An extremely popular option to combat the elements are composite decking materials. Unlike real, natural wood, composite materials are manufactured to blend into their surrounding and remain durable for decades. Many of the benefits to composite reside in its effortless maintenance and its sustainable composition. Not to mention, it looks fantastic in virtually any outdoor space.
Benefits of Composite Materials
As mentioned, there are an abundance of advantages to composite decking. If you’re someone who loves the look of natural wood but hates the upkeep, manufactured decking materials may be for you. Unlike real wood, composite requires no sanding or staining. This will save you loads of time and money throughout the years. Additional to the yearly maintenance that the surface of real wood requires, composite materials are also incredibly simple to clean and care for. A quick wash with a hose or washcloth will do the trick just fine. Be sure to check occasionally for any signs of damage, but other than that, your materials are good to go for years.
If the idea of plastic decking doesn’t sit quite right with you, there are actually many composite materials that are manufactured with natural materials such as bamboo and recycled compounds. This helps aid in the fight against deforestation and ensures that your structures are environmentally friendly. Because composite materials are manufactured to fit the needs of homeowners, many of them are almost identical to natural wood. If you’re in search of a deck that looks natural but is easier to maintain, composite is certainly the right choice for you. Composite decks are also reasonably protected against inclement weather and won’t rot, crack, or split when in contact with harsh climates. And lastly, composite materials will often come with a warranty for 20 or more years. You can have some peace of mind knowing your deck will stay looking and performing like new for years.
Drawbacks of Composite Decking
Like with most materials, composite materials have their disadvantages. One of the biggest drawbacks to these decking materials is that they will fade in color over time. As with traditional and pressure treated wood, composite will likely change color through the years as it encounters sunlight and other environmental factors. Another con to composite decking is that it does not fight against mold or mildew, which is especially a problem if your deck is not fully capped. Any deck surface can generate mold over time if not properly cared for, so it’s important you take precautions when cleaning and maintaining the surface of your deck.
One of the main deterrents of composite is that it generally costs more than natural wood. This may be true in many scenarios, but as time goes on, you will actually save money with these decking materials. Because of the cheap and effortless maintenance, these materials are built to last on their own for a long time. Rather than purchasing cheaper materials and spending money every year on upkeep and staining, composite requires more money upfront and very little thereafter. Another issue for some looking to renovate their outdoor spaces is that composite often contains plastic. If this is a problem for you and your lifestyle, we encourage you to do some research on composite decking companies and find a material made with natural resources and recycled elements that fits your needs. There are a multitude of companies who only use sustainable resources in their products. Many of these brands create products that are nearly identical to natural wood, and others will create products with a more artificial and creative take on decking. There are a plethora of options to choose from, and the right composite material is most definitely out there for you!
If you’re interested in composite decking materials at Rocky Mountain Forest Products, take a glance at our composite decking web page and browse the companies that we supply materials from. We’ve been around since 1974 and can recognize a quality product and company when we see it. That’s why we’re thrilled to provide our customers with some of the best composite decking options on the market. Give us a call with any questions or to get started on your composite deck today!
