How does composite decking differ from standard wooden decking?
Composite decking, sometimes referred to as synthetic decking, is generally made from wood fibres mixed with plastic plus a binding agent to hold the substances together. The addition of plastic to the wood fibre helps provide greater longevity especially within harsh outdoor environments often found in holiday parks and some gardens. Good quality composite decking has a grain effect which gives it an appearance very similar to natural wood but with the benefit of greater durability.
What makes Qualdeck composite decking different?
Qualdeck from the Treo Group is a premium quality composite decking with superb longevity and durability. Made using FSC wood flour and recycled plastic, Qualdeck is an environmentally friendly and sustainable product that creates the perfect finishing touch to holiday park lodges or home gardens. Available in a range of natural looking colours, an unrivalled likeness to timber helps to set Qualdeck apart from other composite decking brands. In addition, boards are available in single colour or dual-sided with a contrasting colour on the back allowing installers to create beautiful patterns or special features. We understand that composite decking must be set in place with adequate support underneath and room to breathe between the boards. This allows for contraction and expansion to give a perfect, long-lasting finish. To enhance the fitting process, a special clip system is used to provide a super clean installation.
What are the advantages of composite decking?
A high-quality composite decking such as Qualdeck has a number of advantages over standard timber decking:
- Longevity – Incorporating a plastic component, composite decking is generally much longer lasting than standard timber decking, particularly in harsh outdoor environments where wood is often subject to rot. Although a little more costly at the outset, a composite deck will need replacing much less often and will hold it’s value for longer should you need to sell your home or holiday lodge.
- Durability – Good quality composite decking is resilient to wear, tear and inclement weather as well as offering good resistance to stains or fading
- Low maintenance – A quick occasional wash to remove debris is all that is usually required to keep a composite deck looking fantastic taking away annual battles to maintain timber by repeating wood staining or removing algae
- Barefoot safe – Composite decking is much less likely to produce sharp splinters than traditional wood making it safer for adults and children to play and walk on a deck barefoot
- Slip resistant – Composite decking is less likely to become susceptible to harmful algae and the surface retains much more grip under foot when wet, meaning your deck should not become a potential slip hazard.
What type of decking should you choose for your next project?
Good quality composite decking has a higher price tag versus standard timber at the outset, but a little extra investment is worth it. Over the lifetime of a deck, it is often more cost effective to use composite boards than standard timber due to greater longevity and lower maintenance costs, not to mention the non-financial benefits such as improved appearance. Not all composite decking is made to the same standard, so we do recommend purchasing a high-quality reputable brand such as Qualdeck. Our decking in durable and long lasting, particularly if you are working in harsh outdoor environments. To discuss your next project and get a free no obligation site visit or quotation, please click here to contact us today!