Plastic Decking Vs Wooden Decking

Originally, composite decks blended polymers and real wood to save homeowners from the hassle of regularly refinishing and replacing rot-prone boards. Less than a decade ago, manufacturers began dropping the wood fibers to create fully plastic decking.

Most plastic decking consists of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and additives. These materials are familiar, as they are often used in milk jugs and plastic bags.

Cost

Many wood decks require frequent repairs for rotting, splintering and general wear. These repairs are often costly and may require specialized cleaning equipment or professional help. Wood also requires annual staining and resealing.

Full plastic decks eliminate the need for wood, and they don’t suffer from rot or insect infestation. However, they don’t flex as easily as wood, and their color fades over time.

Composite decking combines wood fibers with plastic in an extrusion process, creating a stronger and more resistant board. It’s available in a range of colors and can resemble tropical wood.

Some manufacturers offer capped composite, which adds an extra layer of protection to the boards. This hard shell protects the boards from stains, and it contains UV inhibitors that prevent fading. It’s available in a wide variety of styles and price points. Manufacturers use a variety of profiles to make the boards lighter and easier to install. The profile you choose can impact how your deck will look, and it will affect whether the fasteners are visible or not.

Durability

Durability is a big issue in any decking decision. You want your deck to look good and last a long time, but you also want it to be safe for your family and friends to walk on, not be damaged by falling embers or sparks from the grill.

Most plastic and composite products are durable, but their durability is determined by the materials used. The cores of composites are often made from a mix of recycled and new material, such as polymers, wood fibers, high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Capped composite boards feature synthetic cores that are wrapped in a tough, weather-resistant polymer coating. This improves water resistance by preventing moisture from penetrating into the core, which protects it from mold, rot and other damage.

Some manufacturers use a process called co-extrusion to blend reclaimed hardwood fiber with rugged, UV-stabilized polypropylene plastic. The result is a strong, durable product that resists rot, won’t warp or splinter and is much easier to clean than natural wood decking.

Maintenance

Although composite and full plastic decks are much less maintenance-demanding than wood ones, they are still prone to weathering and attack from bacteria, fungus and mildew. This is why it is still important to clean your deck regularly.

The best way to minimize dirt accumulation is by regular sweeping and hosing. You can also scrub away organic build-up with soap and water, or a pressure washer. Make sure to use a cleaner that is safe for your product. For example, you should avoid products containing bleach, which can discolor your plastic.

Another option is to replace a few boards or tiles that may have rotted after years of exposure to sunlight. In addition, you should remove rugs from your deck because they promote the growth of mould and mildew. This can be very difficult to get rid of and can weaken the surface. To prevent this, use a deck wash that contains UV inhibitors to keep your plastic looking good.

Appearance

When the less demanding plastic-composite decking material first appeared in the 1990s, many homeowners adopted it despite its higher price and limited color selection (gray). Since then, manufacturers have made significant strides toward producing composites that look more realistic.

A number of different kinds of plastics are used in these decks. The most common is high-density polyethylene or PVC, which you may be familiar with from milk jugs and shampoo bottles. It is often mixed with wood fiber, rice hulls, and other fillers.

Other types of plastic are being developed, including microcellular plastic. It looks more like wood and is softer, which makes it easier to work with. However, it can still be prone to expansion and contraction with seasonal changes, making it difficult to install correctly.

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