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If you're thinking of building a deck for your backyard, then may be considering composite decking. You may have heard that composite decking is resistant to rot, made without toxic chemicals and is environmentally friendly. Composite decks can, theoretically, be all of those things, but there are some drawbacks and some pitfalls that you must avoid in order to get a long-lasting, problem-free composite deck.
The Qualities of a Composite Deck
- Recycled Materials
You can find composite deck materials made from recycled content. CorrectDeck, for example, uses 80% reclaimed or recycled materials in their decks. But every manufacturer is going to make their composite deck differently.
This is probably composite wood’s greenest feature. So if you are making choices about your deck based on environment, then this quality should be high on your list of factors. You are literally saving trees by choosing composite decking made from recycled content.
Vinyl Alert
Some composite decking is made out of vinyl which has been linked to health problems. Outside-the-house vinyl is safer than inside vinyl, unless it catches fire. - Longevity
A normal wooden deck has a lifespan of 10-20 years. Composite decks will last longer.
That means your deck will last longer, and you'll save on future decks. - Rot Resistant
A composite deck will tend to resist rot better than a wood deck. But composite decks are in no way rot proof. If the company uses any cellulose in their composite deck, it is at risk for rot, unless the composite wood is treated with a preservative. The more cellulose in your composite wood, the more rot problems, you're going to have.
Composite decking that has been treated with zinc borate will be able to resist rot for over twenty years.
But:
Zinc borates are classified as dangerous to the environment and extremely dangerous to aquatic critters.
This creates a problem for the eco-friendly deck builder. On one hand, the deck will last as long as the cellulose remains treated with preservatives. If the deck rots, then it ends up in the landfill and the plastic bits will take eons to decompose.
From GardenStructure's scathing review of Composite Decking:
When buried in a landfill—composite decking may very well last forever. They say a plastic shopping bag will last 1000 years underground, I bet the composite decking will also do just as well. Long after you have tired of your stylish composite deck, it won't be recycled; it will go to the landfill with the plastic patio chairs and the rest of the plastic packaging.
Garden Structure also points out that you can't refinish composite decking. If your deck gets stained or something, you may be stuck with that stain.
What you should take away from this: If you choose composite decking, you have to choose it for the long haul and work with it when it gets scuffed or damaged.
Other Touted Qualities of Composite Decking
- Composite decking is low maintenance. So you'll save time, and possibly some cleaning materials/varnish, etc.
- Composite decking doesn’t cause splinters.
- It isn't supposed to warp.
- Also, it isn't supposed to fade that much.
- It has a more uniform look than wood.
- In some cases, it can be stronger than wood.
Conclusion
There are drawbacks and there are benefits to composite decking. Your job as a green consumer is to find a composite deck with more benefits than drawbacks. Hopefully, this article has armed you with enough knowledge to make educated composite deck choices.
More on Green Building:
Build a Fence with Biocomposite Wood
How to Choose a Heating and Cooling Contractor
Why Old Windows are Green Windows
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