matthewthorsen Composite Decking is an alternative to wood that offers a low-maintenance, durable, environmentally friendly and cost effective way to build or update your outdoor space. With a variety of colors, styles and designs to choose from, composite decking provides homeowners with a great option for their homes. Find out
Does composite decking expand when hot?
Composite decking is a combination of plastic and wood. The plastic may be made from polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It’s mixed with wood fiber, rice hulls or other fillers, and then molded into dimensional lumber shapes using a co-extrusion process.
The material is then capped by a texturized coating for enhanced protection and added beauty. The process of encasing the boards in the protective layer adds strength to the composite, resulting in a long-lasting product that holds up well under extreme conditions.
Unlike natural wood, composite boards never need to be restained, painted or sealed. Besides eliminating the time, money and effort required to keep a deck looking its best, composite boards are also much more resistant to warping, splintering and cracking.
Hidden Fasteners:
While wood decking is easy to install using nails or screws, composite decking manufacturers have created special fasteners that “disappear” to deliver a cleaner finished look. These hidden fasteners are easy to install and require no special tools. They are often color-matched to the board and can be repositioned without damaging the material.