NEWS

KINGWOOD Composite Decking

Composite means to be made up of several parts or elements. In the context of decking, this usually means a deck that is made of a mixture of wood and plastic. It is a man-made product with varying wood and plastic content depending on the brand.

Composite Decking Advantages

  • Durability: Unlike traditional wood, which can rot, warp, or splinter over time, composite material is designed to withstand these elements. It’s resistant to moisture, pests, and UV rays, ensuring that your deck remains in excellent condition for years to come.
  • Low Maintenance: Composite decking eliminates the need for regular staining, sealing, or sanding to preserve its appearance, unlike traditional wood. The materials are resistant to rot, fading, and splintering, making them ideal for outdoor spaces that need little upkeep. This means more time enjoying your outdoor area and less time spent on maintenance tasks.
  • Environmental Friendliness: Made from bamboo, recycled wood fibres, and plastic, composite materials help reduce waste, conserve forests, and avoid harmful chemicals. This makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood. Composite material avoids the use of harmful chemicals for treatment which reduces its environmental footprint.
  • Safety: Safety is key when renovating outdoor areas, especially if you have children or pets. One problem with wooden decks is that they can become quite the slip hazard in winter without the right care. This is much less of a problem with composite decks — yourself and your family will be better placed to stay upright all year round. Our composite decking features grooves for better traction and is splinter-free, reducing the risk of slips and injuries even in wet conditions.
  • Consistent Quality: Natural wood can vary in quality, with some boards containing knots, splits, and other imperfections which can affect the overall appearance and performance of your project. Composite decking, however, is manufactured to strict quality standards, ensuring consistency in colour, texture, and performance.

Composite Decking Disadvantages

  • Higher Initial Cost: While composite materials may have a higher initial cost, their durability and low maintenance save money on repairs and replacements over time. The durability and low maintenance requirements of composite materials mean that you will save money on repairs, replacements, and maintenance over the lifespan of your outdoor area.
  • Limited natural appearance: The whole idea of composite decking is to mimic wood’s gorgeous natural beauty, without actually being 100% wood. If having the real deal matters to you, then it’s a clear drawback to composite. You’ll sacrifice the authenticity of wood’s natural features; some find composite decking to be ‘too perfect’; every board looks and feels similar — that said, this might actually be a benefit depending on what you’re looking for!

 

Natural Wood

Natural Wood Advantages

  • Natural beauty: The biggy. However durable and simple to maintain composite decking is, it is only attempting to imitate real wood. Those golden-brown hues, characterful grain patterns, gorgeous textures and knots and swirls are as authentic as it gets. Whilst composite options can look fantastic, it’s hard to argue that wood doesn’t have the edge when it comes to natural good looks and warmth. With wood, there’s no mimicry.
  • Profile choice: Just as there’s more species to choose from, with wood decking, there are a greater number of profiles available. Fluted, smooth, flat & fluted and castellated are four very different profiles, each offering their own unique character and feel — you could even ask your timber machinist to mix things up for a bespoke pattern. Great to make a statement.

Natural Wood Disadvantages

  • Durability: Wood is a living, breathing material and is at risk from external threats like wood-decaying fungus, moisture and UV light. Whilst this is part of its glory, it does mean that timber has the potential to mould and rot. To avoid this, be sure to invest in a quality, sturdy hardwood (or thermally-modified softwood) and keep on top of maintenance.
  • Maintenance: If even a little TLC is off the menu, then you might find wood isn’t worth your while. When you buy a deck, you take on a few responsibilities, including cleaning and re-treating — not a commitment not everyone feels comfortable with.
  • Warranty Protection: Many composite material manufacturers offer extensive warranties on their products, providing you with peace of mind and protection for your investment. These warranties often cover issues such as fading, staining, and structural integrity, ensuring long-term protection. In contrast, traditional wood lacks such coverage, leaving owners responsible for repairs.
  • Slippery when wet: In autumn and winter, rain and the mulch of leaves, dirt and debris can leave you at risk of falling flat on your back. This buildup creates a slippery surface that requires frequent cleaning and treatments to maintain traction, adding to the overall upkeep of natural wood decking.

Final Thoughts

So, composite or wood decking?

Ultimately, it depends what you’re after from your deck. If you’re seeking something ultra-low maintenance, child-safe and rot resistant but don’t mind compromising on wood’s natural features, composite is right up your alley. If you’re a timber purist, value its gorgeous authenticity and can commit to some occasional upkeep, then choose a wood deck.

In conclusion, composite materials surpass natural wood in durability, low maintenance, eco-friendliness and safety. With easy installation, consistent quality, and strong warranties, they offer long-term value. If you’re planning an outdoor renovation, composite is a smart investment for a beautiful, resilient, and sustainable space.

With its many advantages, composite decking is positioned to become the future standard for outdoor living spaces. By joining the composite material revolution, you are not only enhancing the value and enjoyment of your business or home but also making an environmentally responsible decision.

Embrace the benefits of composite materials and transform your outdoor area into a stunning and durable retreat.