4 Benefits of Using Composite Decking Materials (Hint: Never Sand Again!)

The snow is finally fading, but the effects of winter on your decks are not. The wood is warped, cracked, and gray. It’s time for the annual loathed tradition of sanding and re-staining it. Or maybe it’s time to cut the old wood deck from the team and bring in your new backyard living QB - composite lumber. Composite decking is the future of outdoor living, and here are the top 4 reasons why:

• Durability. Composite lumber won’t rot, warp, and splinter. It resists water, weather damage, insect damage, UV rays, scratching and rot. You never need to sand, stain, or seal it… EVER. Just wash it off with household cleaners and a scrub brush now and then. This reason alone is enough to make it worth the upgrade.

• Choices. As the industry grows, the choices are growing too. You can choose an array of colors. You can choose grain styles or no grain at all. It is available in solid lumber or hollowed out. Many of the brands also offer pre-grooved boards so you can build using hidden fastener systems, like InvisiDeck^®, that eliminate the need for on-deck screws. These systems provide uniform spacing and gap control, while also eliminating unsightly screw and nail heads on the surface. You’re left with a beautiful, smooth surface free from splinters and nail pops.

• Eco-friendly. Pressure-treated wood is created through a chemical injection process that causes environmental concern. Composite lumber is made from polyethylene (i.e. recycled milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and grocery store bags) combined with wood flour (i.e. pallet wood, discarded mill lumber, and window trim) in a virtually waste-free process. There is also no need to treat it with dangerous chemicals like varnishes.

• Cost. Pressure-treated wood has a low cost initially. But you can’t ignore the cost of upkeep when you have to power wash, stain, and seal it every other year. That’s a huge investment of time as well as money. Exotic hardwoods are more expensive, and tend to last longer, but require a great deal of preservation efforts to keep them from graying out. Composite lumber may cost slightly more initially, but the cost of upkeep over time is minimal. Some composite producers estimate the lifespan to be up to 20 years.

Outdoor living has become more than just a table in the backyard. Outdoor kitchens, expanded patios, and elaborate decking are becoming the standard. By using composite lumber in conjunction with the right fasteners, like InvisiDeck^® hidden deck fasteners, for your decking project, you’re guaranteed to create a living space that withstands the tests of nature and time.