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Over the last decade, many homeowners use composite decking to transform the outside living space. The decks are made of zero maintenance recycled wood fibers and plastics.

The composite material can be used to make a deck, pathway with a railing or even a gate. It makes your living space stand out and more beautiful. Before considering on using composite decks for your living space, check the pros and cons of the decking material.

Pros:

1. Low maintenance: Composite decking doesn’t need any staining and only need water and soap for occasional cleaning.

2. Environmentally friendly: Composite decking use a mixture of plastic and wood fiber making them environmentally friendly.

3. Long lasting: Composite desks lasts longer and withstand severe weather conditions compared to the wood decks. The material used cannot crack or even fade after a long exposure.

4. Water-resistant: The composite deck board used is water-resistant and doesn’t absorb moisture thus making the material rot resistant.

5. Variety of colors: Composite decking material comes in a variety of colors inspired by nature giving your sitting space the real wow factor. The color lasts longer than paint or the traditional wood stain.

6. Relaxation space: They provide you with a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a good warmth. It gives you a cooler place to experience summer, winter and even winter at the comfort of your home.

7. Texture: The decking board comes in a variety of textures ranging from smooth to rough or highly textured material to meet your needs.

8. Functionality: Due to its durability, composite decks offer a picket railing and also create landing designs. Manufacturers of composite decks also offer tempered glass system

9. Safety: The combination of wood-plastic composite deck material is slip resistant and also a splinter-proof.

10. Stain resistant: Composite deck board material do not need any staining or refinishing. The material used is recycled to save on cutting trees.

Cons:

1. Treated lumber: You need treated lumber frame to build a stable deck board and railing. Stainless steel fasteners are also required to create a framework of composite deck boards.

2. Weight: Composite material is much heavier compared to the same size as the wood material.

3. Little return on investment, ROI: Composite desks are very expensive and installing decks at your house may not reflect on the added investment spend. Although installing the deck may add to the value of the property, the material and design used leads to little ROI.

4. Cost: With the newest technology, composite decks cost 50% more than the pressure-treated decks or redwood material and this depends on the lumber grade.

5. Special fastening tool: There is a special fastener material is requires to fix the deck above an area. The fasteners add to the cost of installation.

6. Surface damage: You can notice few scratches or deed gouges at the composite deck product. It is also very difficult to repair if an individual deck board has a problem.

7. Temperature changes: With changes in temperature, the board material can contract or expand making it bend or sag compared to the wood material.

8. Slippery: Some composite deck brands may be very slippery which can easily cause an accident to someone walking on them.

9. Artificial: Composite boards are not natural since they are made of a mixture of wood fibers and plastics. This makes them artificial material.

10. Extra support: The deck boards need an extra support during installation. More often, a pressure treated wood is used to provide support which is very costly.