Composite Decking explained
Plastic & Composite Decking the Pros and Cons
This article is based on our experience with the various Decking products that we have encountered. ( The article will be made up of two parts ). No brand names will be mentioned as this article is designed to be informative only.
Todays article will highlight Plastic Decking. Like any new product there are pros and cons to this particular type of decking however one thing is for sure and that is PVC, Composite and Plastic decking is becoming very popular.
With the subsequent increase in popularity of Composite Decking we have seen a vast array of manufacturers starting to produce various types of decking.
It reminds me very much of when laminate flooring first became popular, every man and his dog was selling it and it became a mine field when trying to source a product what was of a good quality and fit for purpose.
What Decking is available ?
There are a wide variety of plastic, PVC and composite decking products available but generally they come into four categories –
- Hollow Composite Decking.
- Solid Composite Decking.
- PVC Decking.
- Resin & Mineral Stone Decking.
Hollow Composite Decking
We first came across Hollow composite Decking in 2010 at the time it was considered state of the art as it was a low maintenance alternative to traditional Wooden decking. This product proved to be very popular.
The advantages of hollow composite
- Low maintenance.
- Splinter Free
- Low Slip
- 10 Year Guarantee
As you can see there were a number of unique selling points however there was one characteristic of this particular type of decking that caused a few issues –
Expansion & Contraction
The expansion on this particular type of hollow composite decking was vastly more than any other decking product that we had come across.
This made it very difficult to finish and also caused issues when installing Decking handrails. We always advised customers to ask for guidance from the manufacturers regarding expansion and contraction when purchasing this particular type of composite decking.
Price
Hollow composite decking is generally the most cost effective of the Low maintenance decking boards with prices ranging from £5.00 Per Linear Metre to £8.00 Per Linear Metre. ( Based on a 145mm Board ).
Solid Composite Decking
We first encountered Solid Composite Decking in 2014. To us this product made sense as it appeared to show less expansion and contraction and the designs were a lot more pleasing to the eye. The product that we introduced had been supplied to the American market for over 20 years and had therefore been tried and tested.
The product was manufactured using plastic and timber scrap that would have been heading for landfill, this particular brand of decking is produced using 95% recycled timber & Plastic.
Solid Composite Decking
- Wont fade or split
- Low maintenance
- Low Slip rating.
- Resists Staining & Scratching
- 95% Recycled material
The feedback on solid composite Decking has been really positive we supply a very good tried and tested solid composite board and have received no issues or negative feedback. It is however important to adhere to the manufacturers fitting instructions.
Price
Solid Composite decking is generally more expensive than hollow composite decking with prices ranging from £7.00 Per Linear Metre to £12.00 Per Linear Metre. ( Based on a 145mm Board ).
In the next article i will concentrate on PVC Decking & Resin Mineral stone Decking.
For further information on a wide range of composite decking products visit our extensive Composite Decking display area in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.