What Are the Benefits of Choosing Composite Decking Over Wood or Plastic?

Trying to choose the right kind of decking for your garden? Wood, plastic and composite are all popular decking options, but which one is best?

While there are a number of similarities there are also a number of key differences. Today we’re going to take a closer look at composite decking in comparison to wood and plastic to show you why, in our opinion, it’s an overall better option.

Composite vs Plastic Decking

There’s a common misconception that composite and plastic decking are one and the same. In reality, they’re not quite the same. Plastic decking is made of 100% manmade materials while composite decking is made of a combination of plastic and wood fibres. You might be wondering – what real difference will that make? But it does make a difference! Here’s why…

Eco-friendly

Homeowners who are keen to make their garden an eco-friendly space tend to stay away from plastic decking. The way it’s manufactured and the way it’s disposed of are not very kind to the environment!

Composite decking, on the other hand, is often made using post-production plastics and wood fibres that would have otherwise ended up in landfill sites. In this case, composite decking boards made of repurposed materials are far more eco-friendly than their mass-produced plastic counterparts.

Better quality

When you put these two decking types head-to-head you will see how one performs much better than the other. Plastic decking is generally made using low-quality materials that are prone to breaking. After only a couple of years, it’s not unusual to see cracks and splits appearing in plastic deck boards. They simply aren’t durable enough to withstand the pressures of a busy garden.

In comparison, composite decking is designed to be very strong and long-lasting. The strong composite core is surrounded by a tough polymer sleeve that will preserve the boards for as long as 30 years! Choosing a higher-quality decking product will save you money in the long-run because you won’t have to repair or replace boards as often.

Composite vs Wood Decking

People often argue that wood decking is the best option if you want to achieve a traditional or natural looking garden, but that simply isn’t the case. Composite decking can be manufactured to have a real-wood look and feel & is much easier to maintain. Here are a few other reasons why composite decking is superior over wood.

Looks good for longer

If you’ve ever had a wooden deck before, you’ll know that after only a few months in your garden it can start to look weathered and/or sun-bleached. This is because the oils that seal the wooden boards start to degrade.

The polymer cap on the outside of most composite decking is designed to preserve the boards for considerably longer. It protects the boards from sun and water damage as well as surface scuffs and scratches, meaning your composite decking boards will look great for longer.

Low maintenance

Wood decking requires an annual clean and seal if you want it to last longer than a few years. This is why people who want a low-maintenance decking option often lean towards composite decking as an alternative. As mentioned, composite decking can look and feel just as charming as wood decking, but won’t require any of the long-winded upkeep.

So, there you have it, a quick side-by-side comparison of composite, wood and plastic decking. As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing composite for your garden renovation.

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