Composite boards should be at the top of your list if you are looking for the perfect outdoor material to use for your deck.
The UK weather can be tricky, which is why you’ll need a durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant material for your outdoor space. Thankfully, that is where composite decking comes in.
It also comes in endless styles and natural colours, so you will be spoiled for choice!
Read on to learn more about the many benefits of installing composite decking boards in your home.
Long-Lasting Beauty: The Durability of Composite Decking
Composite decking is an ideal alternative to traditional timber. It’s made from a combination of wood and plastic, creating a durable, long-lasting decking board.
The best part? It looks like wood but doesn’t come with the typical problems of wear and tear associated with pure wooden decking. Say goodbye to splintering, bending, and rot!
This material is also extremely low maintenance and its appearance is kept fresh over long periods, especially with regular cleaning.
While hardwood, laminate or ceramic tiling are the best types of flooring for your home, composite boards are ideal for your outside space.
Eco-Friendly Decking: Sustainable Options for Your Outdoor Space
Sourcing your composite decking from a reliable supplier, like Harlow Bros, ensures a material made from responsibly harvested wood fibres and recycled plastic.
Installing composite decking boards means that you’re doing your part to decrease deforestation and prevent plastic from ending up in landfills. Because of this, this material is considered to be a lot more environmentally friendly than traditional timber materials.
Additionally, composite decking doesn’t need to be treated with chemicals or paint, unlike timber products.
While it’s clear that this material is very eco-friendly, research is also advancing to make this material completely carbon-neutral.
Weather-Resistant Decking: Composite Boards for Every Season
Another benefit of composite decking is that it is suitable for extreme cold and heat! It is also moisture, UV (fade-resistant), and temperature-resistant, making it suitable for every season.
Unlike wood, which can get slippery and mouldy when exposed to water, composite decking is slip-resistant and, due to the plastic component, mould-resistant, too.
Composite decking is an incredible long-term investment to enhance your outdoor space, no matter the weather.
Effortless Installation: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your composite decking installed by professionals is always a good option. However, doing it yourself is a viable option, too, since it’s pretty straightforward.
- Measure the area – where you will place your composite deck. This will give you an idea of how many boards you’ll need, where joists should go, and the direction the boards should lie.
- Prepare the substructure – to ensure the structure you place it on is secured and prepped correctly. You do this by installing the joists and making sure they are levelled.
- Loosely place the deck boards – once everything is placed where you want it, you can then attach the boards using the correct screws and spacing.
- Trim the decking boards – wearing gloves and safety goggles and using a composite material saw. When you fit the last board, leave some space after it to make room for any expansion.
- Install finishing touches – After the deck base is done, you may start installing railings.
- Clean your deck – with warm, soapy water. Just be sure to sweep off any dust or dirt before you apply your soap solution – to prevent creating a muddy mess.
Maintaining Composite Decking Boards
Composite decking is known for being a low-maintenance decking material. However, there are a few small things you can do to ensure they stay in the best shape possible.
- Try to stay clear of stagnant water buildup.
- Using outdoor rugs without rubber on the bottom is preferable. Woven rugs are a great option!
- Regularly ensure that the gaps between each board are clean.
- Sweep dirt off the surface of the decking when it gets dusty or muddy.
- Clean oil spills as soon as possible. This will ensure no permanent stains are left on the deck.
Final Thoughts
Composite deck boards offer many benefits. They are durable, weather-resistant, and very easy to install. Plus, these boards require very little maintenance, which makes them an easy, cost-effective decking solution.
And with scientists developing composite decking boards that contain less carbon dioxide than it takes to manufacture them, you’ll be able to reduce your household carbon footprint even further.
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space, installing this material is a great place to start.
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