You’ve probably seen composite decking and trim used on some of your neighbors’ houses, but what’s the real value of this material? Sure, it doesn’t require much maintenance, but it also costs more money than wood, which will rot and require replacement at some point anyway. To help you make an informed decision about whether this material is worth the money in your own home, take a look at these five signs that you should use composite materials on your decking and trim instead of wood.
Is It Safe For My Family
Make sure to read up on any concerns before making a final decision. If you have pets or children, there are a few things that might be of interest. It’s important to understand what’s in your deck material and whether it could cause any health issues with you or your family over time. For example, wood can splinter and pose a danger to children.
Likewise, composite decking contains chemicals and additives that can cause skin irritation if your child ingests them. With both materials, check for known defects and safety ratings. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls for both Trex and plastic lumber (composite). You should also check local regulations regarding the installation of these products. In some areas, Trex is banned entirely because it is considered a fire hazard when exposed to ultraviolet light from sunlight. Plastic lumber must also meet specific flame-retardant standards depending on where you live.
Does it Resist Water?
The real advantage of composite decking is that it doesn’t rot or warp, and doesn’t need to be sanded. However, in terms of water resistance, Trex and wood are about equal. The biggest difference is how fast they will deteriorate from exposure to standing water—Composite is less susceptible to damage than wooden decks when rainwater or sprinkler runoff sits on a deck for a long period. While both materials can withstand regular rainfall, neither is waterproof. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall (or have a pool), consider using something like a tarp to protect your deck from excess moisture. And if you do get water damage, call a professional right away before things get worse! A little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward preventing costly repairs down the road.
What Maintenance Will I Need?
To ensure you have a deck that lasts and doesn’t become a major hassle, it’s best to choose composite deck materials. Decks made of composites can last 50 years or longer without needing to be replaced. Sometimes, maintenance is all you need to do, like refinishing your wooden deck every few years if it begins looking weathered. This will help keep it in great shape for decades. For komposittrall inspiration, simply hose off any dirt or debris that collects on them. If you find areas that are worn out, sand them down and apply new coatings as needed. Composite decking is low-maintenance compared to wood because there isn’t much else you can do besides cleaning and applying new coatings when necessary. The more upkeep your wood deck requires over time, the less money you’ll save by choosing wood instead of composite decking materials for your outdoor space.
How Easy Is It To Install?
If you’re going to invest in a composite deck, it’s essential to find out if it’s easy to install. Trex offers do-it-yourself kits, but you may need additional tools and materials that you might not have on hand. This is especially important if you plan on hiring a pro to install your deck. Sometimes they charge more because of their time, so find out what installation will cost before you decide whether or not to take on another project.
How Much Do I Need to Spend?
The cost of installing a wooden deck can vary dramatically from one job to another. It depends on local materials costs, the complexity of the design, and the general contractor’s rates. On average, it is about $20-$30 per square foot for labor and materials. That is only for your basic cedar-plank or pine-plank deck with 6×6 posts and pressure-treated wood rails and floorboards.
Benefits of Replacing Wood With Composite Materials?
For starters, composite materials last longer than wood. Because they’re made from renewable materials like recycled plastic, they also don’t require any new trees to be cut down. And, because composites don’t splinter or hold onto moisture, homeowners are less likely to accidentally get hurt when using them around pools or lakes. Composites are also easy to install and will require fewer nails (and less labor) than wood.
Will my neighbors notice if I change my deck material?
It all depends on what you’re changing it to. If you’re replacing your wood deck with another wood deck, no one will notice. However, if you decide to change your wood deck with a komposittrall material like Trex, they just might notice! Here are a few things to consider when purchasing and installing new materials for your outdoor living area. Consider adding privacy screening or trellises to block views of your neighbors. Also, consider planting shrubs or other plants that can help block views from prying eyes. Of course, if you have fences around your yard or property line that can help with blocking views as well.
Another option is going up in height rather than adding more width – putting in a second-story deck off of an existing first-story deck (or even converting an existing first-story patio into a screened porch) can give homeowners more privacy while increasing their usable space without having to make major structural changes to their home and landscaping. Finally, take advantage of vertical space by adding something unique such as built-in benches or storage cubbies underneath decks; don’t let those feet go unused!
Conclusion
Most people will ask, If composite decking is so good, why isn’t everyone using it? The answer lies in the price. While there are some great deals out there, you can expect to pay around a square foot for a basic installation. That means a 200-square-foot deck could cost you around to install. While that may be worth it if your current wood deck has rotted and needs replacing, most homeowners find that they have no issues with their wood decks and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on something they don’t need right now.