What is composite decking?
Adding a deck to your outside areas is a fantastic way of making the most of your exterior space and Composite decking is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional wooden decking.
This type of decking is favoured as an eco-friendly, moisture resistant, long lasting and low-maintenance material. It can be used in many different areas including private gardens, yards, leisure areas, outdoor dining areas and caravan decks.
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking materials are made from a mix of wood & plastic that are combined using a bonding agent. The wood element can include wood fibers or even sawdust. The plastic particles can be either recycled plastic materials or from virgin plastic that has been newly created. The combined materials are then heated, shaped into various board lengths and then cooled.
The resulting product is high-quality deck boards that look more authentic than plastic decking and require less maintenance than wood.
Advantages of composite decking
There are many advantages of composite decking compared to timber/ wood decking. One massive benefit is that the boards do not need to be sealed, stained or painted, saving you time and money on maintenance and you can get the finished look from the moment of installation.
Composite material is also much more resistant to warp or fade in the sun unlike real wood. Plastic decking is prone to bowing and cracking but composite is . Our decking boards are reversible, meaning they are produced with a traditional ribbed finish on one side and a realistic wood grain effect on the other.
This type of decking has minimal water absorption which means it is much more slip-resistant than other materials. On top of all the stated benefits, Composite Decking is also a much better investment financially and can be much more cost effective on maintenance and repairs over the lifespan of the deck.
While composite decking may cost more than traditional wood decking it is certainly worth the money. By choosing composite you can enjoy the striking resemblance to natural wood without the extra maintenance. Many estimate that a new deck in your garden will lead to at least a 70% return on investment. The longevity of composite boards compared to wood means you can enjoy comfort on top of value for money.
At Floor Store our decking is uncapped, and has hollow channels. The hollow channels have no impact on strength, but they make the decking more stable, as there’s less material to expand and contract. This has the benefit of making the decking lighter in weight so it’s easier for fitting, and it’s more environmentally friendly.
What colours does composite decking come in?
Composite decking can come in a spectrum of colours — from light browns and pale greys all the way through to various timber tones to deep black. At The Floor Store we like to keep things simple. We stock our decking in 3 of the most popular colours to suit any style.
Charcoal Composite Decking 3.6m Length
Grey Composite Decking 3.6m Length
Coffee Composite Decking 3.6m Length
How to install composite decking
Installing composite decking is much the same as installing traditional wooden decking. Our range of boards are grooved in the side of the decking which means that hidden fasteners can be placed in between the boards during installation. This also has the added benefit of no visible screws. For a complete breakdown for installing our decking read our fitting instructions.
How much is composite decking?
The price of composite decking materials can vary depending on quality, size of the terrace area and design. At the Floor Store our range of Composite Decking costs £27.90 inc. VAT for 3.6m, or £55.35 per m2 including VAT.
It is important when budgeting for decking to factor in potential labour costs for installation and preparation/ construction of the deck foundation. There may also be additional costs for the removal of an old floor.
Our composite decking range is reliable, durable, well finished and a fantastic price, which also includes 10-year no rot or splinter warranty. You can complete your project with our range of composite fencing which comes in 3 colours to match our decking. If you have more general questions about composite flooring read our FAQs.
Ready to build your dream deck?
If you are interested in finding out more about our Composite Decking, we can help you with everything from styles to sizing requirements for your outside space.
Explore the range, pop into your nearest branch at Reading, Belfast, Newtownabbey, or get in touch with us today.