What is in composite decking?
Friday, December 22, 2023Composite decking material is the perfect alternative to traditional decking, offering excellent performance and superior strength. A variety of advantages make it a popular choice for more homeowners. Composite material is made up of a combination of materials, each with its unique properties. Still, many homeowners need to be made aware of the advantages and composition of composite decks. In this article, we will explore what is in composite decking and the advantages of composite material.
Understanding the components of composite material helps to help homeowners make an informed choice. An introduction to the advantages and benefits will allow you to choose the best of the many materials available.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is a type of decking that consists of 100% polymer material, wood, and plastic. This type of decking can be partially or fully sealed, resulting in superior performance and longevity. Unlike traditional decks, composite deck boards have an additional protective outer layer.
Composite wood decks last much longer than traditional wood decks. And you don’t need regular maintenance, sealing, or staining to keep it looking and performing. Over time, tedious maintenance can add significantly to your overall costs. Because of the high performance of composite material, you’ll only need to sweep and clean the surface of your deck regularly.
What is in composite decking?
After introducing composite decking, let’s explore its internal components. This will help give you a deeper understanding of the benefits of composite material.
High-quality recycled wood fibers
One of the main components of composite decking material is recycled wood fibers. These high-quality wood fibers come from industrially processed wood waste, such as wood chips and reclaimed wood. The wood fibers provide strength and stability to composite decking and provide a natural wood-like appearance to the decking.
By recycling wood, the production of composite material greatly reduces the use and waste of virgin wood. This effectively promotes environmental sustainability and makes composite decking a perfect choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Recycled plastic
The main component of composite material also includes recycled plastic. composite decking’s main plastic component is a combination of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. The plastic component effectively enhances the performance and longevity of the deck. Making it perfectly resistant to rot, moisture, and pests. The combination of plastic and wood gives composite decking not only excellent performance but also a more natural appearance.
The use of recycled plastics in large quantities reduces plastic waste. It makes an important contribution to the protection of the environment. It also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional wood decking.
Adhesives
For the wood fibers and recycled plastics in composite material to work together, adhesives are essential. Adhesives in decking materials typically use thermosetting resins such as epoxy and polyurethane. They act as a bonding agent, ensuring that the wood fibers and plastic components are firmly bonded to form a more stable deck. The adhesive in the deck improves the durability and longevity of the composite material. In addition to this, it prevents the composite deck from warping or cracking over time of use.
Additives and pigments
Different additives are often added to the composite deck material to suit different installation environments and climates. Additives and pigments are used to improve performance and aesthetics. Typically, manufacturers add UV inhibitors to prevent fading and color degradation caused by direct sunlight. Pigments and colorants are added to make composite decking more colorful. So homeowners have a wide range of looks and colors to choose from to meet their outdoor design preferences.
Surface textures and coatings
Long ago composite decking had a surface that was not only smooth but also susceptible to moisture and pests. However, as technology has evolved, many manufacturers have begun to add textures and coatings to the surface of their decks. Composite decking has textures and coatings that provide extra friction and mimic the look of natural wood. The non-slip texture enhances the overall appearance of the deck and makes your outdoor life safer.
Deck surface coatings also protect composite material from moisture, stains, and scratches. Textures and coatings can effectively enhance the safety of outdoor decks. And enhance its performance and longevity.
What Is the Manufacturing Process of Composite Decking?
To make composite decking, manufacturers typically employ one of two processes. Extrusion or compression molding. During extrusion, producers mix and heat raw materials until they become malleable. Then force them through deck-shaped openings. The second practice, called compression molding, involves pouring raw materials into molds. The heat and pressure from the closed mold turn the assembly into the composite decking you see on the shelf.
Extrusion
Extrusion is a forming process in which raw materials are mixed and forced through the opening. Form a known uniform size and shape of the composite decking. The opening is set to the required panel size.
Compression molding
After the composite materials are melted and can be shaped. They are placed on the wood grain mold and compressed under extreme heat and pressure to form a physical bond. Compression molding can be used to create unique patterns and textures on the board to match the visual and texture design of your deck.
These two methods result in the decking being greatly sturdy, stylish, and practical. New technology means that our decoration has a natural appearance texture, natural finish, and perfect natural color scheme. Suit your other decoration or outdoor aesthetics. Our collection complements any design or style, from classic to modern or somewhere in between. For more information on the aesthetic implementation of the above methods, visit our product page.
Whether you are an expert or a first-time decorator, our installation process is straightforward. As long as our experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate staff make a composite decking. You can complete the installation.
Through our comprehensive installation guide, we offer options that can save up to 70% of installation costs. Including fast, simple, and hidden fastening systems. This makes our composite decking easier to install and maintain than wood decking. What we need to install our decking is standard woodworking tools, including a drill, saw, sander, tape measure, level gauge, and cordless screwdriver, as well as personal protective equipment.
The composite decking is unique because it is durable, safe, and comfortable. Because the thermal attraction in summer is less, and the grip in the rainy season is greater. So composite decking is the perfect solution for your money. With our proven real manufacturing process. Based on passion, experience, and worldwide knowledge of composite decking. Our decking will make your outdoor entertainment area reach a higher level.