Composite decking is a popular addition to any garden or patio, not only does it enhance your outdoor space, but it can also add value to your home.
Like everything in life, composite decking has an expiration date. But the question is, how long does composite decking last? Unfortunately, there’s no one-answer-fits-all and it’s entirely dependent on its upkeep, the environment it’s in, and the area where you live in the UK.
The good news is this guide will outline what affects the condition of your composite decking and how you can prolong its lifespan.
While there is no exact answer for the lifespan of composite decking, there are good estimates you can make. If your composite decking was to receive regular maintenance throughout the years, then you can expect to enjoy your composite decking for 25 years, at least.
Most decking will surpass even that, which is why so many people choose it for their landscaping projects. At Piranha, we have warranties that last up to 25 years (depending on the product and application), this also gives you peace of mind with your investment.
If you give your composite decking the TLC it deserves you can expect to receive decades of satisfaction before having to replace it.
That being said, not a great deal of maintenance is required to retain your composite decking's beauty, and most of the time, a general clean every so often will do the trick. So, how does it compare against traditional wood decking?
Although composite decking can deteriorate with weather exposure, making it fade slightly in colour, it tends to retain its original shade for many years to come. More often than not, the colour change is very subtle and will stabilise within the first 12 months of being laid. You can learn more about colour stabalisation here.
Composite decking takes longer to deteriorate as it is heavily resistant to the weather, insects, and rot compared to the traditional timber counterparts. The specially designed boards don’t suffer from moisture build-up which is a common cause of structural weakening with timber decking.
Expect lasting durability with composite decking: the amalgamation of wood powder and hard-setting plastics creates a hard wearing material. Traditional timber is less accustomed to resistance and is more susceptible to dry rot, caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from wood thus leaving it to deteriorate.
To keep your composite decking looking as good as when you bought it, follow our next steps which reveal how you can prolong the lifespan of your composite decking.
Although Piranha’s range of composite decking products is low maintenance, they are still susceptible to the elements and will require cleaning from time to time, to keep them looking their best.
The top issues that can cause damage to your composite decking and ultimately shorten its lifespan, are:
Rusting - This can occur when you have metal furnishings or accessories on your decking. If they stay wet for a long period then they can cause rust stains. Ensure you are removing your metal planters and furniture during wetter seasons, or purchase rattan, wood, or plastic garden furniture.
Mold - Although Piranha deck boards are resistant to the damaging effects of both mold and mildew growth, this type of growth can occur on almost every outdoor surface and may collect on the surface of the boards. This can also be the case if you have damp leaves or plant clippings on your decking. These can also leave behind stains, therefore, it’s a good idea to remove any fallen debris.
To remove mold and mildew from your composite decking, a general routine clean will help avoid excessive build-up.
For other cleaning and maintenance tips, check out our blog which details how you can clean composite decking. Alternatively, you can read full aftercare and cleaning advice in our Installation Guides, which can be found here.
If you’re looking to install composite decking in your garden, we’re here to help you create your beautiful decking design. We stock a range of composite decking products to suit all preferences. And if you’re on the lookout for a professional to install your new composite deck, you can find an installer using our ‘find an installer’ page.
For further inspiration for your landscaping project, don’t forget to check out our ‘Be Inspired’ page which showcases a range of captivating decking, cladding, and fencing designs.
