Composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to its traditional wooden counterpart. It’s often favoured by homeowners and landscapers for its anti-weathering properties but there are a lot more benefits that you may not know about.
It can be confusing trying to figure out the best options for decking so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that outlines everything you need to know about composite decking, including the benefits and costs.
What is composite decking made from?
Unlike traditional wooden decking boards which are made completely from timber, composite decking boards are made using a combination of wood and plastic. The specific mixture varies between manufacturers but will generally consist of approximately a 50/50 blend of hardwood powder and HDPE plastic.
The process of making composite decking boards is known as extrusion. Here are the steps involved in this process.
1. The wood powder, plastics and selected additives are melted together
2. This mixture is then pushed through a specially designed-die to create lengths
3. These lengths are embossed with different patterns and textures
4. The boards are then cooled and cut down to popular sizes to be packaged
Piranha decking boards are made using FSC-certified materials and recycled HDPE plastics. For every 323 boards we manufacture, we save 1000kg of plastic from polluting our oceans or landfills.
Composite decking is known for its lasting durability. The combination of wood powder and hard-setting plastics creates a material that is strong and rigid without being too brittle. This creates the right amount of flex to handle years of foot traffic while retaining its design and structural integrity.
Composite decking has excellent weather resistance which is why many people choose it over classic timber options. Even after being treated or stained, timber decking will begin to warp and rot after years of exposure to rain and frost.
The plastic content in composite decking creates a waterproof barrier that greatly reduces water absorption. This makes it much more resistant to moisture damage without the need for any sealant or protective stain.
Classic timber decking will usually require regular upkeep to stay protected from the elements but once your composite decking has been installed, there’s virtually no maintenance needed to keep it looking new.
It’s important to regularly clean or brush down your composite decking but unlike timber, there’s no need for repainting, treating or stripping, which can be expensive and take up a lot of time.
Thanks to its durability, weather resistance and low maintenance properties, composite decking can save you money in the long run. Unlike their traditional timber counterparts, composite decks don’t need to be replaced or treated as much over time. They also won’t crack, splinter or rot, and can be resistant to fading, saving you both time and money on upkeep.
The natural tone and texture of wood are what makes timber boards so appealing, but it can be difficult and expensive to find the right type of wood to achieve your desired finish.
Composite decking is made using different coloured dyes and is embossed to create a wide range of different patterns and textures. This gives you an assortment of shades and finishes to choose from including traditional wood effects to more contemporary grooved designs.
Prices will vary depending on the type of finish you choose and the size of the area you’re planning to cover but prices on average range from £30-£50 per square metre.
The upfront costs of composite decking can often be more than some timber alternatives; however, this is a reflection of the higher quality materials and longer lifespan. Piranha Terrafuzion composite decking also comes with a 25-year warranty for domestic applications.
The average lifespan of composite decking is 25-30+ years, which is why so many people choose it for their landscaping projects. The specially designed boards don’t suffer from moisture build up which is a common cause of structural weakening with timber decking, which has an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
Piranha decking boards are all manufactured as standard at 3.6m in length. This gives a good amount of coverage for larger areas and can be cut down to size.
The production process and materials used in creating composite decking make it extremely durable and highly resistant to scratches. However, heavy or sharp objects may cause scratches and marks if they are dragged along the decking. Be careful when moving things like tables and heavy chairs so they don’t impact the decking.
Like most materials used outdoors, composite decking will experience slight changes to its colour over time due to weathering such as rain and sunlight. More often than not, the colour change is very subtle and will stabilise within the first 12 months of being laid. To read more about colour stabilisation in Piranha products, read our handy guide here.
To cut through composite decking boards properly and get a clean edge, using a circular saw with a small-toothed blade on a high-speed setting will give you the best results. We recommend asking a professional fitter to cut the boards for you, especially if you have little or no experience using power tools.
If you’re looking for decking that will stand the test of time, Piranha offers a premium range of composite decking boards and accessories including clips, edging and fascia boards. We specialise in creating high-quality composite decking boards in a range of contemporary designs and colours, all available with a 10-year or 25-year domestic warranty.
Our composite deck boards are available in two ranges, Hunter and Terrafuzion, each has an enhanced woodgrain finish and matching edging boards available. The style you choose will depend on your preference, but each range features a selection of colours allowing you to combine and contrast decks to create unique, bespoke designs.
You can browse our range online, or use our site to find a stockist or installer.
