There are distinct differences between composite decking and traditional hardwood timber decking. At first glance or from afar, they look practically the same, however the benefits of composite decking far outweigh that of timber decking, especially in Australia’s harsh weather conditions.
There has been a large upsurge in the industry that has seen composite decking increasingly gain popularity. In the long run, composite decking can save you money, time, stress and effort. It looks like timber, it can even feel like timber, but the beauty is it’s made up of a formula that includes plastics and other materials that will help prevent your deck from suffering (rotting/warping/splitting) throughout its lifetime.
It is quite a remarkable innovation. Composite decking was introduced to the Australian market in the early 1990s. It addressed the issues surrounding environmental protection of cutting down trees for timber used as building products, diminishing tropical rainforests during the process. Forest denudation is a leading cause in a series of environmental risks ranging from soil erosion, mudslides, landslides, flooding, and even global warming.
Composite decking in Australia has grown in popularity for a number of reasons. Foremost is that it is composed of 100% recycled materials consisting of things like sawdust, discarded rice husks and recycled plastic HDPE (post industrial waste). It doesn’t emit harmful chemicals nor need treatments, thus making it Eco-friendly.
The combination of colour pigments, UV inhibitors, anti-fungal solutions and low water absorption makes it more resistant to adverse effects (cracks, warping, bending, splints) caused by extreme weather conditions (too much heat from the sun, soaked wet in rain), rotting, discoloration and growth of moulds/mildew. Since it contains plastic, it is a deterrent to termite and white ant infestation. There is no need to paint it since the colours will last for years and years to come.
So in the long run composite decking proves to be less hassle, less work, less worry and less money in the long run!
So that’s why Composite decking is so popular in Australia.
Futurewood, one of the leading producers of composite decking in Australia, offers a variety of CleverDeck composite decking boards in 5 distinct designer colours – Chocolate, Mahogany, Saltbush, Slate Grey and Walnut. Contact us today and see the difference!
