Home Improvement
2007-09-01 09:59:00
Building a deck? Here are some wood tips.
We are going to be building a deck this Fall. We’ve heard quite a bit about composite wood vs. traditional wood for decks. Can you tell us about it?
Composite lumber is crafted from recovered hardwood fiber and rugged, UV-stabilized polypropylene. It combines a unique polypropylene-based formula with a highly advanced manufacturing process to yield a superior material to traditional wood. The best composite woods are made with polypropylene (think of those red gas cans) instead of polyethylene. Polypropylene makes it much stronger, stiffer and lighter, so it can span longer distances and withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction than composites made with polyethylene.
The best composite woods will usually add 15-20% to the cost of the typical deck project, but will add as much as 50% in overall value, and will contribute to greater resale. Composite woods are also used in projects like railings, porches, fencing, docks, playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, etc.
Composite woods provide excellent traction. They are not slippery, which makes them safe for children. Composite woods are splinter free, which is most important for pool applications. Composite wood is actually less slippery than wood and is ADA compliant for ramps, etc.
Composite wood requires periodic cleaning just like wood; however, it doesn’ t need to be stained like wood.
Composite wood does not get as hot as painted wood and it will not sag between joists. The deep wood grain and thin profile, in combination with IR-reflective pigments in the polypropylene, help keep it cool underfoot. Insects don’t bother composite wood because of its density.
The best composite woods are available in 12, 16 and 20 foot lengths decking and 8 foot spans for railing. Decking is available in 6” & 4” widths.
