Why Composite Decking Boards Are the Perfect Choice for Outdoor Spaces

Composite decking boards combine the look of wood with the durability of plastic, offering homeowners a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking. Understanding the manufacturing process highlights why composite decking is a popular choice. So, let’s take a deep dive into this fascinating process and see why C&L Ward favors Fiberon decking products.

The Composite Decking Board Manufacturing Process

Composite decking starts with a mixture of wood fibers and plastic materials, such as recycled sawdust or wood chips. This blend creates a product that resists moisture and decays less than traditional wood.

The wood and plastic components are blended with additives to enhance the decking’s properties, providing color, UV resistance, and protection against mold and mildew. The mixture is then heated and forced through a die to create board shapes, ensuring consistency in dimensions and density. After extrusion, the boards are cooled to a set shape and cut to standard lengths.

Many composite deck boards receive a final treatment to enhance their appearance, including embossing or brushing to create a wood-like texture and grain pattern.

Benefits of Composite Decking Boards for Homeowners

Composite decking offers several advantages:

• Durability: Resists rot, warping, and insect damage, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Low Maintenance: Requires no regular staining or sealing; occasional cleaning is sufficient.
• Longevity: Often comes with 25 years or more warranties, outlasting traditional wood decks.
• Eco-Friendly: Some manufacturers use recycled materials, appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners.
• Consistent Appearance: Ensures a uniform look across all boards, eliminating natural variations found in wood.

Composite decking is a practical solution for homeowners seeking a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance option for their outdoor spaces. While the initial cost may be higher than wood, the long-term benefits and reduced maintenance needs make it a worthwhile investment.

PVC Deck Boards: The All-Plastic Alternative

Made entirely from plastic materials, PVC decking boards offer several advantages over traditional wood and composite decking. The absence of wood or other organic components provides unique benefits for homeowners.

Advantages of PVC Decking Boards

• Moisture Resistance: Highly moisture-resistant, preventing issues like mold, mildew, and rot.
• Durability: The all-plastic construction makes it incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.
• Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep and occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance.

Manufacturing Process of PVC Deck Boards

PVC decking is produced through co-extrusion. High-quality PVC resins are mixed with additives for color, UV protection, and other desired properties. The mixture is heated and forced through a die to create the board shape.

Many PVC boards receive a protective outer layer during extrusion, enhancing resistance to fading and staining. The boards are then cooled to set shape and cut to standard lengths. Manufacturers often add wood-grain patterns or brushed finishes to mimic the look of natural wood.

PVC Decking Board Benefits for Homeowners

PVC decking provides several key benefits:

• Longevity: Often comes with extended warranties, reflecting their durability.
• Color Options: Available in a wide range of colors, including options that mimic exotic hardwoods.
• Lightweight: Typically lighter than wood or composite alternatives, making installation easier.
• Splinter-Free: All-plastic construction eliminates the risk of splinters, making it comfortable for bare feet.

PVC decking may have a higher upfront cost compared to some alternatives. However, its longevity and low maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Consider these benefits against your specific needs to determine if PVC decking is the right fit for your outdoor living space.

Fiberon Decking: Innovation in Manufacturing and Design

Fiberon provides a range of composite and PVC decking options, each crafted with specific technologies to offer unique benefits for homeowners. Their main product lines include:

Fiberon Composite Decking

Concordia Collection (Astir, Symmetry, and Horizon lines)

• Manufacturing: Features a 4-sided cap for 360-degree protection against staining, fading, and weathering.
• Benefits: These reversible boards have wood-like grain patterns on both sides, offering flexibility in installation and potential cost savings.
• Durability: Comes with a 50-year limited stain and fade warranty.

Sanctuary

• Manufacturing: Utilizes a 3-sided cap technology, protecting the most exposed areas of the board.
• Benefits: Balances performance and affordability.
• Safety: Class B fire rating, suitable for areas with stricter building codes.

Good Life (Escapes and Weekender collections)

• Manufacturing: Uses 3-sided capping technology.
• Benefits: Budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
• Options: Escapes offers multi-tonal colors, while Weekender provides solid colors.

Fiberon PVC Decking

Promenade

• Manufacturing: Utilizes a 4-sided cap on a PVC core, maximizing protection against elements.
• Benefits: Highly resistant to moisture, ideal for waterside applications.
• Safety: Class A fire rating and approved for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones.

Paramount (Mantel & Hearth Collections)

• Manufacturing: Features a 3-sided cap on a PVC core.
• Benefits: Lightweight and easy to handle for manageable installation.
• Durability: 50-year limited warranty.

Key Manufacturing Innovations

• Capping Technology: Enhanced protection against fading, staining, and weathering through 3-sided or 4-sided capping.
• Sustainable Practices: Using recycled materials in manufacturing appeals to environmentally conscious homeowners.
• Texture and Aesthetics: Realistic wood grain patterns and multi-tonal coloring through advanced techniques.

Overall Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Designed for minimal upkeep, saving time and money.
• Durability: Resistant to splitting, splintering, rotting, and insect damage.
• Aesthetic Options: There is a wide range of choices from multi-tonal to solid colors.
• Warranty Coverage: Extensive warranties, up to 50 years, reflect confidence in product quality.

Fiberon’s diverse product lines, innovative manufacturing techniques, and focus on performance and aesthetics make it a top choice in composite and PVC decking. Whether prioritizing budget, durability, or high-end aesthetics, Fiberon offers options to meet various needs.

Contact C&L Ward Today

If you’d like to learn more about the composite decking boards we use, contact C&L Ward today for a free quote or stop by one of our design centers for more information. We will happily answer your questions and discuss your custom decking options with you.

Composite Deck Boards FAQs

What are composite deck boards made from?

Composite deck boards are typically made from wood fibers and recycled plastics. This blend creates a durable and low-maintenance decking option that mimics the appearance of real wood while providing enhanced resistance to moisture, insects, and decay.

How do composite materials compare to pressure-treated wood?

Composite materials offer several advantages over pressure-treated wood. Unlike pressure-treated wood, composite deck boards do not require regular staining or sealing and resist rotting, warping, and splintering. Additionally, composites are often made from recycled plastics, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Can I find composite deck boards in a variety of colors?

Yes, composite deck boards are available in a variety of colors. Manufacturers offer a wide range of hues and finishes, including options that mimic the natural look of real wood. This variety lets homeowners choose the perfect color to complement their outdoor space.

What makes wood-plastic composite decking a good choice for my deck surface?

Wood-plastic composite decking combines the best qualities of wood and plastic. This material is highly durable, resistant to weathering, and requires minimal maintenance. Its composition from recycled plastics and wood fibers makes it an environmentally friendly option that provides the aesthetic appeal of real wood without the upkeep.