Publication Date:
Thu, 2009-06-25 07:50
Among the decking materials with the highest expected percentage increase is wood-plastic composite decking [2], with demand estimated to rise 9.5% annually through 2013, according to a 2009 report from the Freedonia Group [3].
Reasons for composite decking’s growing appeal include its durability, versatility, environmental benefits, and long life span. Due to its unique product make up, wood-plastic composite decking is resistant to moisture and insects; does not rot, splinter or decay; or require sealing or staining to maintain its beauty. As a result, it allows today’s busy homeowners more time to spend enjoying their outdoor living areas.
Builders can set themselves apart from their competition and attract homebuyers by incorporating decks and landscaped areas into the homes they build. And, by using wood-plastic composite decking, they can be confident that the decks they build can withstand tough weather conditions, look great year after year and last two to three times longer than solid wood.
The Green Factor
Composite decking offers builders and homeowners an environmentally responsible alternative decking material. Some wood-plastic composites include recycled content such as recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastics from items including detergent bottles, grocery bags and milk jugs – helping save thousands of pounds of trash from entering landfills each year.
Depending on the amount of post-consumer recycled content, some composite decking products qualify for credit under green building rating systems, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s [4] (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard [5].
To ensure a composite decking product contains recycled content, builders should consult the manufacturer. If recycled materials are incorporated, it is also important to determine the percentages of post-consumer and pre-consumer content, as they vary among manufacturers.
  The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking. |
The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking.
Composite deck boards can be bent for use in curved stairs, benches, trellis and walkway arches, planter boxes, and any surface or non-structural features that call for round edges. The composition of some wood-plastic composites, like MoistureShield® [6] decking, absorb substantially less moisture than other composites and solid wood, making it possible for it also to be used in projects that have direct contact with the ground (such as landscape trim).
With color choices ranging from gray to warm, rich hues of tropical hardwoods, builders and homeowners can mix and match multiple colors to add visual appeal within the deck itself, as well as complement the home’s finishing materials.
Decking areas built with composite materials also resist splintering, twisting, splitting, and cracking. A splinter-free and non-slick surface makes composite decking suitable for use in kid-friendly play structures and in other applications where safety is a concern, including access ramps and pool and hot tub surrounds.
Composite decking materials are easily machined, and can be installed with standard hand and power tools. For some wood-plastic composites, stainless-steel trim head screws can minimize the chance for metal corrosion or staining on the material. If a project requires screws to be hidden, they can be countersunk to draw up excess decking material that can then be brushed over the screw head and tapped with a hammer for the desired look. Some composite decking is also compatible with hidden fastener systems.
Product lines continue to expand as the interest in alternative decking materials increases. Some manufacturers have added decorative railing components, including posts, post caps, balusters, and trim boards to their product offerings, making it simple for builders and homeowners to complement their decking. For easy installation and concealment of outdoor lighting, security systems and audio equipment, railing and posts are available in hollow form.
 Composite deck tiles offer remodelers, builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces. |
Another product type – composite deck tiles – offer builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces, quickly and easily. The versatile and environmentally conscious tiles can be installed on patios, balconies, rooftops and virtually any hard, level surface. For example, made using 90% pre-and post-consumer recycled content, EcoShield [7] deck tiles snap together for simple and secure installation. Such tiles are available in multiple colors, patterns and sizes. They will not rot, splinter or decay, and can be simply unsnapped, repositioned or removed at anytime to create a new design.
In addition to decking materials, some manufacturers are adding wood-plastic composite fencing to their product offerings. The new composite fencing materials [8] are designed for installation with traditional treated wood frames or metal frame systems. Available in both dark and light finishes, composite fencing provides builders and homeowners another solution for their landscaping needs.
As the market continues to move toward sustainable construction, builders and homeowners are choosing materials that are environmentally responsible. Wood-plastic composite decking products offer engineered strength and long-lasting beauty, while making efficient use of recycled materials. Suitable for a variety of applications and climates, composite decking products help builders and homeowners transform the exteriors of their homes into outdoor living areas that can be enjoyed for years to come.
About The Author
Brent Gwatney is vice president of sales and marketing for MoistureShield composite decking. For more information, visit www.moistureshield.com [9]or call (866) 729-2378.
