How to choose composite decking?

Composite decking is made from wood fiber, recycled plastic and functional additives.The plastic are mostly PP,PE and PVC. The different categories of plastic determines the application. PE-based composite material are used in outdoor environment.PVC and PP- based composite material are often seen in indoor decoration.

E-Hong is manufacturer of PE-based composite products with over 10 years experience.The products are widely applied in gardens,villas,pools,municipal projects and residential houses.Composite decking planks are its most application.Besides decking floor, it also can be as railing profile,fence board,wall panels,baluster etc.There are many manufactures in the world, such as USA, China, Turkey,Vietnam,India and so on.The quality and textures varies for different manufacturers.

We guide you how to choose the best suitable composite decking in this articles from the following factors:

1. Your budget

Some higher-ends brands are priced at very high, like trex,fiberon,Veranda,New TechWood,around 20%-30% higher than unfamous brands.Their products has superior grain and the most woodlook appearance and feel. But the basic material for most brands are similar, the difference lies in the colors and textures. So we advise you to choose unfamous brand if you have a tight budget. You can achieve your aim with little money.The most important is it also can help you come true the dream--owning a green outdoor space,which adds value to your house.

2. The climate where you live

We advise you to choose the hollow decking with light color if the decking board is always exposed in the sun(especially it is almost 40℃ in Summer). The solid dark-colored deck board usually absorb more heat than the light-colored board.Furthermore, you’d better use hollow decking with wide cavity if it is often raining in your city.And the height of the substructure(joist or keel) is at least 40mm.Thus it is conductive to drainage.The deck board might warp if the deck board surface gathered water and can not drain away water quickly.The reason is that the deck board will absorb water if it is water logged.Then the board will expand after being exposed in the sun.Please tell the supplier of composite decking about the using environment.They will help you choose the best style and texture.

3. The structure and texture

Most manufacturers produce the hollow board with rectangular cavity,which is indeed the most economic structure.It reduces the weight at the most extent.In some circumstances,like residential projects, there is small traffic, such board can take its role.For circumstances with heavy-traffic, we recommend the solid decking board or hollow decking board with round hole structure.These board can bear much more load.You’d better choose the board with texture or brushed surface if it often rains.Because wet floor is more slippery, brushed face or wood grain texture is going to increase the friction.

4. The add-ons

Decide to use composite decking to decorate your patio,terrace or pool, the board only is not enough. You also need some accessories,like substructure-joist or keel,decorative trim board,fasteners etc.In order to have a clean appearance for your deck,hidden fasteners are required,which will increase your cost by 20%.But it is worthy.Most people could not care less if they see the fasteners when they look at the decking.