FAQs

Composite decking is a mix of plastic and wood fibers, often using recycled materials, and it’s designed to mimic the look of real wood without the maintenance requirements.

Composite decking is known for its longevity. It’s resistant to rot, decay, and damage from insects and weather, often coming with warranties ranging from 10-25 years.

Composite decking offers a multitude of benefits, making it an increasingly popular choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

One of the most significant advantages of composite decking is the substantial savings in both time and money it provides. Unlike traditional wood decking, which requires regular maintenance including staining, sealing, and painting to combat damage from rain, dirt, and grime, composite decking needs virtually no upkeep. This is largely due to its recycled plastic content, which renders it highly resistant to damp and rot damage.

When considering the costs associated with maintaining a wood deck, it’s clear that composite decking is a more economical choice in the long run. The expense of painting and staining products for wood decking can accumulate to thousands over its lifespan. For instance, maintaining a 25sqm area of wood decking can cost up to £150 per year. In contrast, the yearly maintenance cost for the same area of composite decking is virtually zero, with the only potential cost being a broom for sweeping off leaves.

While composite decking may require a higher initial investment, the lack of maintenance costs means that over a period of 10-20 years, the savings can be substantial. This makes composite decking not only a convenient and low-maintenance option but also a financially savvy choice for those looking to invest in their outdoor living spaces.

When it comes to the colour stability of composite decking, it’s natural to wonder if the hues will remain as vivid as they were on the first day of installation. The answer is yes, but with a slight nuance.

Composite decking does experience a modest change in colour, but this should not be a cause for concern. Typically, in the first 12-16 weeks post-installation, the decking undergoes a natural weathering process where you may notice the colour lightening by about 10-15%. This change is due to two primary factors: the washing out of naturally occurring wood oils, known as tannins, by rain, and the natural lightening effect caused by UV exposure.

However, it’s important to highlight that our composite decking is engineered with anti-UV properties. These properties significantly minimise the impact of UV exposure, ensuring the colour change is not only minimal but also not detrimental to the overall appearance of the decking. Alongside the colour, you might also observe a very slight reduction in the 3D wood grain texture, but this too is a normal characteristic of composite products. This initial phase of slight changes is a stabilisation process that all composite decking goes through, and it stabilises after this period. So, rest assured, the beauty and integrity of your composite decking will remain largely intact, ensuring a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Absolutely not! One of the standout advantages of composite decking over traditional wood decking is its resistance to splintering. Unlike wood, which can crack, warp, and splinter over time, composite decking maintains a smooth and consistent surface. This feature makes it an ideal choice for households where safety and comfort are a priority. You can stroll barefoot across your new decking with complete confidence, free from the worry of catching an unwanted splinter.

Additionally, our composite decking is designed with safety in mind, employing hidden fixings to secure the boards. This thoughtful design means there are no exposed screws that could potentially harm you, your family, or, importantly, your pets. With this in mind, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that the entire family’s feet (and paws) will be safe and protected. This safety feature, combined with the durability and low maintenance of composite decking, makes it an excellent choice for a hassle-free, comfortable outdoor living space.

Composite decking is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, making it a highly appealing option for those who prefer to spend more time enjoying their outdoor space rather than maintaining it.

Unlike traditional wood decking, which necessitates regular treatments such as staining, sealing, and painting to protect against weathering and wear, composite decking needs much less attention.

The primary upkeep involves basic cleaning – sweeping off leaves and debris, and occasionally washing the surface with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. This simple care routine is due to the durable nature of composite materials, which are designed to resist rot, fading, and insect damage.

Therefore, while it’s not completely maintenance-free, the level of care required for composite decking is significantly less intensive and less costly over time compared to traditional wood decking.

Painting or staining composite decking is generally not recommended. The main reason for this is that composite decking is specifically designed and manufactured with a colour and finish that is intended to last without the need for additional treatments. The material typically includes a blend of wood fibres and plastics which are already coloured through the manufacturing process. Applying paint or stain to this surface is not only unnecessary but could also potentially damage the integrity and appearance of the deck.

Moreover, painting or staining composite decking would require regular upkeep and maintenance, similar to that of traditional wood decking, thereby negating one of the primary benefits of choosing composite materials – their low maintenance needs.

If you’re considering altering the appearance of your composite decking, it’s advisable to consult with the manufacturer or a professional to understand the implications fully and to explore possible alternatives that might better suit your needs.

Expansion and contraction are natural characteristics of composite decking materials, due to their composition and response to varying temperatures. Composite decking, which is a blend of wood fibers and plastic materials, tends to react to changes in temperature. During warmer weather, the decking can expand slightly, while in colder conditions, it may contract.

This behaviour is a key consideration during the installation process. It’s essential to leave adequate gaps between the decking boards to accommodate this expansion and contraction. This spacing ensures that the boards have room to move without causing damage or warping, and it also allows for proper drainage and air circulation.

Proper installation following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial to account for these natural movements and ensure the longevity and stability of your decking.

In the realm of composite decking, the choice between grooved and ungrooved boards is an important consideration for both aesthetic and functional aspects of deck design. Grooved boards are designed with channels along their sides, allowing for the use of hidden fastening systems. These fasteners securely attach the decking to the structure without visible screws, creating a clean, seamless look. This option is particularly appealing for those seeking a more modern, sleek deck surface.

On the other hand, ungrooved boards, sometimes referred to as square-edge boards, have solid, unnotched edges. These are typically installed using deck screws that go directly through the top of the board into the supporting joists. This method leaves the screw heads visible on the deck surface, which may be less aesthetically pleasing to some, but it can also provide a more traditional, classic appearance.

The choice between grooved and ungrooved composite decking boards ultimately depends on the desired look and installation method. Grooved boards offer a more contemporary, clean finish with hidden fasteners, while ungrooved boards provide a traditional deck appearance with visible screws. It’s also worth considering the technical aspects of installation and any preferences in terms of maintenance and durability when making this decision.