Apparently, every composite decking looks similar, but the composite materials used to build it, make it vary from each brand to others. It is like comparing oats with cornflakes both are essentially cereals but with a difference. Ingredients of both bowls of cereal are different; each has its own benefits. Most composite decking has more advantages over pressure-treated (PT) wood decking. A closer look reveals how different types of composite decks are made what they are made of. This gives you a better insight into composite decking.
The major components of composite decking are Aluminum Deck Railing Systems, wood and plastic. Most of the times the wood and plastic used in composite decking are of recycled nature, making composite decking eco-friendly. On an average 90% component used in the manufacturing process comes from used products from industry and households. Wood chips sawdust and wood fibres are also used in the process and gives the decking a natural look similar to that of wood.
The process
It is interesting to know how composite boards are made. They are components piled and put in an extruder which melts the mixture completely and force it through a “die” to give a specific dimension. It is evident all composite decking is better than traditional wood decks, but improved, advanced extrusion process makes it more durable, seamless and resistant to stains and spills. UV inhibitor incorporated in the composite board protects the decking from fading over time. The components make composite decking heavier than traditional wood decking, but render many advantages resistance to rot, cup, split or warp. You need not paint or oil it after installation.
Polypropylene plastic (PP)
A blend with wood fibre, sawdust with strong UV stabilized polypropylene plastic (PP) render more durability, stability and better performance than composite decks which use polyethene (PE) and PVC. Polypropylene plastic (PP) plastic is most commonly used for making containers for milk, shampoo, motor oils, and lubricants and in the packaging industry. High-density polyethene plastic (HDPE) is a strong and recyclable material. Composite decking using polypropylene plastic gives better structural strength, sponginess is more resistant to fading, staining and high temperature. As this type of plastic has a higher melting point, it absorbs and retains much less heat than another type of plastic, making it ideal for hot sultry weather conditions. The wood grain pattern on the board gives it a natural look like wood.
