In the last couple of years there has been a massive rise in the popularity of decking. As the general public were forced to stay in due to the Covid pandemic, there became a renewed focus on making the most of our outdoor spaces.
This has driven a trend towards extending the living area into the outside and as such, decking has replaced traditional patios as a key landscaping feature to connect indoor and outdoor spaces and allow for a place to relax.
Although most people consider decking to be made from wood, companies such as Grass Direct have used innovative techniques to create new types of composite decking that fits in better with modern environmental and design values.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is simply decking made from a plastic-based material that has been combined with a more natural wood fibre or material such as bamboo, to create a more durable product that still retains the classic look of wood.
What are the benefits of composite decking vs timber decking?
There are many benefits to choosing composite decking over traditional timber decking, so if you’re looking to add some decking to your garden or outside space, we have listed below the benefits of choosing composite decking, to help you decide what is right for you.
Low Maintenance
The biggest benefit of composite decking vs timber decking for homeowners is the lack of maintenance and upkeep required to keep your decking looking great.
Unlike timber decking which can fade and split under constant exposure to the British weather, composite decking requires a low level of attention, it will not warp, rot or decay due to the sun and rain and requires no protection against the elements, staining, treating, or painting.
To keep it free of dirt and grime it will occasionally need a rinse with a hose, but thanks to the synthetic materials, this is all the maintenance needed.
Durability
Timber decking can often rot or decay after prolonged exposure to the elements, meaning it needs to be replaced after a while. Composite decking, however, has an increased durability and most companies will offer a warranty of a minimum of 10 years although most will be longer and your decking would be expected to last far longer than the warranty term.
Easy Installation
Timber decking is usually built with screws which not only look unsightly, but can prove a safety hazard. Modern composite decking however, is manufactured with grooves running down the side of each plank to ensure quick and easy installation with no visible fittings and fixtures.
Family and pet friendly
Composite decking has an added benefit for families, it is safe and child and pet friendly which gives an added piece of mind with your purchase. Due to the materials used to produce each board it will not splinter, unlike traditional timber decking, making it the perfect choice for busy family homes with active young ones or pets who love to play!
Composite decking also has minimal water absorption making it slip-resistant, so it can be used in play areas and around pools and hot tubs.
Wide range of options
When considering purchasing either composite or timber decking, you may be concerned that composite decking will not have the same natural aesthetics as timber. However, composite decking can be manufactured in a wide range of styles and colours, so you can choose the finish that matches your taste and landscaping, either going for something like a grey plank, creating a statement piece with a contemporary twist, or choosing a classic oak finish to blend perfectly into your outdoor space.
Environmentally friendly
Composite decking is produced using recycled plastics and in most cases reclaimed wood fibres, for example, here at Grass Direct we use wood flour which is FSC® 100% certified timber from responsible sources meaning that not only does it provide your garden with a stylish and convenient decking area, it is friendly to the environment too!
Here at Grass Direct we are committed to becoming a carbon neutral company, so if you are concerned about the environmental impact of landscaping your garden, for every order you place, we will plant a tree, as well as donating a share of our profits towards tree planting. Helping everyone to create a more sustainable future.
Composite decking from Grass Direct
At Grass Direct, we are committed to providing only the best composite decking, and we will never stop innovating to do so. We focus on quality because we know that is what matters most to our customers.
Our composite decking collection combines FSC® 100% certified hardwood timber with recycled plastic – premium materials that are built to last but with the traditional look and feel of timber whilst also giving you the benefits that plastic has to offer.
We offer a wide selection of high-quality composite decking products, in a wide variety of styles, patterns, colours and classic finishes such as black, golden grey, charcoal, oak and walnut, to ensure you get the look that complements both your home and your outdoor space.
Whether you are still deciding on the style and detail from which you want to create your outdoor space, or have already settled on a design, we will make sure that we have a product for you no matter what your budget may be, and all our composite decking options are available with a 10 to 25-year guarantee, to give you peace of mind you are getting what you pay for.
For all questions and orders for any of our composite decking products, please contact us today by using our contact form on our website or call us on 03308 182 500 to speak to one of our friendly expert advisors!
