Composite decking materials are actually products that consist of a number of different recycled
materials, but are mainly composed of wood and plastic. This newest alternative came about to
provide effective solution to the common problems that are often encountered with the use of
the traditional wood decking. As you might have already gathered, even the sturdiest wood will
eventually succumb to molds, rots, fade, splinters and cracks after a period of time. Even more
so since decks would be exposed to the outdoor elements and would often require expensive
sealing treatments as part of its maintenance care. It was a little more than a decade ago, when
composite decking materials was introduced to the market and have presented a wonderful
solution to the common woes associated with wooden decks.
The greatest advantage with the use of composite decking is its durability and low maintenance
requirements. Although this type of material is considerably more expensive than the typical
hardwood, composite decking materials can definitely be considered a sound investment in the
long run. Why? While a wood deck would require a lesser cash outlay, residential owners will be
required to shell out money on a regular basis for repairs and maintenance care. With the use of
composite decking materials, you only have to clean the surface every once in a while, and you
are sure to enjoy its original beauty from the years to come.
So what are its drawbacks, if any? People would always claim that no man-made material could
ever truly replace the beauty and natural patina of real wood. This is why there are still a lot of
people who wouldn’t mind spending extra on meticulous care just to enjoy the rich warmth and
feel of real wood. There are also some manufacturers of composite decking materials that are
selling low-grade products and have cast the material in a bad light since they were not able to
live up to their promise. Which is why, if you ever so decide to us composite materials, make
sure to invest in a well-known brand that will offer you good quality.
So what would be the best material for your deck? There are several factors that you need to
consider in making such decision, such as the design requirements, floor traffic, budget as well
as your personal lifestyle and preference. Take your time in taking into account these important
elements to help you decide which type pf material would work best for your home.
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What You Need to Know About Pressure-treated Wood
As anyone would readily attest, no man-made material can quite rival the natural and
understated beauty of wood. This fact still holds true when it comes to building a deck in home
to extend your living space. Despite the high maintenance cost, replacements and repair of
wood for outdoor structures, there are numerous people who wouldn’t mind spending extra just
to enjoy the comforting and elegant warmth of real wood decks.
Among the common problems with the use of wood is the possible infestation of termites,
cracks and splinters, as well as rot and decay. However, the availability of pressure-treated
wood can significantly help in preserving the beauty of wood all without sacrificing the quality of
the material. Pressure treatment is generally a process of forcing some chemical preservatives
and special treatments into the wood. This is done by placing the wood into a special enclosed
cylinder, where both pressure and vacuum is applied in order to force the injection of
preservations into the grains. This makes pressure-treated wood materials practically
impervious to any fungal, insects and termite attacks.
The most common types of pressure treatments used today includes Oil-borne, waterborne,
Creosote – which are the three classes of preservatives that are popularly used for pressure-
treated wood. The waterborne treatment is typically used for commercial, industrial and
residential structures. On the other hand, the Creosote is mainly for the treatment for railroad
ties, timbers and guardrail posts that are used in marine structures. Oil-borne is for treating
utility poles and cross arms.
Known to be the wood from all season and highly recommended for outdoor structures,
pressure-treated wood can easily withstand the harsh weather conditions and still be able to
retain its original beauty. This alone makes it an ideal option for decks, porches picnic table, and
almost everything else that would be directly exposed to the weather. The great thing is
pressure-treated wood is now made available in several forms depending on your construction
needs, such as: lumber, plywood, posts and boards. However, there have been some alarming
concerns with the hazards of using pressure-treated materials as it is said to pose serious threat
to human health. When using this material, one should be extra careful when dealing with the
sawdust, as it is a well-known irritant to the eyes, nose and skin. Be sure to use a good quality
dust mask as well as prevent direct contact on skin by wearing protective gloves. It is also
important to know that the sawdust should never be burned under any known circumstances
since the smoke can be highly toxic. So if you are no expert in dealing with this kind of material,
it is best to rely on the expertise of a trained professional to get the job done with minimum fuss.
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