Are you planning a deck building project for one of your spring maintenance projects? If so, you may be weighing your options for materials. There is pressure treated decking, which is wood that has been saturated with a chemical solution. There is also composite decking, a blend of plastic and wood particles which has become increasingly popular for deck construction. Why is composite decking such a preferred choice? Consider these benefits:

1. Longevity. A composite deck, again, is made of a combination of wood, vinyl, plastic, and other materials that have been recycled. That gives composite decks a much longer lifespan than a traditional wood deck. For example, a deck is often in direct sunlight, and unshielded from the elements like rain and wind. A composite deck is better equipped to handle these inclement elements.

2. Low maintenance. Sanding, staining, and sealing your wood deck can become a chore, especially because it needs to be done regularly if your deck is going to keep its like-new appearance. Wood decking can also crack, splinter and rot—all problems that simply are not as troublesome with composite decking materials. You will need to keep your composite deck clean to avoid stains or mold forming on the surface, but it will not be a regular maintenance grind like a wood deck requires.

3. Safe surface for bare feet. Wood decks often cause splinters. With a composite deck, you and guests can walk around in your bare feet without fear of a splinter. Another bonus is that composite decking materials are smooth surfaces that do not become overheated, like wood decks do on hot summer days, plus they are slip-resistant, ideal if your deck is located near a pool or hot tub.

4. Resistant to fading. If you neglect to stain and seal your beautiful wood deck, it will fade to grey after years of use. No one wants a dull, dated deck. Composite decking is a popular choice because all of the boards that form your deck will be uniform in color and appearance, and will not fade over the years.

5. Natural resistance to pests and rotting. Pressure treated wood is infused with pesticides and other chemicals in order to protect it against pests or rotting. Composite decking, because of its inherent makeup of various materials, has a natural resistance to both pests and rotting, giving a homeowner peace of mind.

Learn more about composite decking by speaking to a member of the sales team at Cleveland Lumber Company. We carry composite decking materials from top brands like Trex, TimberTech, and MoistureShield.