Composite has become one of the most popular materials to use for decking boards in recent years, and this is owing to the plethora of benefits that the material offers when compared to traditional timber decking boards.
If you are looking to upgrade your deck or simply build one from scratch, then you’ll likely want to be using composite decking boards. The only issue with this is that there are many different types of composite decking brands out there, so it may be difficult to make a decision.
Thankfully, our Ecoscape composite decking boards are some of the best on the market. Why that is and what the benefits of our composite materials are, will be discussed in this article.
What Is Composite Decking?
Before we begin discussing which composite decking boards will be right for you and your home, it might be a good idea to understand why composite decking has become so popular in the first place.
To understand this, we need to start by discussing what composite decking is made from.
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)
Composite decking boards are made from a mixture of materials known as Wood Plastic Composite. Wood Plastic Composite is created by mixing recycled plastic, recycled wood fibres, colourants, and bonding agents.
This mixture is heated and then extruded at a very high temperature to make board shapes, after which it is embossed. This process makes the material extremely durable, allowing it to last years in even the harshest of weather conditions.
Ecoscape’s composite decking boards are made from 55% reclaimed wood fibres and 45% recycled HDPE. Our use of recycled materials doesn’t only make the finished product much stronger but also much more sustainable than wooden decking boards.
Why is composite decking better than wood decking?
Composite decking is lauded as being better than wood decking in many regards due to how low maintenance and durable it is.
Wooden decking often needs to be varnished, oiled, stained, repainted and treated with chemicals a few times a year if you want it to last long and look good. It will also need to be cleaned regularly whenever it becomes dirty.
Composite decking, however, only needs to be cleaned regularly for it to last even longer than wood decking. This can either be done with a soft-bristled brush, some warm soapy water, and some elbow grease, or a pressure washer.
The inclusion of plastic in composite decking allows it to be far more resistant to scratching, staining, mould, algae, UV damage, and termites. This is why composite decking can last up to 50 years, whereas wooden decking normally only lasts between 15 and 25 years.
What Are The Different Types Of Composite decking?
Composite decking has been around for some time at this point, which is why some improvements have been made to the product.
Most composite decking brands like Ecoscape offer both capped composite decking boards and uncapped composite decking boards.
Capped composite decking has an extra coating of HDPE, which is wrapped entirely around the boards. This makes capped composite boards more scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and less prone to fading over time.
Uncapped deck boards are made in pretty much the exact same way besides not having an extra layer of capping. They will be basically just as durable as capped composite boards; however, they will scratch, fade, and stain slightly more easily.
This is not to say that uncapped boards will be worse than wooden deck boards, as they will still last far longer, need less maintenance, and be far more fade-resistant.
Why Is Ecoscape One Of The Best Composite Decking Brands?
Ecoscape is one of the best composite decking brands on the market for a variety of reasons.
Ecoscape has an excellent warranty on our composite deck boards. Our Forma product range comes with a 25-year limited warranty, while our Clarity products have a 20-year residential limited warranty and a 10-year commercial limited warranty. As your Ecoscape decking boards are installed according to manufacturer standards.
Ecoscape also offers free samples, so you can see how the various colours of our composite decking boards will actually look and feel. We strive to dispatch all our products within 2/5 working days of your order, so you’ll be able to get your deck built sooner rather than later.
Ecoscape does not only offer composite decking materials, as you can also order composite cladding boards, composite fencing products, balustrade systems, timber-free support systems, and finishing boards and trim boards.
Ecoscape have matching colours across the composite decking, composite cladding, composite fencing and composite balustrade range. Ecoscape also have the best technology, producing the most beautiful products. Profiles with the best colour streaking and finishes. Please request a sample to see for yourself.
With Ecoscape, you will know that you’ll be receiving a quality product that will arrive soon after you order it and will be backed by a lengthy warranty. We also offer numerous lengths – 3000mm, 3600mm and 4800mm in the composite decking range. We are also one of the longest established brands in Europe with over 10 years experience.
What Composite Decking Boards Does Ecoscape Offer?
Ecoscape offers both capped and uncapped composite decking boards, with the capped boards being the better but slightly more expensive option.
Ecoscape’s uncapped composite decking boards come in five different colours, which are charcoal, graphite, ash, autumn, and walnut. The boards are reversible as well, so you’ll be able to choose between narrow or wide grooves, depending on the side you choose to go with.
Both surfaces are smooth but not slippery, so you won’t need to worry about walking barefoot on your new deck. EcoScape’s uncapped boards sell for ÂĢ41.55 per square metre.
Ecoscape’s capped composite boards come in six different colours which are midnight, argent, flint, silver birch, spiced oak, and Havana. The colours are quite similar to the uncapped boards but offer some slight differences in their wood effect.
The capped boards feature an extra 1mm coating of HDPE that is wrapped entirely around them. This coating makes the boards more scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant than their uncapped counterparts.
The capped boards are also reversible as they have a wood grain finish on one side and wide grooves on the other, so you’ll be able to take your pick.
Both the capped and uncapped composite boards are made from 95% recycled materials, so they are incredibly sustainable, and you’ll be doing your part for the environment by choosing composite decking over timber decking.
FAQS
Is a composite deck worth the money?
While composite deck boards cost quite a bit more than timber decking boards, they tend to last much longer and need far less maintenance.
The cost of varnish and staining material will eventually add up, so in the long run, composite decks can actually end up saving you some money.
How long do composite decks last?
Composite decking material can last up to 50 years if it is looked after properly, but the average is between 25 to 30 years.
Can you pressure wash composite decking?
Yes, you can, but you will need to make sure the pressure is not turned all the way up, as this could end up damaging your decking boards.
Final Thoughts
A composite deck is seemingly the way to go these days, and Ecoscape can supply you with some of the best composite decking available, as we have a wide range of colours, great warranties and delivery service.
Choose Ecoscape to make sure your house will get the best composite decking!
