Composite lumber

Composite lumber is a material that is a mixture of wood fiber, plastic, and some type of binding agent. These ingredients are put together to form a material that is denser, stronger, and heavier than wood alone, a wood-plastic composite.

History

Until the 1990s, wood was the material of choice for deck construction. However, new products, composites, began to emerge at this time. These new products offered the look and workability of wood, but they were more water resistant and required less maintenance. Over time, these lower maintenance decking options increased in popularity. Although the majority of decks are still built of pressure treated pine, redwood, cedar or mahogany, use of composite woods has increased as outdoor decks and living areas have become popular as home features.

Features

Working with composite lumber is similar to working with wood. However, composite lumber has the added benefit of being less likely to split or delaminate. Some composite lumber is also engineered to be lighter weight for easier handling. Composite lumber is also more stain, scratch, and mold resistant, and is therefore supposed to have a longer life than wood lumber.

Advantages

Trex Composite Decking

Composite lumber comes from the manufacturer as a finished product. There is no need to stain, sand, or paint the material. Composite materials usually cost more than lumber, but their long life and low-maintenance requirements could make them more economical in the long run. Many composites are often made partially out of recycled plastics and waste wood, such as Trex Decking, which makes them an environmentally friendly, efficient use of resources.

Disadvantages

Composite lumber is usually more costly than normal or treated lumber. Composites may last longer, but the initial investment is likely to be higher. Many composites are formulated to be fade, scratch, and stain resistant, but no lumber is immune to the elements. Although composite lumber may resist these marring effects better than other materials, it will still show signs of wear over time. Composite lumber often has a plastic-like or synthetic appearance. Although manufacturers do mold the product with a wood grain or brush stroke pattern, some consumers simply do not like the artificial sheen.

Environmental Impact

The growth of wood-alternative products continues to fuel a debate about their environmental value when compared to wood, treated wood, metal and other alternatives. Many suggest that wood decking is made from a more sustainable ingredient and that it carries a smaller manufacturing carbon footprint. Others have claimed that the sawing of wood-alternative products during construction creates dust that will not biodegrade and that the wood-alternative deck boards, when they have outlived their useful lives, will not biodegrade in landfills.

Capped composite decking

Capped composite decking is composite decking, with a thin, approximately 1/16th inch, PVC-like veneer, or cap. This cap provides protection for the composite underneath. The cap is also formulated differently, in order to provide increased fade, stain, and scratch resistance. Capped composite decking is more expensive than both normal composite decking and wood decking because of the more involved manufacturing process in adding the second, co extruded layer to the board. Capped composites also lack the feel of real wood. Although manufacturers form the product with a realistic wood grain or brush stroke, some contractors and deck owners will not accept the artificial sheen. Capped composites, although formulated to resist fading, stains, and scratches, will show some wear over time, even if it is less than a normal composite or real wood product.

Maintenance

Periodically, throughout the year, you can perform weekly sweeping and removal of debris. At least once a year, you should give your deck a thorough cleaning, following some version of the steps presented below. Additionally, you should treat your deck or reseal the wood at least once a year.

Step 1 - Prepare to Clean the Deck

Remove everything from the deck, including furniture. Begin by removing the smaller items first. Place the items in an area where they won't be in anyone's way. Remove potted plants from the exterior perimeter of the deck. Lightly cover any delicate or fragile plants in the ground near the deck to protect them from potential disturbance. Gather together the tools that you will be using.

Step 2 - Sweep and Clear the Deck

Begin by removing any large debris by hand and place it in the trash bag. Sweep the debris on the deck into piles. Seep up the piles and place them into the trash bag. Remove any debris that is trapped in between the deck boards using the slender tool. Place the debris in the trash bag.

Step 3 - Hose or Pressure Wash

Use the garden hose with a spraying attachment to spray the surface of the deck and rinse it clean. Use the highest or most powerful setting on the sprayer and direct it directly onto muddied or heavily soiled spots to remove as much of the dirt as possible. Begin at one end of the deck and continue until you have rinsed the entire thing. If you use a pressure washer to rinse the deck, leave a few feet in between the spray nozzle and the deck. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you will gouge the wood. Use the sprayer fan for the best effect. Use the garden hose to spray in between the decking boards to clean away any remaining debris.

Step 4 - Cleanse

Prepare a solution of sudsy water using the laundry detergent or read the instructions on the commercial cleaner. Apply whatever you are using for a cleaner to the deck. Use a long handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to scrub. Begin at one end of the deck and work your way across the entire surface. Rinse the entire deck with the garden hose to remove the cleaning solution.

Step 5 - Bleach

Areas that have some algae or mildew growth need to be treated with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Be careful not to spill the bleach onto your clothing or any plants since it is harmful. Use plastic or garden gloves to protect your hands if you have delicate skin. The bleach solution may discolor the deck, so you can use an oxygen bleach cleaner to make the cleaning solution if you prefer. Pour the solution onto the area with the growth. If the growth appears fresh, then allow the solution to sit for only a moment or two. If on the other hand, the growth appears to have been there for a while, allow the bleach solution to sit for about 15 minutes. Use the long handled brush with stiff bristles or the push broom to scrub the area. Rinse the area clean. Allow it to dry.

Step 6 - Reseal

Purchase a wood sealer for the deck. Be sure to look at all of your options. Some sealers may include a waterproofing agent or mildewcide that offer your deck year round protection. Clear the deck of any debris that may have gathered while it was drying. Apply the wood sealer to the deck according to the instructions on the label.

See also

• Glued laminated timber
• Composite construction

Additional sources

• Verespej, Mike (March 26, 2012). "Composite deck maker Fiberon calls class action claims 'completely false'". Plastics News Magazine. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
• http://beautiful-backyard-blog.com/category/composite-materials/timbertech/-discusses composite decking
• Fisher, Bernard. "Care & Maintenance of Composite Wood".