Whether you’re a professional, a homeowner, or a DIY enthusiast, you want to build an outdoor space that’s more durable and long-lasting. Choosing the right building material has a direct impact on the longevity of your outdoor deck.
Composite decking has become a staple choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and longer lifespan. Homeowners want to beautify their outdoor spaces with this product that offers great performance and a variety of looks.
But before choosing composite decking for your outdoor space, you may have some questions. How long does composite deck boards last? In the next article, we’ll take a closer look at the lifespan of composite decks and the factors that affect their longevity.
Understanding composite decking
Composite decking is a more durable and aesthetically pleasing decking material. Making it a perfect alternative to traditional wood decking. It is made from a blend of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and adhesives.
These materials form a strong, durable, long-lasting, and versatile material. Composite materials contain both wood fibers and plastic components. Therefore, it not only has the appearance and texture of solid wood. At the same time, it has the durable and moisture-resistant properties of plastic.
In addition to these benefits, composite decks are rot, moisture, crack, and pest-resistant and require less maintenance.
Lifespan of composite decking
Traditional wood decks can last for 10-15 years. However, it is important to note that you need to keep up with tedious maintenance, upkeep as well and sanding.
Based on homeowner usage and data, composite decks that are kept cleaned regularly can last 15-25 years. And you don’t need to sand, stain, or seal them at all, just clean and sweep them regularly. If a homeowner uses a high-quality deck, then it can even last more than 30 years.
Factors affecting the longevity of decking
Although composite decking has a long lifespan, there are still some factors that can affect its longevity.
The quality of the material
The quality of composite decks directly affects the longevity of an outdoor deck. High-quality composite materials are resistant to harsh environments and weather. Such as UV rays, sun exposure, and moisture. The superior performance and resistance of high-quality decks allow them to give outdoor spaces a longer lifespan.
But that doesn’t mean that low-quality composite material will be easily damaged. Even low-quality composite decks cope well with cracking, rotting, and warping.
However high-quality composite decks are relatively more expensive. It is not friendly for homeowners with limited budgets. Therefore homeowners need to carefully compare each brand of decks before buying composite decks. To select the more cost-effective deck.
Installation
Proper installation of the deck is essential to extend the life of the outdoor space. Therefore homeowners are urged to carefully read the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Or just hire a professional composite decking installer.
A professional installer will be able to ensure that the deck is evenly spaced and fixed correctly. And that proper ventilation and drainage systems are left in place. This plays a key role in extending the performance and longevity of your deck. Well-installed composite decks minimize the potential for warping, cracking, and rotting.
Climate and environment
The climate and environmental conditions of the installation area will also have a direct impact on the lifespan of composite decks. Under normal conditions of climate, composite decking can perform and perform well. However, some extreme environments have the potential to affect deck life and performance. Examples include temperature fluctuations, ultraviolet radiation, and humidity.
So if you are planning to install a deck in an extreme environment. Choose composite deck boards that are specifically designed for your local climate. A customized design will keep the deck performing well and give the homeowner a longer lifespan.
Maintenance and care
While composite decks are known for their low-maintenance nature, that doesn’t mean they are completely maintenance-free. If you don’t take care of your deck, it could still crack, rot, or warp.
Composite material is very resistant to mold or rot, and its superior structural design protects the deck. But there is still a chance that moisture can collect over time and invade the interior of the decking. This leads to cracking and rotting of the composite decking.
How to extend the life of your deck
After learning about the factors that affect the lifespan of composite decking, move on to tips for extending the life of your deck.
Regular cleaning
As we said above, a composite deck that is left unattended can still suffer from damage. Therefore regular cleaning of the deck and keeping the composite decks clean can effectively prolong their life. Make sure that the surface of the deck is free of dust, leaves, and dirt buildup, which are ideal for mold growth.
Sweep the deck regularly or use a leaf blower to clean visible debris from the surface, and don’t forget about fallen leaves in the cracks of the deck. Then use warm soapy water and a deck brush to clean composite decking, making sure the deck surface is completely cleared of dirt. This helps maintain the appearance, performance and longevity of your outdoor deck. Effectively prevents deck damage.
Avoid using tools that damage your deck
Avoid using tools and chemical cleaners that can damage your deck during routine cleaning and maintenance. Examples include pressure washers with excessive pressure, metal deck brushes, or cleaners that contain chemicals. These tools and cleaners can damage the surface of the deck and seriously affect its life and performance.
Prevent scratches and dirt
If your deck is installed in a high-traffic area, then try to carpet the surface of the deck to minimize the risk of dirt and scratches. Be sure to avoid dragging heavy furniture or sharp objects on your deck, which can wear down the surface and leave scratches. Consider using protective pads under furniture, which can minimize potential damage and extend the life of your deck.
Regular inspections
The best way to prevent and control damage is to identify and address it promptly. So check your composite decking regularly for signs that the deck is damaged or has been damaged. Examples include loose, cracked, or moldy decking. Deal with any problems promptly to prevent further deterioration of the decking.
