Composite Wood FAQs

What is Composite Wood Decking?

Composite decking is a great material that moulds together plastic resin with real wood and real wood fibres. This combination allows for a superb looking product with a much increased life span than traditional wooden decking. As it is made from recycled materials, it is also good for the environment.

How much maintenance does composite wood decking require?

With composite decking, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to maintain stability and beauty for decades. 

Is composite decking better than wood?

Composite decking provides the look and feel of wood without the environmental impact. 

Although the initial cost of composite decking can be higher, when you factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance required with a wood deck, a composite deck can end up paying for itself in well under 10 years.

How much is composite decking vs wood?

Wooden decking is commonly seen as the cheaper, more conventional route to obtaining your garden deck. The initial cost of a quality Composite Wood Shop deck may thus seem expensive compared to a wooden one, but the investment is one that is guaranteed to pay off.

Wood-plastic composite decking is famous for its longevity, a quality that traditional wooden decking often lacks. Customers often find that they have to replace their wooden deck in as little as five to ten years if strict maintenance routines aren’t kept up. 

Our quality decking ranges are low maintenance and won’t splinter wrap and rot, which is often the case with wooden boards.

How long do composite decks last?

You should expect your composite wood decking to last 20-30 years when looked after as recommended.

How long is the warranty?

Composite Wood Shop decking comes with a 10 year Warranty, ensuring that it will continue to look and perform as well as the first day it was installed.

Can you put composite decking over wood?

This is not a recommended practice. In many decking replacement jobs, joists end up being replaced, repaired or capped. This is due to the common discovery of decay beneath the decking, usually where the fastener penetrated the joist. When updating a deck with new decking, it’s crucial that the old decking be removed so the joists and beams can be assessed and repaired if necessary.

Installing decking over old decking will drastically reduce the lifespan of the material. The joints between two materials will readily trap water in wet environments. This contact area should be limited only to the top of the joists, leaving most of the decking exposed on both sides. If placed on top of other decking, there will be little drying potential beneath the new decking and more rapid decay of both the new and old can be expected. For manufactured products, installations over old decking or solid surfaces are prohibited and will likely void the warranty.

Is composite wood decking slippery when wet?

Unlike traditional decking, composite decking does not become slippery when wet. Composite decking absorbs significantly less water than traditional materials and also limits the growth of fungi and mould which can make the surface slippery. This gives you a safe and secure platform to walk on, making it suitable for everybody including children and the elderly.

Can you cut composite deck boards?

Composite decking cuts the same as timber. 

How do you clean composite decking?

The best way to clean your decking is to use soapy water and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush.

Does composite decking warp?

Composite decking is designed for maximum durability. It resists staining, scratching and mould and won’t rot or crack. It’s also splinter-free, making it safer and more comfortable for families with kids and pets.

How do you install composite deck boards?

Composite decking can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish.

It is important to recognize that composite decking expands and contracts with heat and cold. This fact will greatly influence how you go about working with the material to reduce waste and make your project easier.

After purchasing the material, store the composite decking flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where you will be cutting and installing it.

The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed.

These composite decking joists need to be used with spans of 300mm.

Can you pressure wash composite wood decking?

We do not actually recommend using a pressure washer to clean your decking. The truth is, you won’t need to! Please follow the cleaning advice above.

Can I paint my decking?

In theory you can paint or stain your composite wood decking if treated and primed correctly however, generally it is not a material which needs painting.Â