When designing or upgrading your outdoor space, choosing the right decking material is crucial. It sets the tone for the style and functionality of your deck, making it a key decision. In recent years, a popular choice for homeowners looking for low-maintenance solutions has been a combination of wood fibers and plastic, often sold as an alternative to traditional lumber. This material is marketed as being nearly indestructible and requiring minimal upkeep, but is it really the best choice for everyone? While it offers several advantages, there are some significant aspects to consider before settling on this decking solution.
Let’s dive into the potential drawbacks of this decking material, highlighting the important factors you might not hear about in the marketing brochures. If you’re planning on building or renovating your deck, it’s essential to know both the benefits and the limitations of this decking option.
What Exactly Is This Type of Decking?
To understand the concerns surrounding it, it’s helpful to first know what it is. This decking material is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic, designed to replicate the natural beauty of wood while offering enhanced durability and minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional wood, it is marketed as a long-lasting solution that resists rot, splinters, and insects, making it ideal for areas exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The material is available in various colors and textures, and it’s engineered to handle moisture and UV exposure better than natural wood. Though it’s sold as a near-perfect outdoor solution, this material doesn’t come without a few challenges. Let’s break down some of the most common concerns homeowners face when choosing it for their decks.
1. Higher Upfront Costs
One of the biggest considerations when deciding on this material is the higher initial price compared to natural wood. While the long-term savings on maintenance may balance out over time, the upfront investment can be much higher than you might expect. The cost of materials and installation is generally more expensive than pressure-treated wood or even some premium wood options. If you’re working with a tight budget, this could be a dealbreaker.
The materials themselves are engineered to be longer-lasting, but this durability comes at a cost. While you won’t need to worry about frequent sealing or staining like you would with wood, the investment for installing this material may not be feasible for everyone. Some homeowners find themselves opting for more affordable options, especially if they’re on a strict budget for their home renovation.
2. Heat Retention Issues
Another downside to this decking material is that it can retain a significant amount of heat. While it’s comfortable to walk on in cooler months, this type of deck can get uncomfortably hot during the summer, especially if you live in an area with long, sunny days. The material absorbs and holds heat much more than natural wood or other outdoor materials like stone or tile. This means you could be left with an unbearably hot surface on scorching summer days, which may make spending time on your deck less enjoyable.
If you plan to use your deck during the hottest months of the year, heat retention could be a serious problem. In fact, this issue is especially noticeable in areas that experience extreme summer heat. While some brands are working on solutions to reflect heat better, it’s still an issue to keep in mind.
3. Fading Over Time
Though this decking option is often sold as being color-stable and resistant to UV rays, the color can still fade over time. After prolonged exposure to sunlight and weather, the rich tones and hues that make it so attractive initially can start to diminish. This can result in a washed-out appearance, giving your deck a worn-out look even if it’s structurally sound.
While some manufacturers offer warranties that cover color fading, the truth is that it’s a natural process for many of these materials. The surface of the deck can dull over time, losing its vibrant color. Additionally, fading often occurs unevenly, creating a blotchy or uneven appearance. While fading doesn’t affect the material’s performance, it can impact the overall aesthetic of your deck, especially if you were hoping for it to maintain its pristine appearance for years.
If you’re particular about maintaining a vibrant deck, you might find yourself disappointed as the years pass and the surface begins to fade.
4. Limited Customization Options
One of the appeals of natural wood decking is its ability to be fully customized. Whether it’s intricate patterns, custom cuts, or stained finishes, wood can be manipulated to create nearly any design. However, the material we’re discussing here has its limitations when it comes to customization. Although there are various colors and textures to choose from, these materials typically don’t allow for the same level of customization as wood or stone.
If you’re someone who values a one-of-a-kind design, this could be a significant limitation. Special custom features like inlays, complex patterns, or detailed woodworking are much harder to achieve with these materials compared to wood. Additionally, if you’re looking to incorporate intricate designs or work with a specific grain pattern, you may not get the results you expect from this type of decking.
For many, the uniform look of this material can feel too “manufactured” and may lack the warmth and unique character that wood offers.
5. Susceptibility to Scratching and Surface Damage
While this decking option is known for being durable, it is still prone to surface scratches. If you move furniture around frequently, drag heavy items across the deck, or have pets or kids who like to play rough, you may notice scratches or scuff marks appearing on the surface. Over time, these scratches can accumulate, detracting from the deck’s appearance.
Even with some of the more durable options that include a protective top layer, wear and tear can cause the surface to become more vulnerable to damage. Once that protective layer starts to wear down, the material becomes more susceptible to scratches, gouges, or marks.
The risk of surface damage is something to consider if you plan to use your deck frequently or if you have a busy family. While cleaning and maintaining this material is relatively easy, keeping the surface pristine may require more effort to avoid scratches.
6. Mold and Mildew Growth
Although this decking material is resistant to rot and insects, it’s not completely immune to mold and mildew. In areas with high humidity or places where water tends to pool, these materials can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Left unchecked, this can cause the surface to become slippery and unsafe.
To prevent mold growth, regular cleaning is essential. Depending on where your deck is located, you may need to clean it more often to prevent mildew and keep the deck looking its best. This can require the use of specific cleaning solutions that are designed for this material. Even though it’s resistant to rotting, moisture buildup can lead to unsightly growths that compromise both the safety and appearance of your deck.
This ongoing maintenance is something to keep in mind, as it detracts from the low-maintenance appeal of the material.
7. Environmental Concerns
Although the materials used in this decking option often include recycled plastic and wood fibers, it’s not the most eco-friendly choice. The production process involves plastics that are often difficult to recycle, and the material itself isn’t biodegradable. While it’s true that it helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills by using recycled plastics, the overall sustainability of the decking material is still up for debate.
If environmental impact is a major consideration for you, you may want to explore other options, like responsibly sourced wood or alternative eco-friendly materials that are more biodegradable. While this decking option is often marketed as environmentally friendly, the reality is that it’s not the most sustainable material in the long run.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, this decking material offers a variety of benefits, from its low-maintenance nature to its resistance to rot and pests. However, it also has its drawbacks. The higher cost, heat retention, potential for fading, and the risk of surface damage are all important factors to consider before making a decision.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, durable decking material that requires little maintenance, this option could still be a great choice. However, if you’re working with a limited budget, want something with more design flexibility, or prefer materials that are more environmentally friendly, you may want to explore other options.
As with any home improvement decision, understanding both the advantages and limitations is key to finding the best material for your needs. By considering these potential concerns, you can make a more informed decision and choose a decking solution that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
