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FAQ About Composite Decking

As you would expect, We get asked a lot of questions asked about decking. Here are the most frequent questions we get asked along with the most common questions typed into Google when searching for information about Composite Decking and composite decking installation.

The information below is opinion/experience based and researched from trusted sources on the internet.

A Composite Decking Installer Near Me?

We are based in Essex and have been installing Composite and Timber Decking across Essex and surrounding areas for over a decade. We have noticed that several companies have sprung up (especially during or since the pandemic) run by people with limited or no experience in fitting composite decking. By choosing Essex Decking and Fencing, you will choose a company that specialises in composite decking installation.

Composite Decking Fitters Near Me?

Composite Decking is different from timber decking in that it requires specialist knowledge, tools and experience to be fitted correctly, and of course have a great looking end result. Many other local decking companies have a history primarily in timber deck installation, this does not make them the best choice for a composite project. Search galleries for multiple, different examples of composite deck projects, you'll struggle to find someone with the depth and variety of work that we have.

Composite Decking Installers In Essex?

Surprisingly there are very few, and even fewer good ones. Most decking companies in Essex will have just one offering of a composite deckboard (usually the cheapest brand), which you will be steered towards as the only available option.

We have tried and tested dozens of composite decking brands since it was launched in the UK and have partnered with the top decking manufacturers enabling us to offer you a choice to meet your budget and style, along with the peace of mind of a long lasting and great looking deck.

Is Composite Decking Better Than Wood?

There are several factors to consider when answering this:

Budget

Composite decking does require a bigger initial investment than timber decking.

Style

This depends on your taste and the look and feel you are trying to achieve with your decking. For some people, only timber will decking will do. Maybe its to tie in with other timber structures on your property although composite is now available in in a variety of shades and colours with some brands such as Millboard that replicate wood almost perfectly.

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Total cost of ownership

This is where composite wins every time. Although you are paying more at the start, the volume of time and materials you'd be saving on maintenance of a composite deck is significant. Wood needs to be regularly cleaned and treated to prevent it become slippery or rotting. Composite requires the odd mop or once over with a pressure washer. 

As a building material, composite is definitely the superior material. Stronger than wood with anti slip, anti rot and anti fade properties. No splitting or warping and no treating.

Overall, in our opinion a composite deck is better value for money than a wooden deck. 

Should I Buy Composite Decking?

You could perhaps compare this to buying a car, should you buy a new car or a second hand one?

Composite decking will give you that exciting 'new car look & feel" combined with the assurance of the latest technology and a long warranty (and dont forget being the envy of friends and family).

Timber decking is slightly cheaper and will do the job but will require more upkeep and has a shorter lifespan than composite.

For us, having used composite decking and installed it countless times, it's a no brainer; if its within your budget to invest in it, buy composite decking!

Is Composite Decking Worth it?

If you want to:

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  • Spend more time enjoying your deck rather than hours and hours of looking after it

  • Have a stunning deck that will be the envy of friends & family

  • Have a long manufacturers warranty

  • Not slip over when your deck gets wet

  • Not worry about your deckboards rotting, splitting or warping

  • Know that you have saved plastic from landfill

 

Then Yes, it's worth it.

Is Composite Decking Eco Friendly?

It's got plastic in it, so must be bad for the environment yes?

Wrong - Reputable brands of composite decking such as Composite Prime use high grade recycled materials from ethically approved sources such as end of life hardwood flour (superior to softwood flour as used in cheap composite brands) and high grade plastic such as milk bottles and tops (and not low grade plastics such as carrier bags)

For every square metre of Composite Prime decking you buy, you'd be saving approximately 3000 plastic milk botlles/tops from landfill.

Be sure to check the environment credentials of the brand you choose. Choosing cheaper brands may actually damage the environment as opposed to saving it! 

How Long Does Composite Decking Last?

From reputable Brands such as Composite Prime, Millboard & Trex you should expect to see a 25 year warranty. This of course is how long they are guaranteed for, a well looked after deck may last longer if it's built correctly.

Does a Composite Deck Last Longer Than Wood?

For this reason, these days many people are choosing to replace their timber decks with composite decks. Usually, when we visit a customer who is replacing their deck, we ask how long the existing decaying timber deck has been down, the common answer is between 5 -12 years.

A well constructed timber deck should last longer than this but meticulous, correct and regular upkeep is not what most people's busy lives permit, so unfortunately missing a few years maintenance can damage a timber deck beyond repair and before you know it you have a dangerous & slippery surface under your feet.

Good quality, well fitted composite decking however, does not require the same level of care and attention, and even poorly looked after will last many years longer than timber.

What's The Best Brand Of Composite Decking?

Of course the answer to this question will depend on who is trying to sell it to you. For us at Essex Decking and Fencing, it's not just about the profit. We would rather have a portfolio of happy returning and referring customers; so our recommendations are based on years of working with and receiving direct feedback from customers on decking brands we supply & fit. We have narrowed it down to three brands that we know are good quality and should anything ever go wrong, have the company strength and infrastructure to be able to honour any warranty years from now.

Composite Prime is a British company and the fastest growing high quality composite decking and fencing brand in the UK. Essex Decking and Fencing are proud to have been one of the first Composite Prime Accredited Pro Installers in the UK.
Composite Prime decking is equally suited for commercial or residential environments. 

Trex is an American company and the largest composite deck manufacturer globally. They are accredited with invention of composite decking today as we know it.
Essex Decking and Fencing having been installing Trex Composite decking in an around Essex since 2011.
Trex decking is equally suited for commercial or residential projects. 

Essex Decking and Fencing have been installing Millboard composite decks in Essex and surrounding counties since 2011. Millboard is a unique Resin Mineral (wood free) product that is widely considered the pinnacle of decking products in the UK. Stunning colours and soft underfoot make it a popular choice for luxury and commercial locations where only the best will suffice.

What Is The Most Popular Composite Decking Colour Choice?

Over the past three to four years the answer to this would definetely have been grey composite decking. We put this down to many house builders switching to grey window frames from the traditional white. Of course grey is the perfect colour for decking as it tends to go with any other colour, does not get too warm in direct sunlight and provides a neutral backdrop for furniture, pots & plants.

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Composite Prime Antique Grey Decking

During 2022, grey decking is still our top customer choice but we have seen a lot more customers going for lighter shades. This is partly due to the release of the Champagne & Oyster dual coloured wide deckboard from Composite Prime.

A lighter colour gives a more contemporary deck feel. It makes the space feel larger and will stay cooler in direct sunlight.

Composite Prime's HD Deck Pro is the only 200mm wide (8") capped composite deckboard available in the UK.

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Composite Prime HD Deck Pro Champagne/Oyster Decking

What Composite Decking Colours are Available?

If you'd have asked 5 years ago, the answer would have been pretty much grey or brown in various shades. In more recent times we have seen dozens of colours emerge from deck manufacturers; blacks, greys, browns, creams and even red. Visit our composite decking collections HERE to see the colour choices.

Will Composite Decking Add Value To My House?

We get asked this question a lot. Recent feedback from some of our customers would definitely say yes it does.

In mid 2022, One of our customers in Dunmow, Essex had his house valued by several estate agents with his existing large, raised timber decking in place. They returned market values of around £600,000. It was also pointed out that although the house was indeed beautifully decorated inside, the existing timber decking may be inclined to put certain customers off due to the need for upkeep, several boards were split and several screwheads were protruding. Also the balustrade around the deck was poorly made.

The estate agents commented that this would exclude him from key markets such as: families with young children & senior citizens.

We ripped out the entire decking, frame and handrails and re-designed & replaced it with Composite Prime HD Deck Dual in Antique Grey with a beautiful stainless steel and marine wire balustrade.

The overall project cost was approximately £18000.

The customer had his property valued again and was surprised and pleased to receive valuations in the region of £690,000. Thats a 15% increase!

A recent study by one of the globally leading marketing companies concluded that to keep your property's "kerb appeal" and monetary value up to speed with the market at any time, that the owner should invest around 10% of the property's perceived value every 10-15 years on its outside landscaping and decor.

While this may seem excessive to a lot of us, a large feature such as a deck will hugely increase your property's sale-ability as (especially since the pandemic) more and more people are spending time in their outdoor spaces.

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Is Composite Decking Fire Proof?

In certain cases such as commercial composite decking, composite decking for balconies, composite decking for carvans, composite decking for static homes and others, composite decking with a fire rating may be required.

We can supply a Class B fire rated composite deckboard.

Composite Prime have launched the HD Fire 150 composite deckboard suitable for locations where a Class B fire rated board is required.

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Is Composite Decking Slippery?

All good brands of composite decking have excellent anti slip properties. A good pronounced grain pattern along with the texture of composite decking makes it an excellent choice for non slip areas.

We build many composite decks around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas for this reason.

Where even more visible grip is required, there are specialist products such as Millboard LastaGrip with aggegrate non slip strips designed into the deckboard itself.

Does Composite Decking Expand?

Composite decking has plastic content, which when introduced to heat will expand slightly. The expansion usually occurs lengthwise on the board and can be around 5-10mm depending on the extremes of temperature and the brand of decking used. 

This is managed by correct spacing at the time of installation and the use of clip fastenings which govern and keep the board spacing constant.

Do not let this put you off composite decking as most materials will expand and contract in the hot or cold regardless. One of the advantages composite decking has over timber decking that it will not absorb water so temperature is the only real factor thats affects expansion/contraction.

Does Composite Decking Get Hot In The Sun?

Everything will get hot when exposed to direct and prolongued summer sunshine. There are expressions such as "the sun's cracking the flagstones" for instance.

Composite decking has wood aswell as plastic content which will get hot in direct sunlight. The key choices to minimise this are colour choice, (the darker the colour you choose, the more light/heat will be absorbed and therefore make it hotter to the touch) and brand choice (the cheaper the brand, the higher quantity and lower quality of plastic will make it more susceptible to getting hot).

Obviously the geographical aspect of the decking is a big factor too. If its a south facing deck, it will be exposed to direct sunlight for more hours of the day and may get hot as a result.

We have installed composite decking in minus temperatures aswell as +30 degrees so we are aware how the boards react and how they feel in these extremes. We found that any board darker than a mid grey and in a very sunny position may get uncomfortably hot on bare feet or hands at certain times of the day in a hot spell of weather.

Does Composite Decking Fade?

Any building material that lives outside and is exposed to UV light all year long will experience some degree of fading. Stone, wood or composite.The questions are, is how quick, how much and is this covered by my warranty if it does happen?

First of all, brand choice is key. The higher quality the brand of composite decking you choose will have superior manufacturing processes and raw materials making it more resilient to fade over time. Also, with better quality brands a longer, more robust and comprehensive warranty will be offered. 

Capping - This refers to resin encapulation of the deckboard (referred to as capped decking). The resin coat will provide additional protection against UV fading, scratching and slip. Uncapped boards are available (usally slightly cheaper) but may be more susceptible to colour fade.

All good brands of composite decking will have the fade expectancy documented and their warranties will account for this.

We have seen people install the cheapest brands of composite decking and have suffered a high degree of fade (as much as 30%) in as little as 12 months but have no warranty. Obviously this is not a position we want our customers to be in, therefore reinforcing our decision to partner with the best quality and value for money decking brands available in Essex and the UK.

Unfortunately, the phrases "buy cheap pay twice" and "you get what you pay for" can be painfully true.

Does Composite Decking Rot?

Good quality composite decking will not rot or decay. The formulated balance of recycled plastic and recycled wood bound with a hard resin has built in anti rot properties. This enables composite decking to have a variety of uses and locations. We have built composite planters and raised for customers as well used composite deckboards for cladding purposes.

Does Composite Decking Split?

Good brand composite decking will not split or splinter due to climate conditions as wood is prone to do. The only occasions where we have seen composite decking split is if it has been installed incorrectly and the boards are subject to stressful forces.

Does Composite Decking Warp?

The default answer is no, it will not warp due to climactic conditions if the board structure is not compromised and its fitted correctly. There are some external factors which could cause bends such as:

  • Incorrect fitting with not enough clip fastenings

  • Incorrect joist spacing in the deck subframe

  • Exceptionally heavy objects placed in a focused area without sufficient frame reinforcement (heavy pots, hot tubs)

  • Ground sinkage causing movement of the subframe and pulling the deckboards with its movement.

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Does Composite Decking Look Like Plastic?

One of the misconceptions about the composite decking available today, and therefore puts people off, is that it looks "too fake" i.e too plasticy and shiny. Admmittedly, the earliest composite deckboards (which were in fact MOSTLY plastic) looked, in our opinion, awful.

Advances in technology led by customer demands have seen huge advances in deckboard aesthetics. Some brands such Millboard decking, are designed to emulate wood almost perfectly by each board being moulded from a genuine oak plank and then coated in a matt finish rubberlike coating.

Composite Prime is another manufacturer that favours the matt finish of their boards combined with natural grains patterns and rich colour choices.

Unfortunately, due to the continued success (and subsequent high demand) of composite decking in Essex and the UK, cheaper products will always be produced in an attempt to cash in. These are probably what is maintaining the myth of composite decking looking "too artificial".

If it looks cheap..it probably is.

These boards do indeed have that "fake and plastic" look and are usually weaker in structure and will fade much faster than reputable brand composite decking.

We do know that the concept of having composite decking is appealing, as a lot of people in the industry (including us!) keep singing its praises but don't be tempted to buy the cheapest board the internet has to offer or you may regret it in a relatively short period of time.

Does Composite Decking Look Better Than Wood?

A difficult question to answer without drawing disagreement. After all, composite decking is mostly designed to emulate the look of wood, which would argue that wood is the "real thing" and therefore looks better.

However, with its clean lines, no warps or splinters, choice of dozens of colours and natural looking grain patterns, we feel its about time to move away from comparing Composite decking to wooden decking and concede that composite decking is definitely the superior building material and more in tune with a majority of the tastes of today.

Is Composite Decking Suitable For Commercial Use?

Absolutely yes.

All of its properties make for the better choice for a commercial decking material. More durable, requires less maintenace, superior slip resistance, more colour choice, Class B fire rated options etc.

We have fitted many composite decks for business including:

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  • Decking for restaurants

  • Decking for cafes

  • Decking for coffee bars

  • Decking for pubs

  • Decking for schools

  • Decking for colleges

  • Decking for balconies

  • Decking for new builds

  • Decking for show gardens

  • Decking for retirement homes

  • Decking for care homes

  • Decking for caravans

  • Decking for static homes.

  • Decking for lunch areas

  • Decking for golf clubs

  • Decking for charities

  • Decking for wedding venues

  • Decking for swimming pools

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Composite Deck Ideas?

If you are looking for ideas for the design of your composite decking, we can help. A deck doesnt have to be a straight forward rectangle all on one level. We have built hundereds of different height, shape, size and coloured decks over the years and we'd be happy to share our ideas with you.

Why not check out our Designs and pictures gallery or contact us.

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