How Composite Decking Is Made

Composite Decking is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance and eco-friendly qualities. It’s also relatively inexpensive to install compared to other types of wood decking.

What is the downside of composite decking?

All types of composite decking are created by combining plastic and wood. They’re often mixed with preservatives to ward off rot, mold and mildew. The boards are then treated with pigments to give them a variety of color shades and textures.

They’re also dyed to look like natural wood grains and sometimes have realistic color streaking. Most have a high-quality finish that resists staining and scratches.

Their durability and resistance to weather, rot, extreme temperatures and mold and mildew make them a long-lasting option for your home. They last decades and don’t require refinishing or painting.

These decking boards are heavy and strong. They’re used for swimming pool decks, pathways to homes and permanent flooring in hotels and homes. However, they might expand and contract under extreme weather conditions.

Hollow composite decking boards, or blank composite boards, are lighter and less resistant to impacts than solid composite decking boards. They typically look more like real wood than solid composite decking.

The boards can be cut to length and nailed down. Some manufacturers use a special co-extrusion process that places a tough, capped composite polypropylene shell around three sides of the board.

Unlike traditional wood, composite decking boards expand and contract. This movement can lead to splintering, peeling and delamination. It can also cause the decking to crack and warp.