The Disadvantages of Composite Decking

Like any building material, composite decking comes with benefits and drawbacks. Composite deck boards vary in quality and performance, but buyers should be aware of commonly cited problems. In this blog post, we list well-documented issues with composite decking that can affect your project. Read on to discover more about the disadvantages of composite decking.

What is Composite Decking?

Introduced as an alternative to traditional wood decking, composite decking combines synthetic and organic materials. Homeowners readily adopted composite decking to avoid the maintenance of wood. Composite decking has evolved over the years, but its composition remains consistent. Manufacturers produce composite deck boards using wood fibers and plastic. Oftentimes, the ingredients include recycled content such as sawdust and post-consumer plastics.

Before diving into the disadvantages of composite decking, you should know the difference between composite and plastic decking. Plastic decking is a fully synthetic outdoor decking material. Unlike composite decking, plastic decking excludes any organic content like wood. The wood fibers in composite decking impact its ability to withstand water and weather. Many of the shortfalls of composite decking result from the inclusion of organic materials that naturally and inevitably degrade.

The Upfront Cost of Composite Decking Can Be High

Composite decking often costs more than traditional wood decking. The boards can far exceed many budgets, making cost a top disadvantage of composite decking. The price of composite deck boards varies based on the brand and product line. Although composite decking usually costs more than lumber, the price gap continues to close as the cost of wood rises. Some wood deck boards like exotic hardwoods can cost significantly more than composite decking. Homeowners should also consider the potential savings that composite decking provides as it requires less maintenance than wood decking.

It’s Not Natural

Composite decking includes wood fibers but it does not fall into the category of natural decking materials. Composite deck boards will not fully break down like biodegradable products due to plastic content. Composite decking often contains recycled ingredients, but the majority of sources state that the boards cannot be recycled or even accepted by local trash services after use. The mixture of wood and plastic makes composite decking difficult to process and recycle. The look and feel of composite decking do not match that of traditional wood; however, composite decking manufacturers have improved appearance and texture over the years.

It’s Not Maintenance Free

All outdoor decking materials require upkeep to look clean and new. Some composite decking brands advertise their boards as zero-maintenance. The claims can mislead buyers to believe that they will never have to clean their decking. Though it needs much less time and care than wood decking, composite decking requires maintenance for optimum longevity and appearance. The level of maintenance compared to wood should be considered an advantage. However, if you have been told that composite decking is maintenance-free, then even the minimal upkeep required can be perceived as a disadvantage.

It Varies in Quality

Composite deck boards vary greatly in quality and performance. The cheapest composite decking may come with an enticing price tag but need replacing in just a few years or less. Buyers should do ample research and product comparisons before investing in any type of outdoor decking. In addition to research like reading reviews, you can also look at board design to get a better idea of how long a decking might hold up. Composite decking typically has a longer lifespan when it comes capped. Capped composite deck boards include a protective skin to help shield the wood fibers from the elements.

Mold and Mildew on Composite Decking

Cited as a common disadvantage of composite decking, mold, and mildew can grow on the surface and within the core of the boards. Several of the most popular composite decking brands face class-action lawsuits related to mold and mildew. When its wood content absorbs and maintains moisture, composite decking becomes a host for mold and mildew. Capped composite deck boards provide better resistance than uncapped boards. If the protective cap does not cover all the sides of the board, then moisture can reach the wood fibers through the exposed side. Even four-sided capped composite decking remains susceptible to mold and mildew, especially if the cap experiences any damage. Once they appear on composite decking, mold and mildew can prove difficult to remove and remedy.

It Can Become Too Hot to Walk On

Composite decking can reach high surface temperatures due to sun exposure. For example, composite decking can surpass 150 °F on an 80 °F day. Hot deck boards pose a safety risk, especially for children and pets. Solutions like shade umbrellas and outdoor rugs can offer some relief, though they will not solve the root of the problem and require spending more money. What’s the best way to avoid composite decking that gets too hot? Product research and color selection allow you to determine which outdoor decking will not burn your feet. Seek out information on the surface temperatures of decking and check reviews to see what users say. We recommend ordering samples of decking to compare their surface temperatures after leaving them in the sun. If your project is exposed to full sun, consider selecting a lighter decking color.

It Still Requires Lumber

You might choose composite decking to avoid wood, but you will still need lumber to build your project. Composite decking lacks the strength necessary for structural use. The boards can make up the surface of a deck and aesthetic applications like a handrail cap. Composite decking cannot act as a framework, understructure, or load-bearing support. You will need to purchase lumber for understructure and framing or opt for aluminum framing. Posts, beams, joists, and stair stringers typically consist of treated lumber. The wood components of your project will remain subject to natural decline, which you may have been trying to get away from with composite decking.

Considering the Disadvantages of Composite Decking

Keep the disadvantages of composite decking in mind as you determine which outdoor decking material best suits your needs. As previously mentioned, composite decking varies greatly in quality and performance. One composite decking product might come with all the shortfalls we listed while another only experience a few. Composite decking also provides advantages to traditional wood-like less maintenance.

Selecting the ideal decking for your project will require that you compare the benefits and drawbacks of different brands and products. The three main types of decking include wood decking, composite decking, and plastic decking.  Before making an investment, be sure to research all three types of decking.