Decking Installation Diagram

Composite decking offers a versatile and durable alternative to traditional decking, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects. At Build4Less, our composite decking category features a variety of products designed to suit different aesthetic preferences, maintenance needs, and installation requirements.

Types of Composite Boards

Composite decking boards come in a variety of types, each suited for different needs and budgets:

Hollow Composite Boards

Hollow composite boards are lightweight and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for residential projects where heavy loads are not a concern. These composite boards are often easier to handle and install. Examples include the DDecks DuroD3 and Cladco Composite Wood Effect Decking Boards, available in various sizes and colours.

Solid Composite Boards

Solid composite boards offer enhanced strength and durability, making them suitable for commercial applications and areas with high foot traffic. They feel more robust underfoot and typically have a longer lifespan. Cladco offers a range of solid boards, as does the Alchemy Urban Composite series.

Capped Composite Boards

This composite board features a protective layer that wraps around the composite core, providing superior resistance to fading, staining, and scratching. This makes them ideal for decks that will be exposed to harsh weather conditions or require minimal maintenance. The Cladco Capstock PVC ASA Premium series is a great example of high-performance capped composite decking.

Which Decking Boards are best?

Pressure Treated Wood Boards

Pressure-treated wood boards are the most common type of flooring material used for construction. Pressure treated deck boards are less expensive than other types of wood, but they can rot and become infested with insects in just one year. The chemicals that go into pressure treating the wood make it difficult for water to penetrate which helps them last 15 years before needing replacement or repairs on damaged sites such as bugs chewing through your composite decking material! 

It also has some disadvantages. The chemicals they use to treat these woods are damaging to the environment. So, some are starting to use environmentally friendly chemicals. It is high in maintenance and its life span is short.

Hardwood Decking 

Hard wood boards are naturally resistant to insect damage and are eco-friendly. Hardwood decks are the go-to for natural wood enthusiasts because they're strong, lightweight, and have a naturally attractive colour. Hard wood decks are the most natural-looking and beautiful composite deck board type. They can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

PVC Decking Boards

PVC decking boards are made of pure plastic. They do not crack, splinter, or warp. They are resistant to mould and insect damage. With proper maintenance, they can last up to 25 years. 

Composite Decking 

The most preferred type of composite decking board is composite. They are composite of recycled plastic and wood. They are strong, durable, and easy to maintain and clean. But they are more resistant to rotting, splintering, moulds, and insect damage.

Plastic composite decking is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wooden decking. Made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, composite decking is durable and easy to maintain. It is also an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, composite decking is available in various colours and styles to suit any home exterior. If you are looking for an eco-friendly and stylish decking option, look no further than plastic decking! Plastic composite deck boards are an alternate option for wooden decking. 

Timber Decking Boards

Consider Timber composite decking rather than standard soft wood boards. It gives extra grip and adds a modern look to your garden. Wood Composite decking boards will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. 

The different types of timber used for Composite Decking:

Soft wood decking :

This is the most common type of wood used in composite decking. Budget-friendly, long-lasting, and durable. Softwoods that are used for wood decking are as below:

Pine  - Pine is a very common type of soft wood used for composite decking. It is lighter in shade like yellow, and turns slightly darker as they age.

Cedar - Cedar is more expensive but durable than pine. Moisture resistance comes in red, yellow & off-white shades. It slowly turns grey as it ages.

Red wood - Red wood is the most durable and popular softwood. A bit more expensive than pine.

Siberian larch decking is another type of timber decking that gives an aesthetically beautiful and natural look. It is more suitable for exterior applications and lasts up to 30 to 60 years. Siberian larch decking is one of the world’s most durable softwoods.

Hard wood decking: It is more durable than soft wood decking. And expensive as they are rarely found. The most commonly used types are: 

Teak - Teak is the most commonly used hard wood due to its durability. It has a high oil content which protects it from insects & rotting.

Oak - Oak is strong timber and oak boards are usually used for internal flooring. Oak is a great option for those who want to use hard wood but are intimidated by tropical species. Oak will not be as durable or stable, but it's well suited in elevated locations where its natural beauty can shine through! 

Cumaru - Cumaru is the hardest, densest, and long-lasting hard wood. It is fire and moisture-resistant. 

IPE - IPE is the best hard wood of all. It is fire, moisture, and insect-resistant. 

European Oak decking is fully air-dried and the ideal choice for designers who are looking for the perfect blend of durability and beauty.

How long does oak decking last?

Oak is one of the most durable wood out there, with an outdoor life expectancy that can range from 15 to 25 years. It all depends on how it's treated and what kind you choose for your project!

Best Wood To Use for Decking

There will be varying opinions but if you value cost over quality then Red wood is one of the best softwoods you can have. But if you choose quality and durability then Hard wood is the best option. IPE is the best wood you can use. These are a bit more expensive than softwoods though. 

Composite Decking Panels provide an essential foundation for any garden landscape project. Decking panels are easy to install, durable, low maintenance, and also budget-friendly. 

Deckorators

What is the Gap between Decking boards?

The best way to install your composite deck board model is by leaving a gap of 1/4" -1/8". This will allow for sufficient drainage, prevent rot, and strengthen the wood. Expansion gaps are essential when constructing composite decking. An expansion gap of 5-8mm between the boards is needed.

The two main reasons to leave a gap:

To preserve the Decking - the gaps between the boards are a drainage for the patio. Without that, water will be stuck on the surface of your patio. The composite decking will be exposed to moisture and these boards will shrink or expand depending on the temperature and humidity. 

For Safety- if you don't have space, water puddles might be on your patio. Then composite decking will become slippery when wet.

Selecting the Right  Decking Composite

When choosing the right composite decking, consider the following factors:

• Traffic Load: Higher-traffic areas benefit from solid or capped boards due to their enhanced durability.
• Weather Exposure: If your deck will face extreme weather, capped composite boards offer the best protection.
• Aesthetics: Consider the finish and colour of the boards. Wood grain effects are popular for their natural look.
• Budget: Hollow boards are generally more cost-effective, while solid and capped boards are investments in longevity.
   

Explore the range of composite decking to find the perfect match for your outdoor space, whether upgrading a private garden or outfitting a commercial terrace.