There is no doubt that everyone wants a maintenance-free outdoor deck. All you need to do is install it, and it will last for the rest of its life with little to no maintenance or upkeep. However, no deck is completely maintenance-free, but composite decks are much easier to maintain in comparison.
Decks have long been a popular outdoor decoration for homeowners, providing extra space for outdoor activities. But just how much maintenance is required to keep a deck looking good and performing well?
Traditional wood decks require regular staining, sealing, and repairs to keep their longevity, durability, and appearance intact. But composite decking offers homeowners a more durable and hassle-free solution.
Evolution of the deck
For a long time, people have used traditional wood decking as a building material. It has a more classic and natural aesthetic, but it requires regular maintenance and care to prevent cracking and damage to the deck. Not only does this result in a lot of wasted material and labor costs, but it also takes more time to sand, maintain, and seal. As perceptions change, more and more homeowners are looking for alternatives with low maintenance needs.
The advent of Composite decks has changed the options for homeowners. These decks are made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, which creates a solution that is stronger, more durable, has a diverse look, and is lower maintenance.
Compared to traditional wood decking, composite decking offers many more advantages. Composite decks are resistant to mold, moisture, and the effects of extreme environments. And it doesn’t require tedious maintenance. This makes it a perfect alternative to traditional decking. It saves homeowners more maintenance costs.
Benefits of composite decking
Durable
Composite deck boards are perfectly resistant to all extremes of the environment and natural weather, and will not easily rot, crack, or warp. Excellent resistance to moisture makes it suitable for use in humid environments or rainy areas. The specially constructed deck surface is protected from the wear and tear of daily use and retains its original appearance and performance, even under intense use.
Lower maintenance requirements
Many people think that composite materials are maintenance-free. The truth is that no material is maintenance-free. You still need some simple maintenance and care. This will ensure the longevity and performance of your composite decking boards.
Unlike traditional decks, composite decks don’t need to be stained, sanded, and sealed. You only need to clean the deck regularly to ensure its perfect appearance and performance. Deck cleaning can be accomplished with mild soapy water, a garden hose, and a soft bristle brush. No specialized cleaning products are required. It minimizes the time and money homeowners spend on deck maintenance.
Fade resistant
Most composite decking has excellent UV resistance properties, so it effectively prevents fading. This ensures that the deck will maintain its intact appearance and vibrant colors for a long time to come, reducing the need for restaining.
Longer life
The design of composite decks makes them resistant to damage and cracking, so they have a longer lifespan than traditional decks. Typically, composite decks will last 15-25 years and will not break down easily. This means that the cost of decking becomes lower and lower over time, making up for the high upfront cost of composite material. And homeowners don’t need to spend a lot of money on maintenance, replacement, and repairs on their decks.
How to maintain composite decks
Daily cleaning
For normal day-to-day cleaning, we recommend that you use a leaf blower or broom to remove leaves and debris from your deck. This debris can create standing water and cause mold growth. While composite materials are very resistant to mold, they can leave unsightly marks on the surface of your deck.
Regular deep cleaning
We recommend that you deep clean your deck at least twice a year to remove stubborn stains and dirt from your composite decking. Using mild soapy water and a soft brush can easily remove dirt from your deck.
For some hard-to-remove dirt, consider using a low-pressure washer to rinse the deck’s surface. Be sure to keep the washer running at a low pressure or you may cause irreversible wear and tear on your deck. You can also clean the decking with a cleaner specifically for composite material. Remember to rinse composite decking thoroughly after cleaning.
Remove snow and ice in a timely manner
As the weather continues to get colder, we recommend that you keep your deck secure until the cold winter sets in.
Use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck, and be sure to avoid using metal or sharp objects that can damage your deck’s surface. For hard-to-clean snow and ice, we recommend using composite decks, and professional ice melter. It does not contain any chemical additives and will not corrode your deck or leave an unsightly residue.
Conclusion
To summarize, although composite decking is not completely maintenance-free, it requires less maintenance cost and time. This makes it a more durable and hassle-free solution for outdoor spaces. It is durable, low-maintenance, fade-resistant, and long-lasting, allowing homeowners to enjoy their decks without worrying about damage.
If you don’t have more time to maintain and care for your outdoor deck, then choose a composite deck to create a more relaxing space.