If a decking project is on the cards for 2024, chances are that you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and perhaps confused, given there are so many different directions you could go with your deck.
From traditional wood decking to composite decking and everything in between – the range of decking options can make it difficult to know where to start.
But that’s why we’re here. We’re going to help you understand why you should choose composite decking and how to ensure you’re choosing the best composite decking brand available in Australia.
What is composite decking?
Before we dive into the ins and outs and the need to knows about composite materials, let’s first talk about what composite decking actually is.
Composite decking is a modern alternative to traditional timber decking, renowned for its low maintenance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Composite decking boards are engineered from a blend of recycled materials, including wood fibres and recycled plastics, making them an eco-friendly option for outdoor living spaces.
Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking doesn’t require staining, painting, or sealing to maintain it as it’s designed to withstand weathering, fading, and staining. The materials used in composite decks are resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring a longer lifespan with minimal upkeep. This makes composite decking a practical choice for both residential and commercial applications, where durability and low maintenance are key considerations.
It’s a popular choice in Australia, especially suited for the harsh Australian climate, offering longevity and robustness against the elements.
Composite decking has also evolved in leaps and bounds in terms of its aesthetic appeal. Timber has long been a popular material for decking due to its natural beauty, however, composite decking now rivals this, you find composite decking that has a realistic grain pattern and is available in a wide range of colours and textures. This allows homeowners to create outdoor living spaces that complement their home’s design while offering the functional benefits of composite materials.
How to Choose the Best Composite Decking Brands
Now that you know what composite deck is and why it is a popular option for decking projects, it’s time to know the key factors that you should keep an eye out for when it comes to choosing your composite decking products.
- Does it have a history of great performance
- How has it been tested?
- What kind of service and support you will receive from the composite decking brand?
Does it have a history of great performance?
When composite decking was first introduced in Australia, many brands introduced subpar composite deck boards that were just not suitable for Australian conditions. Selecting a robust and reliable composite decking board is critical.
The technology behind composite deck boards has improved significantly, however, it’s important to make sure that you ask your supplier questions about the durability and track record of their composite decking products.
The truest indication of composite decking performance is how well it has held up over time. Here at WoodEvo, we have rigorously tested our composite products in real world conditions because we understand the unique needs of Australia’s harsh climate.
Don’t be afraid to ask your supplier any questions that you have, such as about the quality and longevity of their composite boards, common complaints, and how they’ve fared over time.
How has the product been tested?
In order to be used in a variety of applications, composite decking must be tested and compliant with Australian standards. This means that in order to be able to be used to create structures, decks, they must meet the standards of the Building Code of Australia.
They must be able to withstand weight and loads, they must be durable, slip resistant and meet fire safety standards. Any reputable supplier of composite decking products should be able to provide you with information regarding the tests their composite materials have undergone to ensure their compliance.
For our extensive range of WoodEvo composite timber decking products, you can find out testing and compliance certificates here. And if you want to learn more about what these ratings mean you can read this guide – WoodEvo Ratings and Certifications Explained.
What kind of service and support you will receive from the composite decking brand?
While many of us pride ourselves on a can-do-DIY-attitude, when it comes to creating a new deck in your outdoor space, it’s good to know you have support there when you need it.
Whether it’s finding someone to help or do the installation of the deck, or to answer questions about the maintenance of your composite decking boards, you need to have the right team behind you.
That’s what we’re here for at WoodEvo. We’re passionate about composite decking products, and ensuring a sustainable future for the Australian building industry. That’s why we not only help our customers in finding the right composite decking boards for their outdoor living space, but we also help them to find accredited installers and builders around Australia too.
On top of this, we also offer a very extensive warranty period for our products of 25 years, which also includes a 5-year labour warranty. We do this because we know that our high-performance decking products have been developed specifically for Australian conditions.
There are many suppliers of composite decking brands out there in the Australian market but not all of them will be around to provide support in the future so ensure you ask about ongoing support and service.
Choose Australia’s best composite decking
Now that you know the key factors that must be considered when starting your composite timber deck project, there’s nothing stopping you from making the right informed decision for you.
If you have any questions about what we’ve discussed in this article or you want to learn more about our deck products, colour choices and composite decking prices, get in touch with us here.