Composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional timber decking. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly properties make it an attractive choice for homeowners. But what exactly is composite decking made of?

To understand composite decking, we need to delve into its composition. Unlike traditional timber decking, which is made solely from wood, composite decking is a blend of materials, each contributing to its overall performance and appearance. Take a look at this range of black composite decking.

Wood Fibres: Despite being called "composite," wood fibres still play a significant role in composite decking. These wood fibres are often sourced from reclaimed or recycled wood, such as sawdust or wood chips. The use of recycled wood fibres adds to the sustainability of composite decking while reducing the demand for virgin wood.

Plastic: The primary binding agent in composite decking is plastic. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene are commonly used plastics due to their durability and resistance to moisture, rot, and insect damage. The plastic component provides strength and stability to the decking boards, making them suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions.

Additives: Various additives are incorporated into composite decking to enhance its properties. These additives may include UV stabilisers to prevent colour fading and antioxidants to protect against degradation from exposure to sunlight. Additionally, some composite decking products may contain mould inhibitors to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

Colourants: To achieve a desired aesthetic, colourants are added to composite decking during the manufacturing process. These colourants can mimic the appearance of natural wood or offer a range of customisable options to suit different preferences and design schemes.

By combining these materials, composite decking offers a host of advantages over traditional timber decking. It is resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, making it a durable option for outdoor spaces. Composite decking also requires minimal maintenance, eliminating the need for regular staining, sealing, or painting.

Having explored the basic components that make up this innovative decking material, let’s dive deeper into the manufacturing process of composite decking and its environmental impact compared to traditional timber decking. If black composite decking is too dark for you, check out this selection of grey composite decking.

Manufacturing Process

Composite decking is typically manufactured through a process called extrusion, which involves blending the raw materials and then forcing the mixture through a die to create the desired shape. Here's a simplified breakdown of the manufacturing process:

Material Preparation: Wood fibres and plastic resin are mixed together in precise proportions. Additives such as UV stabilisers, colourants, and mould inhibitors are also incorporated into the mixture.

Extrusion: The blended mixture is heated and forced through a die to form decking boards of the desired size and shape. During this process, the mixture is compressed to ensure uniformity and strength in the final product.

Cooling and Finishing: Once extruded, the decking boards are cooled and cut to the desired lengths. They may also undergo additional finishing processes, such as embossing or brushing, to enhance their appearance and texture.

Quality Control: Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the composite decking meets rigorous standards for durability, performance, and appearance.

Environmental Impact

One of the key advantages of composite decking is its eco-friendly properties compared to traditional timber decking. Here's how composite decking stacks up in terms of environmental impact:

Resource Utilisation: Composite decking utilises recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic, reducing the demand for virgin resources. This helps conserve natural forests and minimises the environmental footprint associated with timber harvesting.

Longevity and Durability: Composite decking has a longer lifespan than traditional timber decking, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated environmental impact. Additionally, composite decking requires minimal maintenance, further reducing its environmental footprint over time.

Recyclability: Most composite decking products are recyclable at the end of their lifespan. The recycled materials can be used to manufacture new decking boards or other products, closing the loop on the recycling process and reducing waste sent to landfills.

Chemical Treatments: Unlike traditional timber decking, composite decking does not require chemical treatments such as staining, sealing, or painting. This eliminates the use of potentially harmful chemicals and reduces environmental pollution.

In conclusion, composite decking offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional timber decking. Its innovative blend of materials, coupled with a streamlined manufacturing process, results in a durable, low-maintenance decking solution with a reduced environmental impact. Whether you're renovating your outdoor space or building a new deck, consider composite decking for a stylish, eco-conscious choice.