Composite Decking
Affordable, durable and versatile
by Sue Snuggs
A primary focus for homebuilders in the current tight housing market is incorporating cost-effective amenities that set homes apart and make them more attractive to home buyers. To entice buyers, builders recognize the benefits of providing features that add to the convenience and comfort of homeowners while retaining affordability.
With the demand for outdoor living spaces showing no signs of slowing, adding inviting decks to accommodate outdoor living is one way builders and architects can increase the appeal of their projects. According to a 2007 report from The NPD Group, Inc., eight out of 10 consumers prefer outdoor entertaining over indoor, weather permitting. To remain competitive, builders must keep pace with the increasing demands for convenient amenities, including durable decks that are suitable for outdoor living.
More and more, builders are discovering the advantages of incorporating decks to provide quality, comfortable leisure spaces for customers as well as the benefits they provide as a selling point. Decks enhance a builder's offerings by providing a convenient place for home buyers to expand their living spaces, relax and entertain.
Today, there are many choices for attractive decking materials. Composite decking is an appealing option because it requires no additional treatments and is expected to last two to three times longer than traditional decking materials. Builders and architects are choosing decking materials that are not only aesthetically appealing but can withstand demanding climate conditions. With the wide variety of options now available, it can be a challenge to determine which decking materials will stand the test of time, add long-term value and functionality, and look great for years to come.
Modern, Engineered Materials
The choice of decking material is an important first factor in the overall look, quality and amount of maintenance required to keep decks looking great year after year.
Decking material choices have expanded well beyond traditional options. Although wood remains a prevalent material for decks, wood-plastic composite decking is gaining a higher share of the decking materials market. A recent study by The Freedonia Group, Inc. projected that alternative decking materials will continue to lead the decking materials market in terms of yearly gains through 2011, with wood-plastic composite decking providing the strongest growth opportunity.
Builders and architects looking for consistent and predictable decking performance are increasingly turning to composite decking for their design needs. It is an appealing option because it doesn't require staining or painting?an appealing benefit considering today's busy lifestyles. It is an especially attractive option now that composite decking materials can capture the classic appearance of wood.
Gaining in popularity for a variety of residential projects, including decks, walkways and access ramps, composite decking has come a long way since its introduction to the market in the early 1990s. Advances in aesthetics have made composite decking a more attractive option, and the introduction of accessories such as railing components has expanded the types of projects for which composite materials are well suited. In addition, these materials save homeowners time and money on upkeep. Although it is strong, composite decking is also easy to work with and can be installed using standard hand and power tools.
Composite decking is engineered for high performance in a wide range of climates. It offers a distinct advantage over other materials given its ability to withstand tough environments, including incidental salt water contact. Decking areas built with composite materials resist splintering and are slip-resistant. Its durability also makes it hold up well to heavy foot traffic.
Reducing Waste
As awareness of how building projects affect the environment grows, home buyers are looking beyond compact florescent light bulbs and insulated windows and are discovering the advantages of homes that incorporate green building materials. According to the 2007 ImagePower Green Brands Survey, consumers expect to double their spending on green products and services in the next year.
Many builders are turning to composite decking as a way to incorporate environmentally responsible materials into their homes, making them more desirable to buyers who are concerned about environmentally friendly building. Some composite products are made using recycled content, including recovered wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastics from items such as milk jugs and grocery sacks. This helps keep such waste out of landfills. Home buyers can feel good about owning a deck that is engineered to last and that makes good use of both post-consumer and post-industrial waste.
More Design Options
On the design side, manufacturers have responded to the rising popularity of alternative decking materials by adding expanded color options and convenient accessories to composite decking product lines, further adding to their versatility. Color options range from gray to the look of tropical hardwoods so builders, designers and architects can complement existing structures or add visual interest by mixing and matching multiple colors.
Decorative railing accessories including posts, post caps, balusters and trim boards are also available with some composite decking product lines. Some manufacturers incorporate convenient details into railing such as hollow posts to allow easy installation of outdoor lighting, security systems or audio systems. This is an important benefit to home buyers who are including elaborate outdoor kitchens and high tech entertainment systems on their decks.
Other Uses for Composite Decking
Beyond decks, builders, architects and designers use composite decking for dock surfaces, hot-tub surrounds and yard structures. As increasingly sophisticated projects demand more visually attractive and resilient surfaces, composite decking is a good way to combine an authentic look with durability.
Composite decking provides a durable and contemporary solution for decks and other outdoor projects. Home buyers benefit from composite decking's engineered strength and its efficient use of recycled materials, resulting in an inviting deck that is manufactured with sustainability in mind. Builders and architects benefit from using a long-lasting decking material that offers design flexibility and ease of installation.
Builders who provide durable, attractive decks have an added advantage in recruiting customers by offering a comfortable place for home buyers to entertain and relax. The end result is enhanced satisfaction for home buyers and an added selling edge for builders.
Sue Snuggs is a Product Manager for Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies. Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek products are available exclusively in the U.S. at Lowe's Home Improvement.
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