Whether you just bought your first home or bought a small house in Washington County to spend your golden years, you want to make the best use of your outdoor space. Installing a deck is, without any doubt, one of the best ways to do that. Whether you choose a ground-level or a multi-level design, installing a deck gives you a place to enjoy Washington’s beautiful scenery.
With the broad range of deck materials on the market, it’s not always easy to know the right option to go for. However, more homeowners in Washington County, WI, are embracing composite decking instead of wood. Why is this the case? Our composite deck builders at Hometown Builders explain the advantages of these decks — and why so many of your Washington County neighbors are building composite decks.
Design Flexibility
When you choose composite decking instead of wood, you don’t miss out on anything in terms of design flexibility. Composite decking materials come in diverse shapes, colors, and orientations. It’s easy to find materials and products that match the outdoor design you’re going for.
The color options and finishes available cover everything from natural to earthy tones. Thus, you can replicate almost any wood deck design using composite decking.
High-Level Durability
The biggest disadvantage of traditional wood decking is that it can deteriorate quickly — even with regular maintenance. This is especially true with the wet weather in Washington County, WI.
Composite decking holds up better in high-humidity environments and will not expand and contract or fall prey to mold growth as much as traditional wood. Additionally, your decking won’t lose its luster due to UV exposure.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
With a professionally installed composite deck, you won’t have to worry about injuries to family members, children, or pets. Over time, real wood can rot or warp, creating safety hazards.
With a composite deck, there is no risk of loose screws or splinters popping up through the board due to wood expansion. Composite decking materials don’t warp, either. Families choose composite decking because it means a safer, longer-lasting deck.
Low Maintenance Option
One of the best things about composite decking is that it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance work to keep up its original appearance.
With traditional wood decking, you need to paint, stain, and seal it at least once a year to keep it looking great. You’ll end up spending time worrying about the look of your wood deck than actually enjoying the benefits of owning a deck.
Composite decking doesn’t warp or rot, and it’s UV-stable, so you won’t need to spend time painting, staining, and sealing it.
Cost-Efficient Decking Solution
Composite decking costs more upfront but gives you a long-lasting deck that pays off over time.
When you’re looking at the money you could potentially save with wood decking’s lower upfront price, it’s important to consider how much money you’ll spend on staining, repairing, and maintaining the deck over the years. You will also have to replace the deck completely in about a decade or two.
With composite decking, you’ll spend a lot less on maintenance. In terms of lifespan, these decks last at least 25 years for some of the most popular products on the market.
Additionally, you’ll reap the rewards of having a composite deck if you put your home on the market in the future. It’s a one-off investment that most people do not have to repeat.
Eco-Friendly Decking Solution
Everyone is looking for eco-friendly alternatives to almost everything from wrapping paper to transportation. Composite decking materials allow you to enjoy the benefits of having a comfortable outdoor space without harming the environment.
Composite deck manufacturers use recycled materials like plastic and reclaimed sawdust to produce durable, long-lasting decks. As a result, composite decking manufacturers help keep millions of tons of waste away from landfills and the oceans. They also help prevent the harsh environmental impacts of deforestation.
Pest-Resistant Material
Wood is an organic material. Therefore, pests and microorganisms can feed on it, especially when you don’t care for it properly. Carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, termites, and carpenter bees are some examples of bugs you may see more frequently if you choose to go with a traditional wood deck.
Composite decking, on the other hand, does not have such problems. Bugs and microorganisms don’t chew or nest in the durable material.
With a composite deck, you won’t have to worry about making a budget for pesticides, and you won’t need to spend time eliminating unwanted organic growth.
Slip Resistant Option
Many composite decking materials have non-slip surfaces that reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. This makes composite decking an excellent choice for properties with children, seniors, and people with mobility concerns.
Stain Resistant
If your deck doubles as an outdoor kitchen or a space to host friends and family, then food spills will be frequent. For traditional wood decks, a spill could mean hours of maintenance work to prevent or reverse damage to the deck’s appearance.
With a composite deck, you have nothing to worry about. When spills happen, you can relax, knowing that it won’t affect the deck’s color. A standard cleaning solution and a mop are typically all you need to clean the spill and restore your deck’s look.
Find the Perfect Composite Decking Solution for Your Washington County, WI, Home
A composite deck gives you all of the benefits of a traditional wood deck with none of the downsides. Are you ready to choose the right composite decking for your home? Reach out to our expert team at Hometown Builders.
We have extensive experience designing and installing different types of composite decking. We help homeowners bring their dream decks to life using warranty-backed decking materials.
Contact us today to schedule an in-person consultation with your local hometown deck builder that always puts the customer first.