Replacing Wood Deck With Composite Decking

For years, wood decks have been a popular choice for outdoor spaces. Wood decks typically last for decades, but you need frequent maintenance and care to keep them performing. If a homeowner neglects to maintain and care for their wood deck, it can rot, crack, and break. As technology has evolved, composite material has become a more durable material. Many homeowners want to ask if it is possible to replace wood deck boards with composite. In this article, we will go over the benefits of replacing wood deck with composite decking and how to do it.

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Benefits of replacing wood deck with composite decking

Compared to traditional wood decks, composite decks offer superior benefits and performance. These benefits have led more homeowners to choose to replace wood decks with composite.

Durability

One of the main advantages of composite decking over wood decks is its durability. Due to its special construction and materials, composite decking boards are rot, warp, and crack resistant. This makes it a durable option and a perfect alternative to wood decking.

Superior performance and durability ensure that outdoor decks maintain their original appearance and structural integrity, even in extreme environments.

Lower maintenance costs

Traditional wood decks require regular maintenance and upkeep, including staining, sealing, and periodic repairs. If left unattended, it can quickly rot, crack, or warp.

Composite deck maintenance is more convenient, though. It doesn’t need to be stained or sealed, just cleaned regularly with warm soapy water and detergent. Simple cleaning is all it takes to keep the deck looking and performing.

Composite decks are therefore more cost-effective in the long run. Its low-maintenance nature saves homeowners more time and money.

Versatile appearance

COOWIN offers composite decks in a variety of colors and finishes. Allowing homeowners to create a more personalized space based on their own personal preferences. Many homeowners prefer the natural grain and look of wood and are therefore willing to choose wood decking materials.

However, with advances in technology, composite deck boards are now available with faux wood textures and finishes.

COOWIN also has modern and stylish deck looks to choose from, making it easy to create a personalized and unique outdoor space.

Environmentally friendly

Most composite materials are made from recycled materials. Making them a more environmentally friendly option. Composite decks can effectively reduce the use of wood compared to natural materials such as timber.

In addition, wood decks require a lot of chemicals for maintenance and upkeep, which can have an impact on the environment. Composite materials require no chemicals at all for maintenance, which reduces the amount of pollution to the environment.

More cost-effective

While replacing wood with composite decking is more expensive upfront. However, it is more cost-effective as it saves you more over time. Its low maintenance needs and longevity allow homeowners to save more on maintenance costs and repairs.

Replacing wood deck with composite decking

If you have decided to replace your wood deck with composite decking, then you need to follow the following replacement steps.

Assess the condition

Examine the structural condition of your existing wood deck to see if there is any rotting, cracking, or structural damage. If there is damage, then it will need to be completely removed and replaced. If the structure is still intact, then you can proceed to the next step of installation.

Removing existing boards

On many replacement jobs, the deck is replaced. Installing composite decking directly on top of the old decking can significantly shorten the life of the deck. In wet conditions, water can easily form in the gap between the two decks. Therefore direct removal of the existing decking is essential.

Use a pry bar, screwdriver, or specialized tools to warp the decking and remove it. Dispose of the old boards in an environmentally friendly manner after removal.

Check the structure of the bottom framing

After completing the removal of the deck, carefully inspect the structure of the underframe to ensure that it is intact. The substructure includes support beams, joists, and struts. If any damage occurs, they need to be replaced promptly.

Even with a well-maintained deck, the framing can rot and crack, so it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Preparing to install composite decking

After completing the preparations, you can start installing composite decks. Before installation, read the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer and follow them to the letter.

Composite decking boards are typically installed using hidden fasteners or screws. Carefully measure and cut the decking you need to fit the dimensions of the deck.

Decorating

Some homeowners want their outdoor space to be more functional, so they need to add a few extra touches. Examples include railing systems, post caps, or lighting. These extra touches can add more functionality, beauty, and safety to your outdoor deck.

Regular maintenance

Although composite materials require very little maintenance, you still need to clean them regularly. A thorough cleaning of your deck can be done using mild soapy water as well as a chemical-free cleaner. This plays an important role in maintaining the performance and appearance of your deck.

Summarize

Replace deck wood with composite has many benefits; it is more durable, less expensive to maintain, and comes in a variety of designs. This helps create a personalized and unique outdoor space for the homeowner.

By following the steps above, you can make a seamless transition from wood to composite deck. Create an outdoor space that will increase the value of your home and be more functional. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure you choose a good quality brand and install it the right way.

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