Composite decks are ideal for any home where you can spend your summer evenings with family and friends. They can also significantly improve the value of your home. Upon deciding to install a composite deck for your commercial property or home, there are a few factors to consider regarding using the right material while building the deck. Therefore, the technology is advancing day by day, introducing more decking options in the Australian market, particularly planet-friendly options such as timber decking and composite decking.
A composite deck is a mixture of recycled plastic and wood, making it water-resistant, long-lasting, and non-toxic. The amalgamation of plastic and wood offers you a product with interesting features of the two worlds, including the aesthetic appearance of the timber and durability of plastic- to produce a high-quality composite deck that is long-lasting and functional. Here are some best options for creative patio builders.
Interesting benefits of the composite deck
Just like other products, there are both limitations and benefits of composite decking. Utilizing a composite material is often costly upfront, while long-term costs are much lower than timber since installation and maintenance costs can be less than other options.
Compared to wood, a water-resistant composite deck product stands up to the features far much better, requiring only regular cleaning to maintain an exclusive appearance. With wood decking, fragments may be a big issue since they must be regularly cleaned.
Like any other outdoor installation, elemental damages and termites are significant factors to consider. With a composite deck, you can avoid these issues since it is specifically created to curb the major problems that timber decks are prone to.
Deck installation procedure and the factors to consider
Upon deciding on hiring a tradesman or do it by yourself, it is time to start the project. The major elements involved in the deck installation process can be broken down into the following easy steps:
Planning and design primary step in installing a deck is to deliberate on which materials are needed, collect all the necessary materials and tools, and figure out where the deck is going. A significant thing to consider is the color- a dark composite deck will get hotter and retain much heat. On the other hand, if you like being barefooted, selecting a mixture of colors or a lighter color will make things more interesting.
Measure and pour
Make measurements on the region where the composite deck will be built and start setting a robust foundation. Utilize a post-hole digger to create holes required for the composite deck feet. Then, pour concrete in and give it time to cure for at least twenty-four hours.
Frame
As you wait, introduce a ledger board to your home in order to secure the composite deck to the property. Once your concrete foundation has cured, connect post anchors to the deck footings. You can alternatively cast them into your concrete foundation as you go. Frame your composite boards out. Introducing more concrete footings based on the size of your deck.
Chop the joist boards to fix and install them by fixing them into the hangers and fitting them with nails. Be sure to do plumbing more frequently and adjusting where necessary.
Secure
Make sure that your composite boards are leveled. That should be done from the beginning by utilizing consistent sizes for the subframes. Most experts and installers recommend chalk lines to help you get high spots for grinding down.
Ensure to seal any areas or joints susceptible to high moisture using a compound. Joint protection such as a G Tape can help you protect the composite from long-term rotting. Also, select a dark tape color to prevent drawing attention away from the decking.
Lay
After you have established a stable foundation, it is time to lay down composite decking boards. Utilize the applicable materials patented fixing system. Various brands of decking have various fixing techniques.
You need to avoid butt joints due to the significant thermal motion that takes place daily. Utilize breaker boards or full-length boards to hide the enlargement joints. The most preferred time to set this appropriately is during the planning step, where you can design the composite to be exactly the same size as the available boards. This will, in turn, help in saving a huge amount of money as well as time.
Installing Adds-Ons
The ultimate step is to introduce stairs, lighting, and balustrades. Add balustrade posts six centimeters away from the home to protect moisture from building up.
DIY composite decking
Composite deck installation is simple enough for many individuals to do by themselves, as long as they have appropriate equipment.
From planning to installing add-ons, building composite decking will only take a few days. If you need help while building your composite deck, ask a reputable composite decking company with experience in this industry.
