Low-Maintenance Decking

As one of the largest suppliers of wood decking and low-maintenance composite wood decking and rail parts in Greater Toronto Area, the Deck Store offers a wide variety of decking accessories, railings, low-maintenance decking hardware items and more. The Deck Store is the only source you'll need for all your decking solutions. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives will give you the best service around.

Composite decking is a relatively new decking material that is composed of various recycled materials, mainly hard plastics and wood fiber.  This type of product was introduced to eliminate the typical problems that are so common with wood decking.  These include fading, cracking, splitting, splintering, mould, rotting,  and the need to be treated and sealed regularly to maintain its original look.  

The Composite Advantage

Composite decking does require more of an investment than most wood decking upon purchase but the savings are realized in a short amount of time.  There is no treating, staining or sanding required for composite decking.  This alone can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life span of a deck.  Because it does not crack, split, or rot,  the composite decking boards never have to be replaced which also saves money particularly after the first 5-10 years.

Another advantage of composite decking is that it is very uniform and consistent in colour and appearance.  This gives your deck a cleaner and more consistent look.  Composite decks are easier to clean and stains are generally easier to get rid of compared to wood decks.

Composite decking generally comes with a warranty as well which gives the purchaser security in the event that there are any defects or issues with the product.  There is no such warranty with wood decking.

Composite decking is typically easy on the feet and is very safe even for children with bare feet to walk on.  It does not heat up any more than wood decking but it is true that any material can get quite warm in hot temperatures.

While a wood porch or deck may cost less to build, there is an ongoing, continual cost each season to maintain and repair it.  With a composite deck, the entire investment is up front and the only ongoing costs are the minimal ones to clean it on an annual basis.

There are as many as 30 brands of composite decking materials on the market today.   Among the various brands,  there are a variety of choices including solid or hollow core;  smooth, brushed, or wood grain texture;   uniform colour or streaking patterns;  hidden fastening clips or standard fastening profiles;  optional profiles for trim, skirting, and railing.  The Deck Store has selected the most popular and reliable ones to offer to our customers and the choice is yours as to which brand fits your needs and budget.  With our many years of experience in the composite decking industry, we can assist you to make the right choice.

Composite Decking Improvements

When composite decking was introduced, manufacturers made claims such as it will not stain, it is "maintenance - free", it will not fade.  Now that we have seen how composites stand the test of time, the truth is that they are not perfect and have their own problems. Certain products have been susceptible to mould - most composites contract and expand with temperature changes - some of them will stain which can be difficult to remove - all composites scratch and scuff to some degree  which can affect the appearance of them - all composites fade over time to some degree as well. 

However, even though composites will never entirely replace the natural beauty and feel of real wood, because they are man- made they can be improved.  The current generation of composite decking products is more natural looking, more stain and fade resistant, contract and expand less than before and are less susceptible to mould (which can grow anywhere where moisture is present and can be combated by a regular cleaning).  With an increased selection of colours, wood grain patterns, profiles, and material types, the composite decking selection has never been better and is proving to be a wise choice for the intelligent consumer of today.

Final Thoughts

Composite decking will save you time and money by greatly reducing maintenance and repairs while providing a strong, durable, and attractive deck.  Also, since composite decking is made from recycled plastics combined with reconstituted wood fiber, rice hulls, bamboo fiber or other organic materials,  it is an innovative and eco-friendly product.

As composite decking is more uniform and consistent than wood, is as easy to cut and work with than wood, the average handy person can install this decking with very little guidance or help.  It is a very versatile product for today's varied and innovative deck designs ranging from simple to extravagant.

Install a composite deck in your back yard and enjoy the beauty, low maintenance, safety  and cost savings of these innovative and appealing decking materials.  By doing so, you will spend less time maintaining and replacing your deck and more time enjoying yourself and your friends and family on your composite deck.