What are the advantages and drawbacks of a composite wood deck?

The composite wood deck, made up of a mixture of wood and recycled plastics, is an increasingly popular deck choice in France. While its advantages are varied (appearance, strength, durability), the composite deck also has several drawbacks that have to be taken into account before buying one.

Would you like to know everything about the advantages and drawbacks of the composite deck? WoodPartners advises you on your choice and gives you its expert opinion on the composite wood deck.

-Why choose a composite deck?

-What are the advantages of a composite wood deck?

-What are the drawbacks of a composite deck?

-Our expert opinion on the composite deck

Why choose a composite deck?

Buying a composite wood deck means enjoying a deck that is not only attractive, but also environmentally friendly. Made of 95% recycled materials combined with wood by-products (sawdust or shavings), composite wood allows the decking boards to look exactly like natural wood while having the durability and strength properties of plastic.

So, as well as being very attractive, with a wide choice of colours, a composite wood deck also helps to preserve natural resources, in particular by avoiding the deforestation of exotic woods.

What are the advantages of a composite wood deck?

The composite deck has won people over for several years now thanks to its specific characteristics and its many assets, including:

-Appearance,

-Strength,

-Ease of maintenance.

An attractive material

The composite deck offers a modern, carefully finished look that imitates wood very well. Available in a wide variety of colours, composite wood gives the closest resemblance in appearance to the different wood species, while bringing a contemporary touch.

An ultra hard-wearing material

A great advantage of a composite wood deck is its great resistance to external attack (the weather, moisture, insects or mould). Composite wood is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions without distorting or losing its colour.

It therefore does not grey, does not crack, and its non-slip properties make it particularly suited to the surroundings of a swimming pool or to areas of high humidity. The service life of a composite deck is therefore very long.

Please note: pay attention to the quality of the composite wood you choose on the market. There are composite woods at very attractive prices, but they are often of very poor quality. WoodPartners offers you the best composite wood decking boards, offered by the best timber professionals.

A material that is easy to maintain

Since composite wood is made of synthetic material, it takes very little effort to maintain. Unlike natural wood, it needs no specific or regular treatment (pressure treatment, saturator, wood brightener and so on). A simple clean with soapy water is enough to keep its shine and its cleanliness, saving you time and money.

What are the drawbacks of a composite deck?

Despite its many advantages, composite wood also has drawbacks that can be significant:

-Sensitivity to scratching,

-Sensitivity to heat,

-High cost.

A material sensitive to scratching

Heavy or sharp objects can easily mark the surface of composite wood, affecting not only the appearance of the deck, but also potentially damaging the quality of the material in the long term. It is therefore advisable to take precautions when moving furniture or other objects across the deck.

A material sensitive to heat

Another drawback of the composite deck: under the effect of the sun, the surface can become very hot, making walking barefoot uncomfortable. If the deck is highly exposed, it is recommended that you choose a fairly light colour of composite wood, so as to soften this heat effect.

Still on the subject of comfort, the feel to the touch is noticeably different from that of natural wood, which will not suit everyone.

An expensive material

While the price of a composite deck is equivalent to or cheaper than exotic wood species, it remains higher than European natural wood species (pine, Douglas fir, larch). The savings made on maintenance and its good durability can, however, make up for this investment.

Our expert opinion on the composite deck

Composite wood has undeniable advantages for an outdoor space that is durable, attractive and easy to maintain. It is essential, however, to consider the few drawbacks linked to scratching and heat. The composite wood deck nevertheless remains an excellent alternative to natural wood for an outdoor space brimming with charm.

To find out more about the different wood species, their price or their service life, WoodPartners gives you all its advice for choosing the wooden deck that suits you.