When choosing the best composite decking in Calgary, it’s important to make an informed decision as it can have a great effect on your outdoor space. You have to consider the shapes, colours, installation, benefits, and drawbacks.
To ensure you make the best choice for your home, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide on composite decking. Here’s everything to know about composite deck building in Calgary and how YYC Builders can help bring your vision to life.
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a long-lasting and more durable alternative to traditional timber or PVC decking. High-quality decking can keep the look and feel of natural timber while maintaining a more environmentally friendly quality.
Manufacturing composite deck boards involves a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibres, combined with bonding agents, additives, and tint. Modern boards are treated with ultraviolet inhibitors and borate preservatives to prevent fading and repel moisture and mould.
Composite boards can be solid all the way through or manufactured with hollow cores, which makes them lighter and less expensive.
The best composite decking offers many different benefits and it could be the perfect fit for your Calgary home.
The Benefits of Composite Decking in Calgary
Composite decking in Calgary has become a go-to choice among homeowners due to its durability, low upkeep requirements, and environmental friendliness. If you’re thinking of building or replacing your old deck, here are some of the advantages of choosing composite for your Calgary home.
Durability
Composite decking is made up of recycled wood fibres and plastic, making it resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. Unlike wood, composite decking won’t warp, crack, or splinter when wet, providing a safe surface for walking on. Furthermore, composite decking resists fading, staining, and mould growth – meaning its beauty and colour will remain stable for many years into the future.
Low Maintenance
Composite decks don’t need sanding, staining, or sealing to maintain appearance and performance. All you have to do is regularly clean it with soap and water or a composite deck cleaner to remove dirt and debris – saving both time and money in the long run by making your deck an easy-care addition to your home.
Environmental Sustainability
Composite decking is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home. Utilizing recycled components reduces waste and conserves natural resources; plus, since no chemicals or preservatives are required – composite decking offers more safety and sustainability than wood alone.
Versatility
Composite decks come in an array of colours, textures, and styles so you can customize them to match your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer a natural wood look or prefer something modern, composite decking provides the look and feel you desire. Plus, just like wood, composite decking can be cut, drilled and fastened like normal, making installation and work much smoother!
Longevity
Composite decks have a longer lifespan than wood, meaning you’ll save money over time. While wood decks may last 10-15 years, composite decks can last 25-30 years with proper care and upkeep. This means you won’t need to replace your deck as often which saves you money and reduces waste.
Cleaning and Caring for Composite Decking in Calgary
As we mentioned, low maintenance is one of the biggest benefits of composite decking in Calgary. Often, all they need is some soapy water and a damp cloth. However, if there are any stains on the boards, you can use a hard brush for a deeper clean. Another additional benefit is that your deck won’t need sanding or annual sealings.
When it comes to composite decking, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or power washing because it can damage the material. Instead, sweep with a soft-bristled brush and use a mild soap and water solution. To ensure the best results, you should follow the manufacturer’s care option.
Types of Composite Decking
The composition and quality of composite materials vary widely, but most are a mix of recycled plastics and reclaimed wood fibres. They come non-capped, partially-capped, and fully capped, but some composites don’t even have any wood fibres at all. Here’s everything to know.
Non-Capped
Non-capped composites are comprised of wood fibres and plastic and then formed into the shape of a typical wood plank. Due to the unique manufacturing process, non-capped boards can’t look exactly like real wood.
Even though some deck stores still sell non-capped composite boards, they are not as popular as other decking options. That’s because these types of boards have issues with warping and are more susceptible to fading.
Capped
To combat those problems, manufacturers have come up with capped composites, which have a composite core. Also, they feature hard PVC outer layers, that help guard against stains, fading, scratching, and warping much more compared to non-capped composites.
You can even get capped composite boards that have PVC wrapped around all four sides of the board. That helps ensure a more complete barrier to water ingress, bugs, and warping.
Pure PVC Decking
Pure PVC composites have no wood fibres but use high-grade plastics to have an ultra-realistic wood look. Compared to capped and non-capped boards, PVC planks have first-rate heat dissipation, and they are fire and scratch-resistant.
What’s more, they’re extremely lightweight, which makes them perfect for roof decks. Thanks to their unique characteristics, pure PVC decks are durable enough to carry a 30-year fade and stain warranty.
Composite Shapes
Just like wooden decking, you can get composite boards in a variety of shapes and colours. Each type has its unique benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Solid
The solid shape looks most similar to a traditional wood plank, featuring a rectangular profile. It’s mounted by screwing through the top and can be heavier compared to other shapes, but it has strong rigidity.
Slotted
The slotted shape looks like the solid type, but it has a notch cut down on either side so it can be used with a hidden fastening system. Hidden fasteners can keep the PVC cap intact for protection and allow the deck surface to have a smooth surface, without screw holes.
Ridged
Ridged shapes are only useable on one side because their undersides have cutouts, which reduce weight and cost.
Hollow
Hollow shapes are much lighter than other composite boards and have end caps that are used to block insects and small animals from nesting in the hollow cavities.
Choose YYC Builders for Your Composite Decking in Calgary
At YYC Builders Inc., we understand the advantages of composite decking in Calgary and offer a selection of composite decking products and services for your Alberta home. Our team of professionals will collaborate with you to design and construct an individual composite deck that meets both your requirements and budget.
We use top-quality composite decking materials from trusted brands so your deck is long-lasting, low maintenance, and visually stunning. What’s more, we stand behind our finished products and offer a 5-year Builders Warranty on all deck projects.
If you are in the market for a composite deck to enhance your outdoor living space, contact YYC Builders Inc. today. Our team of experts will provide a free consultation and estimate for your Calgary deck project.
Call today to see how we can help bring your composite decking dreams come true!
Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Decking in Calgary
What is the lifespan of composite decking in Calgary?
Composite decking typically lasts a minimum of 25 to 30 years. However, with the right care, it can last for up to 50 years.
Do you need to waterproof composite decking in Calgary?
Once cleaned, you don’t have to seal the surface of the decking, but many experts suggest that you do. By properly sealing or staining composite decking, you can expand its lifespan and cut down on cleaning time.
Which is better, hollow or solid composite decking?
Both hollow and solid decking have their own merits and can support heavier weights. That said, solid boards are sturdier due to their unique composition. If you plan on adding water features to your deck, like hot tubs, for example, you need to look into sturdy, heavy-duty options.
Does composite decking fade in the sun?
Even though composite decking looks attractive and maintains its performance over the decades, the richness of the colours will fade in the sun. To counteract that, you can install a solution, like a pavilion or pergola for shade.
What is the best deck material for Canada?
Composite decks are one of the most popular material choices for Canadian decking. Even though they’re more expensive compared to some other materials, they are long-lasting and very low maintenance. They can also withstand harsh Canadian winters and don’t require water protection.
