Decking is a continuously popular feature in both residential and commercial landscape design, with the ability to bring a level of sophistication and warmth to any outdoor space.
However, traditional timber decking contributes to deforestation, which is now an influential consideration in the modern homeowner and specifier’s decision-making process.
Wood-composite decking is the modern day answer to the timber deck – offering a low-maintenance, high-performance, eco-friendly material that has fundamentally changed the way we build and live outdoors. Companies such as Trex boast an innovative blend of 95 per cent recycled timber and plastic in their products, reclaiming and repurposing more than 181 million kilograms of plastic and wood scrap annually that would otherwise end up in landfills. With environmental sustainability increasingly becoming more important to consumers, it is crucial for landscapers to be aware of what materials can help them meet current consumer demand.
Tim Howard from Decking Solutions Australia said: “Composite decking, like Trex, not only provides a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors in any residential, retail or commercial property, but is also becoming the preferred decking choice due to its durability and low-maintenance properties.”
Unlike timber, composite decking will not warp, twist, rot, splinter, split or scratch, making it a much more durable choice.
This also means a lot less maintenance than what is required for wood decking, with just a sweep and an occasional soap down needed to keep a composite deck looking like new – which is especially great for areas with high foot-traffic.
Gone are the days of seasonal painting, staining and sealing, making composite a preferred option of many homeowners and specifiers.
Wood-composite decking requires a larger upfront investment to account for the sustainable manufacturing process and the resulting high-quality product. However, over the life of a deck, the reduced maintenance costs add up to a greater value than timber.
This decking trend is certainly here to stay, making it important to be knowledgeable of all the products available and understand the environmental impact and durability of different decking materials.
For more information, visit www.au.trex.com