Composite Wood / Plastic decking

seclachi

I`m looking at a product by an Irish company that is basically artificial wood, its sawdust and plastic. I`m trying to make up my mind, but the manufacturers pictures are tiny, so its hard to judge the quality. The main pros are that you dont have to varnish it or do any major cleaning of it on a regular basis, just the odd power hosing.

Has anybody any experience of this stuff, how does it look and feel ?

tpotter

I think the main advantage of this type of decking is found in the long run, as it has a higher up front cost, which will probably end up working itself out in the reduced maintenance costs over time.

I used some composite wood on a trailer floor and it worked very well, still does too. It is easy to work with and rather sturdy. Since I was only using a little bit of it, it wasn't terribly expensive, but I know if you bought enough of it to do an actual deck, you would be looking at a pretty high price.

From what I have read, the biggest problem people usually have, other than the cost, is that it can get stained and can't be refinished the same way you would a wooden deck...

seclachi

tpotter wrote: »

I think the main advantage of this type of decking is found in the long run, as it has a higher up front cost, which will probably end up working itself out in the reduced maintenance costs over time.

I used some composite wood on a trailer floor and it worked very well, still does too. It is easy to work with and rather sturdy. Since I was only using a little bit of it, it wasn't terribly expensive, but I know if you bought enough of it to do an actual deck, you would be looking at a pretty high price.

From what I have read, the biggest problem people usually have, other than the cost, is that it can get stained and can't be refinished the same way you would a wooden deck...

Thanks, According to the manufacturer it costs around the same as a hardwood flooring, but I think that could be worth it instead of having to crawl around on your hands and knees every so often varnishing the decking. Good point about the stains.

RKQ

seclachi wrote: »

According to the manufacturer it costs around the same as a hardwood flooring

Hardwood is expensive but it can look beautiful, needs less maintenance than softwood, it can be sanded & stained.

IMO Plastic is plastic - its looks plastic, its feels plastic and it can be slippy when wet.

Why not get a sample from the manufacturer, little photos rarely tell much.

gman2k

There's a small sample decking made from this stuff outside the In-House showroom in Waterford.
One word - FUGLY.

martin46585

check out composite decking in b&q [EMAIL="www.diy.com/decking"]www.diy.com/decking[/EMAIL]

Mono25

make sure there is a uv screen in it or the colour will fade.

hardly think a product of that nature would be on the market without it but you never know

smokiejoe

seclachi wrote: »

I`m looking at a product by an Irish company that is basically artificial wood, its sawdust and plastic. I`m trying to make up my mind, but the manufacturers pictures are tiny, so its hard to judge the quality. The main pros are that you dont have to varnish it or do any major cleaning of it on a regular basis, just the odd power hosing.

Has anybody any experience of this stuff, how does it look and feel ?

did you go ahead and put in the composite decking? I have seen some websites where it looks fabulous but am worried that it will look a bit plastic.