Wood fencing and decks are the traditional, functional and esthetically beautiful choice, when building a fence or deck. But often there are durability and maintenance issues that come with using wood. Depending on the climate where you live, the toll that weathering can take on wood can be significant, and the maintenance to keep wood in good repair and looking good can also be significant. If you are looking for an inexpensive, long lasting and environmentally friendly alternative to wood, you can go with some of the new composite materials available to construct your fence or deck.
There are now two different kinds of beautiful, affordable composite decking available for you to choose from, when building your new fence or deck project. You can choose a recycled wood/plastic composite lumber, or a fiberglass reinforced plastic. Both of them are great, beautiful alternatives to wood for various reasons.
Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber
Let’s take a look at recycled wood/plastic composite lumber first. Recycled wood/plastic composite lumber is made of a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fiber from sawdust, and recycled plastic from garbage bags, PVC and other durable plastics. It is the primary use of most of the plastic garbage bags recycled today.
The material is mixed and formed into solid and hollow lumber-styled shapes that are used in building products such as fencing, decking, door and window frames and moldings. Because of the wood fiber and plastics, these composites are usually heavier than wood products, and more rigid because the wood fiber reinforces the plastic.
The primary reasons for choosing recycled wood/plastic over wood, are of course the environmentally-friendly recycling advantages, but also the fact that it is more durable, the plastics seal the wood against fungal rot, there are no poisonous chemicals as with treated wood and there is relatively zero maintenance.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
The other great composite alternative to wood is a new material made from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). FRP is so strong it can be used as support beams in industrial applications and is colored throughout, so it is highly scratch resistant but also hides scratches almost completely. It will virtually keep its good looks for as long as you have it, with just an occasional washing.
The primary advantage to using FRP materials is that they are extremely strong and durable. They will not warp, split or crack and will last the life of your home with no maintenance. In contrast, wood is beautiful, but needs periodic maintenance, and even with that, typically lasts about 10-20 years in outdoor applications, such as fences and decks.
Primary Composite Deck Advantages:
- Strong, long-lasting material
- Multiple color choices
- Less maintenance and upkeep than other materials
- Safe, slip-resistant surface
- Extremely realistic, natural-wood look
- Better protection against mold, weathering, rot and decay
- High-quality, scratch-resistant surface keeps your deck looking its best
- No need to worry about painting
- No termite damage