G’day! Thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space with composite decking? You’re not alone, mate. There are so many decking options out there to choose from. Here in Australia, more and more homeowners are choosing composite decking for their verandahs and patios, thanks to its incredible durability and hassle-free maintenance.
Let’s have a friendly chat about everything you need to know about composite decking – from what goes into making it to how it’s installed, plus some handy tips on keeping it looking fantastic.
What Is Composite Decking Made From?
If you’re like most of our Aussie mates, you’ll love how composite decking combines the beauty of timber with modern technology. It’s a clever blend of wood and synthetic materials, creating a product that’s perfect for our harsh Australian climate.
Think of it as a sandwich – you’ve got recycled wood products (like sawdust and wood fibres from old timber pallets and sawmill leftovers) mixed with synthetic materials like plastic or vinyl. It’s a brilliant way to create something new while being environmentally conscious.
When you’re browsing for composite decking, you’ll come across two main types – capped and uncapped. Imagine capped composite decking as wearing a protective sunscreen – it has an extra layer of plastic coating on top that shields it from our intense Aussie sun and unexpected weather changes. This clever coating helps prevent staining, fading, and weather damage.
Uncapped composite decking is like its laid-back cousin – it doesn’t have that protective layer, but don’t worry! It’s still tough as nails and requires minimal maintenance. Perfect for those of us who’d rather spend our weekends having a barbie than maintaining the deck.
How Is Composite Decking Made?
The journey of composite decking starts with breaking down wood fibres from both hardwood and softwood. These wood bits are then mixed with plastic resin and other special ingredients – think of it like following a recipe, but instead of making a cake, we’re creating durable decking!
This mixture gets heated up and shaped into boards or planks, much like making pasta through a machine. Once cooled, these boards are cut to size. Some clever manufacturers add grooves to help the boards fit together perfectly, like a giant puzzle. They even press wood grain patterns into the surface to give it that natural timber look we all love.
The final step involves putting the boards through a pressure chamber – think of it as giving them a big squeeze to make sure everything stays together. This process ensures your deck can handle everything from summer scorchers to winter rains.
Many Australian manufacturers are leading the way in using recycled materials for composite decking. By using recycled plastic and wood fibres, they’re helping reduce landfill waste while creating a product that’s perfect for our outdoor lifestyle.
Crikey! After all that technical stuff, you’ll be pleased to know that composite decking is a ripper choice for any Aussie home. Whether you’re in bustling Sydney or outback Queensland, you’ll find a style and colour that’ll make your outdoor space look absolutely bonza.
Cost Of Composite Decking
Let’s talk dollars and cents, mate. The cost of composite decking in Australia varies depending on a few key factors. Think of it like buying a car, you’ve got your basic models and your luxury options, and the price reflects that.
The size of your deck is obviously going to be the biggest factor, the more square metres you’re covering, the more materials you’ll need. But don’t forget about quality! Just like how you’d invest in good quality thongs to avoid the dreaded blow-out, investing in higher-quality composite decking materials (like those made from premium recycled plastic and wood fibres) might cost more upfront but could save you a bundle in the long run.
If you’re planning something fancy – maybe a multi-level deck for those epic summer barbies, or some intricate designs to impress the neighbours – keep in mind that complexity adds to the cost. It’s like ordering a coffee – a simple flat white costs less than that fancy deconstructed latte with all the trimmings!
There are other things that’ll influence your final bill too. Living in the outback? Your installation costs might be a bit higher than your city cousins due to travel time. The type of decking you choose matters too – just like how there’s Vegemite and then there’s… well, there’s only Vegemite really, but you get the idea! Some composite decking brands offer premium lines that cost more than their standard range.
Labour costs can vary depending on how complex your project is and how many tradies are needed to get the job done. Our top tip? Get quotes from a few different local contractors – it’s worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting fair dinkum value for your money.
Maintenance And Care Of Composite Decking
While composite decking is pretty low maintenance (unlike your high-maintenance cousin from Melbourne), it still needs a bit of TLC to keep it looking schmick. Here’s what you need to do:
Periodic Cleaning
Keep your deck looking fresh with regular gentle cleaning – just grab some mild detergent and a soft brush. It’s like giving your car a wash, but way easier! Skip the pressure washer though, mate – it’s too harsh and might damage your deck. For those stubborn stains (maybe from a dropped snag), use a special composite deck cleaner.
Maintaining Your Deck
Give your deck a once-over every now and then to check for any loose boards or wear and tear. It’s like checking your thongs for signs they might give way – better to spot problems early! Keep an eye out for any mould or mildew too, especially in those humid coastal areas.
Protecting Your Deck
G’day! To keep your composite decking looking ace for years to come, consider giving it a bit of extra protection with a quality sealant. Think of it like sunscreen for your deck – it’ll help shield it from those harsh Aussie UV rays, prevent water damage, and stop those stubborn stains from setting in. For extra protection during the off-season, chuck a protective cover over it, just like you’d cover your barbie during a downpour.
Replacing Your Deck
If your deck’s looking more worn out than a kangaroo after a marathon, it might be time to think about replacing it with a fresh composite deck. Fair dinkum, replacing a deck is a big job – not something you want to tackle after a few coldies!
It’s worth getting a professional tradie in to handle this one. They’ll make sure everything’s installed properly, secured tight as a drum, and sealed up beautifully.
Composite decking is a true blue choice for Aussie outdoor living spaces – it’s tough as nails and doesn’t need much looking after. But like a faithful old ute, it still needs a bit of care and attention to keep it running smoothly. Give it the love it deserves with proper cleaning, maintenance, and protection, and your deck will be the envy of the neighbourhood for donkey’s years.
How Is Composite Decking Installed?
Looking to spruce up your outdoor area with some composite decking? Beauty mate, you’ve made a ripper choice! These days, most composite decking uses a clever hidden clip system that makes installation a breeze and keeps those ugly fasteners out of sight.
First up, you’ll need to prep the area – bit like getting ready for a backyard cricket match. Clear out the old decking if there is any, make sure everything’s level (no one likes a wonky deck), and lay down some gravel or crushed stone for a solid foundation.
Once that’s sorted, it’s time for the main event. The composite boards are laid on your prepared base and secured with hidden clips. Most Aussie composite decking brands have their own special clips designed to fit their boards like a glove. These little beauties slot between the boards and screw into the joists underneath, keeping everything nice and secure.
Next step is laying out your deck boards. You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions here – bit like following a recipe for your nan’s famous pavlova. Getting the layout right prevents any nasty gaps or warping down the track. Once everything’s in position, secure those boards properly with screws or nails.
Last but not least, give your new deck a good clean and seal it up to protect it from our harsh Aussie weather. Installing composite decking with a hidden clip system is a fantastic way to create a beautiful outdoor living space that’ll last for yonks.
While it needs a bit of planning and prep work, the end result is worth every minute. With the right tools and know-how (or a good tradie), you’ll have a deck that’ll be perfect for those summer barbies and family gatherings for years to come.