Is a Composite Deck Truly a Low-Maintenance Option in the Jessup and Ellicott City, MD Areas?

Having a gorgeous deck makes spending time outside and enjoying your landscape much easier. Homeowners considering a composite deck for their Jessup or Ellicott City, MD home may wonder: Is it truly as low maintenance as people say? We invite you to keep reading to learn about the low-maintenance aspects of this deck material and some of its other benefits. 

Related: Bring Pops of Color to Your Composite Deck With Plantings in the Columbia, MD Area

Very Little Maintenance Is Required 

It is true: one of the biggest advantages of choosing a composite deck is that it requires very little maintenance. Your average broom and an occasional sweeping, coupled with washing it down with a garden hose when needed, is all it takes to keep this deck in great shape. Compare this low maintenance to the high maintenance of a wood deck, which requires staining, sealing, or painting to keep it in top shape. 

Durability 

Composite decking material is created by combining wood fiber with plastic film during the manufacturing process. This assembly of components results in an exceptionally long-lasting and robust outdoor living feature. Because it is made of plastic, it will not rot or decay over time. Generally speaking, standard wood decking typically lasts up to 15 years when properly maintained. Composite decking material, on the other hand, can last up to 30 years. 

Comfortable Outdoor Living

On a composite deck, you, your family, and even your pets do not need to be concerned about splinters in your feet when walking across the surface, unlike on a wooden deck, where this is a potential hazard. Although composite decks will warm up when exposed to heat, they can sustain higher temperatures than traditional wood decks before becoming uncomfortable to walk on. This makes walking on composite decks a more pleasant experience than traditional wood decks. 

It is also possible to make composite decks slip-resistant, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your friends and family can navigate your deck safely. Because of this characteristic, it is an excellent choice for use as a pool deck in your backyard.

Environmentally-Friendly

Because it is made from recycled resources, such as recycled plastic, sawdust, and other types of wood-waste components, composite decking is recognized as being an environmentally responsible option. Some brands are created using up to 95% recycled products in their manufacturing process. This prevents waste such as plastic and wood from ending up in landfills and waterways. 

The fact that it has such a long lifespan contributes to the reduction of waste, and you won’t have to expose yourself to potentially toxic chemicals while painting or staining it, as you may have to do with a wooden deck.

Design and Style Options 

When you opt for a deck made of composite materials, you have a wide variety of design and style options available to you. This material can be created to resemble the natural grain of wood and can be made in various colors. White, brown, and gray are popular color options for the color palate. To create a one-of-a-kind appearance, you can even combine colors from different palettes. 

For instance, one color might be used for most of the deck, while another could be used for the borders of the deck or the railings. Many companies that make composite decking also sell accessories, such as post toppers with LED outdoor lights or other ornamental features, that can be added to the deck to improve its overall appeal.

Related: What Are the Benefits of a Composite Deck in the Columbia and Marriottsville, MD Areas?