The best magazine
It wasn’t always this way: in the early ‘90s, pressure-treated woods and other woods such as cedar, redwood and mahogany were the decking materials of choice. Then the first few composites – so named because they are a “composite” of recycled wood fibers and plastic – arrived on the scene. Today there are a multitude of composites to choose from but they generally fall into these categories:
Basic composites: These composites are usually a single color, simple grain or combed finish, and are a mixture of recycled wood fibers, dust or flour and a plastic binder usually HDPE(high density polyethylene). The ratio of plastic-to-wood is mostly in the 50% plastic, 50% wood range. This is the most inexpensive composite decking choice for St. Louis decks but it will still hold up OK under the scorching St. Louis summer sun and freezing St. Louis winters. Most of these composite boards will look very similar to each other, although there are basic color choices. Basic composite decks require periodic cleaning and care should be taken not to scratch or stain them.
Enhanced composites: These are basic composites which feature multiple colors to more accurately simulate a natural wood species.
High-end composites: A composite with higher-quality materials such as finer wood dust or flour (usually less wood and more plastic) and a better mix of polymers (still mostly HDPE but also polypropylene) which are used for added strength. A better extruding process in this group of composites produces superior wood grain simulation.
High-end composites are often coextruded with harder surfacing, offering anti-microbial, scratch resistance, and/or UV protection. These boards will have a great deal of variety in color, texture or surface graining. They are among the most natural looking of the man-made materials, often looking very similar to desirable real wood species. However, some cleaning and preventive care will still be necessary. Pricing in this group will range from affordable to quite expensive, depending on the product.
Cellular PVC: This is the finest decking material for St. Louis decks today. With Cellular PVC (poly vinyl chloride), high-quality PVC is whipped into a foam that’s about half the density of solid PVC, like you might see in a piece of plumbing. Then this foam is exuded into boards with a shiny hard surface that has the working characteristics of real wood. PVC Cellular decking materials are gaining popularity for the following reasons:
• Cellular PVC decking does not contain any plant or recycled wood fibers
• Cellular PVC decking does not expand or contract like real wood or composite boards
• Cellular PVC decking made with solid core cellular vinyl is impossible to stain
• Cellular PVC vinyl construction is scratch resistant
• No warping, cupping, splitting or rotting
• Cellular PVC decking is super low maintenance -- no painting, staining, or sealing necessary
• Cellular PVC decking is extremely durable. It will not split, crack, warp, rot, splinter, sustain mold, decay or be subject to insect damage
Working with Cellular PVC on St. Louis decks is simple because there is no need to predrill or use special screws. Another trend in high-end composites and some cellular PVC decking boards are co-extrusions or bonded outer layers. This process results in a “skin” or outer layer of the decking board that has different qualities then the core. Usually the outer skin will be more colorful, have enhanced grain, be harder or more scratch-resistant, have some sort of anti-microbial qualities or mildew resistance, and often UV resistance.
What’s best for most St. Louis decks? Better ask a reputable St. Louis decks contractor.
Source: ...