Why Use Composite Wood For Your 2-Level Deck Ideas

When we talk about taking a nap in a hammock or hosting a festive get together with friends and family, we immediately imagine patio or an outdoor deck with a great design. However, the maintenance involved in having a deck that is made of real wood is a downright chore. You need to scrub, bleach, stain, and even replace warped, splintered, or rotten decking boards when needed.

Composite wood was introduced during the 1990s and even though there were less in-demand during those times, a lot of homeowners began to adopt it even though it was a bit more expensive and came with limited colors. Several years have passed and a lot of companies like Futurewood has begun to offer new and better plastic wood that looked like their real counterparts. This kind of popularity especially this year, 2018, is beneficial for the environment especially since composite wood is made of recycled materials. The issue that composite decking does not feel or appeal like real wood is irrelevant. Once you have turned your 2-level deck ideas into reality using composite wood, the decking boards on your outdoor area will do their job, provide you the privacy you need, and do not require extensive maintenance.

The Pros and Cons

Before you start working on your split-level house deck ideas and deck design along with your desired decking solar lights ideas, you have to weigh the pros and the cons of composite wood. Let us first talk about the advantages.

If you use composite wood or co-extrusion timber to bring your 2-level deck ideas to life, you will enjoy reduced maintenance. You don’t have to worry about cumbersome tasks like bleaching and staining your deck every year. With the great amount of cash you save because you don’t have to use a lot of cleaning tools, cleaning solutions, and coatings, you will be able to recoup the upfront cost of purchasing composite wood in about five years.

Plastic wood for decks is also known for its long life since it does not attract pests like termites. It is not prone to warping and you don’t have to worry about splinters when walking barefoot. The color of composite wood slightly fades after a few months of being exposed to the sun. However, the fading stops after that compared to real wood, which fades for several years throughout its use. Additionally, composite wood is the way to go if you are concerned about the impact of the materials that you use to the environment. Instead of relying on real wood for the installation of your deck, you can call Futurewood if you would rather use plastic wood for your deck. They offer composites in varying colors and finishes that can stand that test of time without flexing or sagging.

Now, let us briefly discuss the drawbacks. We all know that composite wood has high upfront costs compared to real wood. Additionally, many homeowners who own composite wood reported easy scuffing but these light scratches blend in over several years of use. They also reported high risk of staining.

Install It Right

When installing your deck based on your 2 level deck ideas, you need to make sure that you install it correctly. If you are unable to do so, contact an expert builder to help you. Be sure that the space between joists are not wider than 16 inches to prevent it from sagging. Composites should also not be fastened too close to the edge to prevent crumbling. Experts recommend that you keep the screws around ¾ inches from the edges. Avoid narrow gaps in between boards as much as possible because it can easily become clogged, which may eventually lead to stains, mildew, and premature deterioration.

Make your backyard an appealing place where you can hang out with your friends and family or relax alone after a busy day. Install a deck and you’ll see that it is a worthy investment.