When building a deck in their new home, everyone sets out to hunt for the perfect composite decking. However, while hopping on their search, the significant realization they are hit with is how many types of composite decking are there.
If you plan on building a newer deck but want to gain insight into all types of composite decking and the significant differences between each, then you have landed on the right page. Hop on below to better understand composite decking and its several different types.
A Guide to Understanding Composite Decking
Before you learn about the different types of composite decking, why don’t we clarify what composite decking is in layman’s language? As the name composite decking implies, these decking planks are made from the composite of various materials. The usual manufacture of composite deckings is through resin wood, plastic, and additional adhesives and bonds.
The composite is eco-friendly given that they are made from recycled materials and benefits the world. To learn more, check out my other blog post, What is Composite Decking Made of?
However, while all this is great, understanding the different types of composite decking to choose the best one for your needs is essential. To help you with it, we have a thorough guide below.
What are the Different Types of Composite Decking?
There are several different types of composite decking. However, these six types are most commonly used:
1. Capped Composite Decking
When searching about the various types of composite decking, capped composite decking is one name you will come across the most. The meaning or purpose of this particular type of composite decking is pretty evident through its name.
The capped composite is a type of wood decking that is capped or covered with plastic on its outer surface. The primary reason behind coating the outer layer of a wooden deck with plastic is to ensure that the decks do not absorb any moisture. The capped composite decking hence is highly durable, but it doesn’t mean that the uncapped are used any less.
2. Uncapped Composite Decking
The uncapped composite deckings are the exact opposite of the capped composite decking. While these wooden deckings are not covered or capped with plastic on their outer surface for additional moisture protection, they are still outstanding.
The uncapped composite deckings are also called the first generation deckings as they are one of the initial composite deckings formed. These deckings are pretty handy because they are still durable despite not being capped or covered and last purchasers a long time.
3. Grooved Composite Decking
The grooved composite decking is also pretty well known among the many fabulous types of composite decking. This particular composite decking is a type that has a trench or hollows on the side. This means these composite deckings are not smooth on the sides like the above counterparts.
In these types of composite deckings, the center of the sides is pushed inwards, which helps create a trench. The trench then runs down the sides of the length of the deck’s side. The grooved composite decking is great, but it has an opposite working composite decking too. Want to know about it? Hop on below
4. Ungrooved Composite Decking
The ungrooved composite decking is a type that does not have any trench or hollows on its side. These groove boards require fasteners that give them a gap in between them compared to their counterpart mentioned above.
These composite deckings are installed through the surface installation method. However, while this gap is visible, it is not something that becomes a threat to families or children. It still does distort the look of your decking. Hence, some people might be hesitant to use this particular composite decking. However, it still serves some exceptional benefits, which makes it an ideal use.
5. Hollow Composite Decking
A hollow composite is a type of decking board with holes. People often question whether the holes are visible and the purpose behind them. Well, regarding visibility, when you place a hollow composite decking on the ground and look at it from upfront, you can see holes in it.
The purpose behind these holes is to reduce the weight of the composite decking. Hence, the holes make it lighter in weight than the solid composite deckings. Moreover, these deckings expand and contract quickly and are much cheaper than solid composite deckings.
6. Solid Composite Decking
The solid composite deckings are similar to the capped or uncapped deckings. These deckings have a simple finish and do not feature a tunnel like the hollow boards’ design; neither do they have any holes in many like the hollow composite decking. If you want to know more differences between each type of composite decking and its alternative part, we have that concluded below for you as well.
A Guide to The Major Differences Between Each Type of Composite Decking?
While all the six types of composite deckings mentioned above serve exceptional benefits, understanding how they differ from each other on a much larger scale is essential. Worry now if you want to understand the significant differences between each type and where and how they can be used because we have this aspect covered for you.
· Capped vs. Uncapped Decking
We mentioned above that the significant difference between the capped and uncapped deckings happens to be the use of plastic in covering one, while the lack of it in the other. However, is it the only difference that sets apart both capped and uncapped deckings?
No! One of the significant differences between capped and uncapped decking is based on their uses. Given the fact that they are covered with plastic, capped composite deckings are water-resistant and perfect for absorbing moisture. Hence, they can be used in places like poolsides or a waterbody near your estate where you dock your boat without any worries, rotting, or molding.
The polymer sleeve covering on the capped decking also ensures that it remains protected or resistant to UV rays or other harmful agents, eliminating the chances of fading or staining. On the other hand, the uncapped decking isn’t protected with an additional layer of plastic, but they still serve exceptional purposes and can be used in areas covered or under shade. These are some of the significant differences between the capped and uncapped deckings, and they will help you decide on which type between these two would be your best bet to make.
· Grooved vs. Ungrooved Decking
The difference between grooved and ungrooved decking happens to be in their appearance. Grooved boards offer a more polished look compared to ungrooved decking. This is because the grooved boards have a more finessed appearance courtesy of their hidden or concealed fasteners.
The installation of grooved boards with hidden fasteners provides a finished look. It offers deck safety, as an individual will not have to worry about surface nails coming out or coming in contact with your bare feet.
However, while grooved boards require fasteners, they sometimes produce more significant gaps between their spaces. Hence, those who want a surface without small gaps in between them prefer ungrooved boards for their children and pets to run around quickly.
· Solid vs. Hollow Decking
In between the solid and hollow composites, the solid composite decking has a more natural appearance than the hollow composite. The solid composites are made from a large percentage of resin wood and do not contain the tunnel-like design on the hollow deckings. These two factors combined give this particular decking a more wood-like appearance.
However, the solid deckings are heavier, and in terms of weight, the hollow deckings take the win. Given the small holes on its upfront surface, the hollow deckings tend to become lighter, which helps to install these panels easily.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now that you understand the various types of composite decking, have you decided which one should be the best one for you? Each type of composite decking serves exceptional purposes and benefits and would come in handy in various settings. Hence, to choose which type of composite decking would suit you best, try aligning the benefits of each to your needs and then decide which one would suit you best.
Final Verdict
In short, the choice of a specific composite decking type chiefly depends on your budget, setup requirements, appearance ideas, and more. If you are someone who wants to know about the types of composite decking, then we hope this article was helpful for you. To gain more insight on composite deckings, contact us.
Related reading: How Composite Decking is Installed
