The compost terrace has been on the rise for several years now. But what is it really worth? When to choose composite decking instead of wood? More resistant and more durable over time than wooden deck boards, the composite deserves some details on its specificities when you want to build your terrace.
What is the composite?
To begin with, there is not one but several composite woods.
Composite boards are made from natural fibers. It is for this reason that there are several types of composite on the market. The blades can be made of wood flour, or of flax fiber. Plastic resin (PE / PP or PVC is added to this. The composite is therefore not a raw material, it is the result of formulations specific to each manufacturer.
Choose the composite to counter deforestation
In addition to fighting against deforestation, it has now found its place in the landscaping market. Indeed, there are now fences, terraces, gates and more composite cladding boards.
As you will have understood, who says “composite” no longer necessarily means “wood”: faced with the increasingly substantial needs of many manufacturers (pellets, composites, kibbles, etc.) in wood flour, technological developments have made it possible to opt for new natural fibers largely able to replace wood flour. This is the choice that experts has made for several years now: to replace wood flour with flax flour.
Wood terrace or composite terrace?
Composite, and in particular composite deck boards, have significant advantages over a wooden deck.
Here are the advantages of composite wood to build your patio:
Easy maintenance: unlike the natural terrasse bois, the composite wood terrace requires little maintenance.
Comfort and Safety: It’s a fact, natural wood warps, and splinters can easily injure the bare feet of adults, children or even those of your pets. It offers very comfortable additional safety when dealing with children or clients who could slip or injure themselves with a splinter.
It is a stable material: insects, frost, water, and even the passing of time are factors to take into account when choosing the material for your patio. Ultimately, your aging wooden deck will show cracks and a faded color. Aesthetic changes which require the blades to be replaced at regular intervals.
Ease of installation: composite wood is an excellent solution for installing decks in humid environments such as swimming pool decks, pontoons for mooring boats and even pedal boats for example.
Respectful of the environment: the terraces in continental wood or exotic wood are very appreciated by their warm aspect and their natural side. However, wood is a degradable product, with a limited lifespan and problematic traceability. In addition, they require regular and sometimes very strict maintenance as they age. Treatment products can also be harmful; not only for humans but also for the environment.
It is also for these reasons that over the last fifteen years the composite has become an ideal compromise for the French in terms of exterior design. The composite has really established itself as the alternative to aesthetic and durable assets.
