{"id":4597,"date":"2024-07-11T12:53:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T16:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trexprotect.com\/uk\/?p=4597"},"modified":"2024-07-11T13:07:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T17:07:23","slug":"what-is-composite-decking-made-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trexprotect.com\/uk\/blog\/what-is-composite-decking-made-of\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Composite Decking Made of?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Excellent question! As a leader in composite decking products, we here at Trex<\/a> know the benefits of this type of deck material \u2013 and how cost-effective it is. Composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood filler and is one of the most sustainable materials to build a deck. This durable material is much more low-maintenance than wood decking and doesn’t splinter, warp, or rot. Because of how it’s made, composite decking, like Trex, is a long-lasting option and a great investment.<\/p>\n

Besides wood filler, like sawdust and wood scrap, there is an interesting background on how Trex discovered composite material. Roger Wittenberg<\/a>, an entrepreneur and environmentalist from Winchester, Virginia, in the U.S., set about how to reuse bags from chicken feed. After having an excessive amount of bags from chicken feed bread loaves, he combined this with the wood composite (wood chips and wood fibres), and voil\u00e0 \u2013 a polymer was born! In 1996, we had our first iteration of Trex decking. Let’s explore why composite decking is one of the best decking materials for homeowners.<\/p>\n

How is Composite Decking Made?<\/h2>\n

\"\"The main “ingredients” of composite decking are wood filler, such as sawdust and timber scraps, recycled plastic, and a bonding agent additive. These materials adhere together to form a strong compound at the start of the manufacturing process. This compound is then moulded to make composite decking boards by extrusion.<\/p>\n

The deck boards are then treated with special preservatives that protect them from rot, mould, and mildew. The composite boards are dyed in a variety of colours, and a wood grain pattern is imprinted. This is the start of many composite deck products, like Trex or Timbertech.<\/p>\n

Types of Composite Decking Based on Core Composition<\/h2>\n

There are several kinds of composite decking, and they vary by the make up of their inner structure. This includes wood-plastic composite decking, capped composite decking, and plastic composite decking. Let’s take a look at each type and see their drawbacks and benefits.<\/p>\n

Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC)<\/h3>\n

Wood-plastic composites<\/a> combine wood-based materials and plastic fibres. This is also known as composite timber and is widely used in deck building as an alternative to wood decking. Additionally, this composite type is often seen in cladding and outdoor furniture, like park benches. WPC has been a popular choice for both deck builders and home designers, as it’s an attractive medium with many benefits in terms of longevity and quality.<\/p>\n

Advantages<\/h4>\n