Composite decking - options?
Discussion
I'm looking at laying a deck right outside our bi-fold doors. I've laid a couple previously but they've always been softwood decks and to be honest, I find they look worn after a couple of years of moderate use.
I'm looking at composite options. I did get Millboard samples, and particularly like their limed oak finish but at £68 a 3.6m length from my local supplier, its too expensive.
Has anyone got any recommendations on a cheaper option which still maintains a decent looking finish?
I'm looking at composite options. I did get Millboard samples, and particularly like their limed oak finish but at £68 a 3.6m length from my local supplier, its too expensive.
Has anyone got any recommendations on a cheaper option which still maintains a decent looking finish?
I've looked at Envirobuild frontier, the sample looks good and not dissimilar surface to Timbertechs ultrashield product. I'm tempted but it's very similar in price to Trex Enhance
Timbertech which is one of the oldest producers of this stuff, uses a hollow core profile. It's not as hollow as some of the lesser known stuff but it has holes through it. It's completely capped but it's been going for over 20 years. Trex' enhance range is capped at the top but not bottom. Its solid but the bottom of the profile isn't flat. It's meant to be able to let water out if it gets in.
Millboard which a lot seem to be using isn't a wood composite. It's solid and it's quite a large board but it's not cheap. I like it but ive only seen a small sample and not sure if the colour is what I'm looking for.
I've managed to get the Trex stuff for a shade under £40 for a 3.6m length. Envirobuild was similar but 4m long. Due to the way I was planning the deck (straight out from the house) it means that I either end up with a slightly longer deck or 0.4m wastage on every board.
One thing I've noticed is the clips aren't cheap. Hardwood is cheaper, but it'll probably need as much aftercare as the usual softwood stuff. Looks nice.
Timbertech which is one of the oldest producers of this stuff, uses a hollow core profile. It's not as hollow as some of the lesser known stuff but it has holes through it. It's completely capped but it's been going for over 20 years. Trex' enhance range is capped at the top but not bottom. Its solid but the bottom of the profile isn't flat. It's meant to be able to let water out if it gets in.
Millboard which a lot seem to be using isn't a wood composite. It's solid and it's quite a large board but it's not cheap. I like it but ive only seen a small sample and not sure if the colour is what I'm looking for.
I've managed to get the Trex stuff for a shade under £40 for a 3.6m length. Envirobuild was similar but 4m long. Due to the way I was planning the deck (straight out from the house) it means that I either end up with a slightly longer deck or 0.4m wastage on every board.
One thing I've noticed is the clips aren't cheap. Hardwood is cheaper, but it'll probably need as much aftercare as the usual softwood stuff. Looks nice.
I was looking for something that looked like wood, but only found Millboard to actually come close. Judged it was too expensive in the end so as I wanted it to look like wood, I bought wood. Smooth side up, plenty of ventilation and plenty of supports. I'll stay away from oil, stains and paint and just clean with netrol and treat with Ronseal deck treatment. That way it stays looking fairly natural. At worst it's a day's worth of effort every spring.
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