Five Headaches Eliminated By Maintenance Free Decking

You might think that installing a new deck will only create more of the anxieties we homeowners so commonly have. And if you built your new deck out of the cheapest wood you could find, you might be right. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of maintenance-free decking options available on the market.

When we say "maintenance-free decking," we mean just that: Decking material designed specifically to eliminate the need for constant cleaning, treating and repairing. Most maintenance-free decking is made of a composite of wood and plastic, combining the advantages of both.

Here are just a few of the things you won't have to worry about when you use maintenance-free decking for your new project:

Bugs. As a rule, termites and woodlice only like to eat rotting wood. They don't enjoy the taste of plastic, which makes up a substantial percentage of maintenance-free decking. With composite wood, you'll never need to worry about losing your deck to the chitinous mandibles of the insect world.

Warping. With wood decking, you'll need to spend time every year treating it with expansive sealants to keep it from warping and cracking. Maintenance-free decking derives protection from warping from the reclaimed plastic within.

Cleaning. When we say "maintenance-free," we mean "maintenance-free." Decking made of composite wood material won't stain, and doesn't require expensive solvents to keep it clean. All you'll need to do is sweep the debris off in the fall and keep the snow off in the winter. Some will even resist staining from ice-melting rock salt.

Splinters. Maintenance-free decking material like TimberTech's Florizon planks will not only refuse to splinter, they'll stay cool even under the hot summer sun. That means your composite deck can function as a poolside lounging area, a lakeside dock, or anything you might want to run around on in bare feet.

Mold, Mildew and Rot. The same features that help your deck repel insects can also prevent it from rotting under the pressures of weather and moisture.