If you’re yearning for a deck, but are worried about the ongoing maintenance it will call for, today’s the day to think again. Although decking is traditionally made of hardwood, the modern-day low maintenance options don’t just look great, they last a very long time too. Depending on your budget and your desired look, there are numerous possibilities, but these are some of the most common:
- Plastic or PVC decking
- Aluminium decking
- Composite decking
While each one of these three options arguably calls for significantly lower maintenance than hardwood, each has its pros and cons. It’s for these reasons that we’ve put together this article. What we want to do here is help you to decide whether low maintenance really is your priority and if it is, which of the three low maintenance options might work best for you.
Plastic or PVC decking
As the name suggests, this decking option is made of polyvinyl chloride, which is one of the most common plastics in the world. A highly versatile decking option, there is no argument that plastic or PVC decking represents a truly low maintenance option, but there is something about the artificial look of plastic that puts many people off this solution. Although this decking option arguably doesn’t look as stylish as some of the other low maintenance options, it is particularly fade, stain and mold resistant. Easy to look after, there is no staining, protecting, sanding or painting required when you choose PVC. All of that said, PVC is typically a relatively expensive option; bearing in mind its look is somewhat less appealing than some of the others.
Aluminium decking
Aluminium decking is quite a new kid on the block when it comes to options. Again pretty much maintenance-free, it probably is more appealing across the board than PVC. That said, there’s no getting away from the fact that aluminium decking is very much a modern, designer option and probably wouldn’t be suited to a traditional exterior setting. Also potentially quite a noisy option, there are plenty of people who wouldn’t even consider putting aluminium into their melting pot of ideas when it comes to decking.
Composite decking
Composite decking is commonly made of wood fibre mixed with plastic binding ingredients. These ingredients are combined together to create a strong board that requires little or no treatment either at installation or on an ongoing basis. Depending on the composite decking you choose, it can look convincingly like real wood. That said, one of the great things about composite decking is that, thanks to its clever construction, it doesn’t expand and contract to the same extent as wood, which means that as temperature and moisture levels go up and down, the deck won’t bat an eyelid. This means that composite decking stands a lesser chance of becoming damaged by weather challenges.
So, if you’re looking for a seriously low maintenance or no maintenance decking solution, which might work best for you? At Wood and Beyond, we’re obviously fans of hardwood decking and truly believe that the effort that you have to put into this option pays dividends when it comes to looks. However, we accept that not everyone has either the time or the inclination to put the required effort in and it’s for this reason that we’ve worked our socks off to find a no maintenance decking option that ticks all our picky boxes.
The product that we’ve come up with is UPM ProFi Decking. You’ll find the whole range here. The reason we think this option is one of the finest solutions when it comes to no maintenance decking is because it’s made from recycled products and comes in a whole range of stylish colours. From wood tones through to greys and blues, there really is something for everyone with this range. Add to this, the fact there’s no need for annual sanding or sealing and all you’ll need to do is give it an occasional brush and hose-down and you start to see why we like it so much. This decking range has been made in such a way that it’s comfy under foot (even in bare feet) and doesn’t get slippy when it’s wet, so really is a great, all round, no maintenance option.
If you’d like help to choose the right decking for your project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond, we’re huge fans of decking and will happily share our expertise with you to help you make the right decision for now and for the future.
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FAQ
What are the low-maintenance decking options?
The low-maintenance decking options include plastic or PVC decking, aluminium decking, and composite decking. Each of these options requires significantly less maintenance than traditional hardwood.
What is plastic or PVC decking?
Plastic or PVC decking is made of polyvinyl chloride, one of the most common plastics in the world. It represents a truly low maintenance option, being particularly fade, stain, and mold-resistant.
What are the characteristics of aluminium decking?
Aluminium decking is a relatively new option. It’s virtually maintenance-free and can be more appealing than PVC. However, it has a modern, designer look, which may not suit all exterior settings, and can potentially be quite noisy.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is made of wood fibre mixed with plastic binding ingredients. These materials create a strong board that requires little to no treatment, can look convincingly like real wood, and doesn’t expand and contract significantly with changes in temperature and moisture levels.
What is the best no-maintenance decking solution?
UPM ProFi Decking is an excellent no-maintenance decking option. Made from recycled products, it comes in various stylish colours and requires no annual sanding or sealing. It’s comfortable underfoot and doesn’t become slippery when wet.