Recycled decking comes in various forms and which you choose will depend to a large extent on your budget, the durability you’re hoping for and the look you want to achieve. Recycled decking is often the term used for decking that has been laid already and has been recovered because the owner is either replacing the deck or is changing their garden design. This sort of recycled decking, whereby it’s effectively second hand, can be a great way to get your hands on a high quality deck at a reasonable price. That said, unless you can be flexible, you may well have to wait an inordinate length of time before the decking of your dreams comes on the market.
Other types of recycled decking include recycled plastic decking and composite decking. Here’s a brief overview of each of these decking solutions.
Recycled plastic decking
Recycling plastic is big business nowadays and what it means is that old plastic milk bottles, old plastic buckets and any other plastic containers are sorted, collected and melted down before being mixed to create the raw material for making a whole host of different products. Amongst these products is decking.
The main advantages of recycled plastic decking are:
ü It’s pretty much maintenance free. All you need to do with recycled plastic decking is sweep it regularly and hose it down when it gets dirty.
ü There’s no need for any sort of sealing or annual treatment.
ü It doesn’t need to be painted, stained, varnished or preserved in any way.
ü It doesn’t splinter or crack.
ü It will withstand all types of weather without getting waterlogged.
The main downsides of plastic decking is that although some of it is cheap, not all options are low budget. And at the end of the day, there is no getting away from the fact that most recycled plastic decking looks plastic and unfortunately, looks even more so in direct sunshine.
Composite decking
Composite decking is a decking option that is typically made of some recycled materials and enjoys all the advantages of plastic decking but won’t normally suffer the same downsides. Made by man from combination of wood and recycled plastic, composite decking doesn’t have the shine that and artificial look that recycled plastic tends to have.
At Wood and Beyond, we have a whole range of recycled decking, that’s branded UPM decking. UPM decking is a recycled decking option that looks absolutely stunning. Currently available on our website in a range of 6 different colours that suit every look, this solution will truly add designer class to any garden. Here are just some of the reasons why UPM is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high quality recycled decking solution. It’s:
- Tough and resilient.
- Naturally non-slip thanks to its high-friction surface.
- Low maintenance, not needing any protective treatments either at the outset or an ongoing basis. With UPM, all you need to do is brush and hose it down from time to time.
- It won’t go grey, even with the brightest sunshine or the heaviest rain.
- No matter what the weather throws at it, it’ll retain its attractive colour.
- Easy to install.
- Splinter free and soft and comfy under foot.
- It won’t absorb moisture, so won’t warp or cup like some natural products.
- And last but not least, it’s environmentally friendly, so you know by making this choice, you’re not only going to have a smart looking garden, you’ll be making a smart selection for the planet too.
If you’d like help to make the right decking decision for your project, why not get in touch? We have a team of enthusiastic experts here; ready to take your call to make sure you get the right product for your budget and your needs.
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FAQ
1. What is recycled plastic decking made from?
Recycled plastic decking is made from old plastic containers like milk bottles and buckets, which are collected, sorted, and melted down to create the raw material for the decking.
2. What are the advantages of recycled plastic decking?
The main advantages of recycled plastic decking include being maintenance-free, not requiring sealing or annual treatment, not needing to be painted, stained, or preserved, and being immune to splintering or cracking. It can also withstand all types of weather without getting waterlogged.
3. What are the downsides of recycled plastic decking?
The main downside of plastic decking is that, although some options are inexpensive, not all are budget-friendly. Additionally, most recycled plastic decking tends to have a distinctly plastic appearance, which is particularly noticeable in direct sunshine.
4. What is composite decking?
Composite decking is a type of decking made from a combination of wood and recycled plastic. It enjoys all the benefits of plastic decking but generally doesn’t have the artificial shine or look of recycled plastic.
5. What are the benefits of UPM decking?
UPM decking is a type of recycled decking that is tough, resilient, naturally non-slip, and low maintenance. It won’t go grey with exposure to sunshine or rain, retains its color in all weather, is easy to install, and is splinter-free and comfortable underfoot. Furthermore, it won’t absorb moisture, preventing warping or cupping common in some natural products. Additionally, it’s environmentally friendly, making it a smart choice for both your garden and the planet.