What is the Best Composite Decking?
The best composite decking depends ultimately on your project needs, with material technology and board profile among the most important factors influencing long-term performance. Premium PVC capped composite decking, with glass fiber reinforcement, typically offers the best structural performance, and bamboo co-extruded capped composite offers great durability, while uncapped bamboo composite meets budget conscious considerations. The profile of the decking board is a significant consideration as hollow-core boards are known to retain water in the cavities which causes expansion in the heat leading to board failure, commonly through cracking and splitting.
What’s the difference between board profiles?
A deck board’s profile can affect its strength, weight and cost. A well-engineered I-Series or arched board can outperform a poorly designed solid board, making material technology and profile design key components of success. Here is an overview of composite board profiles:
| Board Profile | Construction | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
Solid Profile
|
Solid composite construction throughout the board. | Structurally durable, moisture resistant, and usually good load bearing capability. | Higher material costs and WPC boards are heavier to transport and install. |
Engineered Arched Profiles
|
It will have a solid area at the top of the board, but with ridges or grooves underneath where material has been removed. | Excellent strength-to-weight ratio while maintaining dimensional stability, reduced material usage, easier handling and installation, and efficient structural performance. | Not all arched boards are good quality, this is where material technology and capping become important considerations. |
Hollow Profile
|
Looks solid but has internal cavities that are either round or square when looking at the end of the board. | These boards are produced only with the intention to reduce cost through reducing material usage. | Older technology. Modern manufacturers have moved away from this profile. Hollow-core boards are prone to moisture ingress leading to board failures over time. |
What’s the difference between material technology?
| Technology | Construction | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
Traditional WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
|
Wood fibres combined with recycled plastics. Available in capped or uncapped profiles. | Low maintenance and more durable than the timber alternative. | Prices can vary dramatically based on raw material sourcing and manufacturing quality. The percentage of wood fibre in the composition can impact the moisture resistance. A lot of WPC boards still have hollow profiles which should be avoided. |
BPC (Bamboo Plastic Composite)
|
Bamboo fibres combined with recycled polymers, available in capped and uncapped profiles. | Higher material density than traditional WPC. Bamboo fibres improve dimensional stability, strength and durability. | Different surface finishes offer varying benefits and warranties, as well as impacting the cost. Have a clear idea of your requirements when considering the appropriate board for your needs. |
PVC Capped Composite
|
Made primarily from polyvinyl chloride with added fibres like bamboo in Eva-Last’s case. | Highly resistant to moisture, insects and rot. Lightweight and suitable for wet environments. | May expand more in extreme temperature fluctuations. |
PVC GFR (Glass Fibre Reinforced) Composite
|
PVC composite reinforced with glass fibre through the core of the board. | Greater span capability, reduced expansion and contraction, improved long-term dimensional stability. | Higher cost than PVC capped composite. |
How do Eva-Last decking ranges compare?
Pioneer
Apex
Apex PLUS
Infinity
Infinity I-Series
Eva-tech
Read More About The Benefits of Composite
Composite is the solution to the upkeep hassles, lifestyle restraints, and environmental strain of wood. High quality composite offers superior functionality, longevity, and sustainability compared to timber, while still providing the beautiful aesthetic of natural hardwoods.
