Is composite decking better than timber decking?
Many people would answer ‘yes’ and on the question: ‘does composite decking help preserving the environment?’ these people would answer yes again. In trying to find an impartial answer it is good to know what composite decking actually is. Composite decking or composite wood is a composite of timber fibers (cellulose saw dust) and plastic. The proportion of mixture can contain 50% to 70% wood. This wood-plastic timber is often made of recycled plastic and wood wastes – but not always. Manufacturers themselves say their wood-plastic composite is a contribution to environmental protection because it is more durable than timber and doesn’t need any preservatives. In fact, composite wood still absorbs water because of its high content of cellulose and that appears to be problematic, so manufacturers try to improve the wood plastic composite by treating it with preservatives and chemicals. Manufacturers claim that their timber substitute is 100% organic because of avoiding deforestation by
