Composite decking needs to be durable, have seamless connections, require minimal upkeep, and be a beautiful, enduring enhancement to your home.
Opting for inexpensive composite decking often means the manufacturers have compromised on quality. This can significantly affect the durability and overall quality of your decking, leading to added stress and frustration rather than increasing your property’s value.
In this blog post, we will discuss why budget-friendly options might seem attractive but do not provide the best value in the long run. We will also highlight the benefits of selecting solid composite boards with hardwood filling for a smarter investment.
Are all composite boards the same?
No, unfortunately, with cheap composite decking boards, you generally get what you pay for.
Inexpensive composite materials are often filled with softwood or bamboo, which lack the durability of high-quality hardwood composite boards. These cheaper options are prone to warping, distorting, staining, or fading over time, potentially turning your cost-effective DIY project into an expensive repair.
The final appearance and texture can also vary greatly. Softer boards may split or fragment, creating a nuisance or even a hazard. In contrast, hardwood-filled composite boards, such as NexGEN, stay smooth and comfortable underfoot even with heavy use.
Why are there so many different budget decking brands?
The number of options is smaller than it appears. Although the market seems flooded with various inexpensive brands, there are only a few actual low-cost manufacturers.
The global manufacturing industry for composite wood decking lacks regulation, allowing some manufacturers to produce large quantities quickly due to minimal quality control.
These manufacturers then distribute their products worldwide under different brands (white label). If a particular brand receives negative attention for poor quality, they can simply rebrand the same product under a new name.
4 Questions You Should Ask When Choosing Composite Decking
When searching for high-quality composite decking, consider the following factors:
- Manufacturing Location: The top three composite decking companies manufacture exclusively in North America. For instance, NexGEN composite decking products are made by Fiberon Composites in North America and are sold in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Central and South America.
- Material Composition: For durable decking, seek out solid composite boards with hardwood filling, as they offer superior structural integrity. It’s advisable to avoid hollow decking options.
- Warranty Coverage: Many inexpensive brands offer limited structural warranties for 10-25 years, some even less, often excluding cracking or fading. If a white label brand goes out of business, these warranties become worthless. A product’s warranty reflects its quality. NexGEN provides a lifetime performance guarantee and a 50-year guarantee against fading and staining, demonstrating confidence in their products’ durability even in harsh Australian conditions.
- Brand and Manufacturer Reputation: Look for companies with a long history, positive reviews, adherence to global manufacturing standards, and global availability. Choose a company with decades of experience, successful operations across multiple continents, and a proven track record of quality and performance.
Composite Decking Products Built for Life
Investing in composite decking that will last a lifetime is a wise decision. Opting for cheap composite decking can be a false economy if it needs replacing in just a few years.
Instead, choose high-quality, durable composite decking designed to endure harsh weather conditions year after year.
The saying “Pay cheap, pay twice!” holds true in our industry, just as it does in many other aspects of life.
NexGEN’s premium, eco-friendly composite decking has all the benefits and beauty of natural timber without the issues of splintering, decaying, and costly maintenance – it won’t rot and doesn’t require staining. Our composite decking is ultra-low maintenance, ultra-high quality and offers easy installation.
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