Decking material can make or break a project’s aesthetic and durability in outdoor spaces. With options ranging from traditional wood to advanced synthetic materials, homeowners and builders constantly seek a balance between beauty, functionality, and longevity.
Enter the Select Range of Capped Composite Decking, a product that is not only innovative but also meets all the demands of the modern deck owner.
What Makes Composite Decking Stand Out?
Composite decking has become a popular alternative to natural wood due to its blend of strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood, which can rot, warp, or crack over time, composite decking is engineered to withstand the elements while maintaining its appearance for years.
The Select Range, in particular, takes this one step further with its proprietary matte surface and low-gloss formulation. This produces a natural wood-like appearance without the shiny finish many associate with lower-quality synthetic materials. Through a micro-texturing process, the surface is designed to mimic the grain patterns found in natural wood, giving it a truly authentic feel.
Australian-Inspired Colour Palette
A standout feature of the Select Range is its connection to Australia’s natural beauty. The colour palette features earthy, rich tones inspired by the Australian landscape. The subtle shades blend harmoniously with their surroundings, making them a perfect fit for any outdoor environment. The names of these colours, Graphite, Jarrah, and Spotted Gum, are a testament to their natural roots.
Unlike some composite decking that may feature artificial or overly vibrant hues, the Select Range offers a more authentic and naturally appealing aesthetic. The subtle multi-tonal streaking adds depth to the colours, creating a visual effect that enhances the texture and gives the impression of genuine wood graining.
Reversible by Design
One of the Select Range’s key selling points is its reversible double-sided boards. Both sides of each board are treated and finished, allowing for greater flexibility during installation, particularly on second-story applications where the underside of the decking is visible. This feature also increases the boards’ lifespan, as the other side can be used if the surface becomes damaged or worn over time.
Built to Last: Durability Features
Decking is an investment, and with the Select Range, you are guaranteed a product that will stand the test of time. Each board is capped on all four sides, protecting it from the elements and ensuring long-lasting performance. Unlike traditional wood decking, which requires regular staining, sealing, and upkeep, composite decking only needs minimal maintenance.
The Select Range boasts several durability features, including:
- R10 Slip-Rating, Providing a safe surface underfoot, even in wet conditions. This is especially important for homeowners with pools or in regions that experience frequent rain.
- BAL19 Bushfire Rating: Decking material that meets bushfire safety standards is crucial in areas prone to wildfires. The Select Range is rated BAL19, making it safer for fire-prone environments.
- 50-Year Stain and Fade Warranty: When investing in outdoor decking, homeowners want to be confident that the colour and appearance of their deck will remain intact for decades. The Select Range comes with a 50-year warranty, offering peace of mind that the boards won’t stain or fade over time, even with exposure to the elements.
- Lifetime Structural Warranty: Backed by a lifetime structural warranty, the boards are guaranteed to maintain their integrity, ensuring that your deck remains solid and stable.
Customisation and Flexibility
The Select Range isn’t just about standard decking boards—it also includes specialised options to meet the diverse needs of a complete outdoor decking project. Boards come in 137mm width and 24mm thickness, offering a substantial and sturdy appearance. Additionally, they are available in various lengths, with 3.66-metre boards ready for express delivery and 2.44 and 4.88-metre lengths available for order.
The range also includes grooved boards, designed for use with hidden fasteners, and square boards for areas such as stair treads, fascia, and picture framing. Every aspect of your deck can be fully customised, from the steps to the edges, ensuring that your outdoor space has a cohesive, polished look.
The Environmental Benefits of Composite Decking
With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, consumers are becoming more conscious of their choices, particularly regarding sustainable living. In-home improvement, one area that has seen a shift towards environmentally friendly solutions is decking materials. Although aesthetically pleasing, traditional wood decking poses environmental concerns related to deforestation, chemical treatments, and short lifespans that lead to waste. Composite decking offers an eco-friendly alternative, addressing many concerns while maintaining visual appeal and durability.
Reducing the Pressure on Forests
One of the most significant environmental benefits of composite decking is its role in reducing the need for new timber. Traditional wooden decks require regular replacement and are typically constructed using forest timber. The global demand for wood has contributed to deforestation, which results in habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and increased carbon emissions. Composite decking is primarily made from recycled wood fibres, drastically reducing the need for virgin wood and helping preserve the earth’s forests.
In addition to using reclaimed wood, composite decking’s plastic component includes polyethylene sourced from recycled plastic. This reduces the consumption of new plastic, diverting tons of waste from landfills and giving a second life to post-consumer materials.
Minimising Waste in Production
NexGEN composite decking is produced in a resource-efficient and waste-reducing manner. For example, Fiberon recycles over 98% of the material waste generated during production, significantly lowering the environmental impact. Additionally, water used in production is recycled through closed-loop systems, conserving water and preventing pollution.
Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing
NexGEN composite decking manufacturing is energy-efficient compared to traditional wood decking. It uses recycled materials; almost all products contain over 90% recycled content. Fiberon’s production facilities near significant markets reduce transportation distances, lowering the carbon footprint.
Durability and Longevity
NexGEN composite decking is highly durable and can last 50 years or more, compared to traditional wood decking’s 10 to 15 years lifespan. Its resistance to rot, decay, termites, and cracking means fewer repairs and replacements are needed, resulting in lower long-term costs and a reduced environmental footprint for homeowners.
Lower Maintenance Requirements
Traditional wood decking requires ongoing chemicals containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for life that harm the environment. In contrast, NexGEN composite decking is ultra-low-maintenance and eliminates the need for toxic chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for outdoor living spaces.
Recyclability at the End of Life
Unlike traditional wood decking, NexGEN composite decking is recyclable at the end of its life cycle. High-quality composite decking can be reclaimed and reused, reducing waste. This circular approach is a hallmark of sustainable design.
Contributing to Green Building Standards
Select composite decking products, like those from Fiberon, contribute points towards green building certification programs like LEED. Composite decking that uses recycled content, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and minimal environmental impact helps projects earn points towards LEED certification. Choosing NexGEN composite decking supports environmentally responsible construction practices recognised by global green building standards.
In conclusion, the environmental benefits of NexGEN composite decking make it a smart choice for those who want to minimise their ecological footprint while enjoying a beautiful and durable outdoor space. By reducing the demand for timber, minimising waste in production, and supporting recyclability, composite decking offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood.
Its long-lasting durability, low-maintenance requirements, and energy-efficient manufacturing further enhance its environmental credentials. As consumers become more eco-conscious, the shift toward composite decking will continue to grow, contributing to a healthier planet and more sustainable building practices.
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