Pro Landscaper Connect: Composite Decking

COMPOSITE

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COMPOSITE DECKING

THE HISTORY OF

COMPOSITE DECKING CO M P O S I T E D E C K I N G H A S A R G UA B LY B E CO M E L A N D S C A P I N G’ S FAVO U R I T E B L E N D O F P L A S T I C A N D W O O D, A N D OV E R T H E L A S T 2 0 Y E A R S I T H A S E VO LV E D F R O M A N U N R E L I A B L E W O O D A LT E R N AT I V E TO A N I N D U S T RY DA R L I N G

S

tarting in the late 1990s, composite decking materials began to gain widespread acceptance thanks to the noticable benefits they afford builders and homeowners. They were produced using plastic materials often reclaimed from plastic bags and post-consumer goods like milk jugs. These products typically had a very high percentage of shredded or ground wood filler – often as high as 60% wood. The products were marketed as ‘low maintenance’ or ‘no maintenance’ and were intended to be a durable alternative to wooden planks that require frequent staining, sealing, and other maintenance.

Thanks to these selling points, composite decking products enjoyed rapid growth for several years as they became increasingly popular with the home improvement crowd.

However, alongside this growth in sales emerged problems that caused increasing dissatisfaction among both homeowners and installers. First, the wood and plastic mixture was not nearly as stiff as wood. This forced contractors to build substructures with greater support for the walking surface, which increased cost to the homeowner. Another issue was that as the wood fillers used in these products aged, the homeowner’s new deck would become grey in as little as six months. Exposures in wet environments caused rot, mould, and decay led to delamination and structural failure.

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COMPOSITE DECKING

On top of all this, homeowners typically paid twice the price for the composite materials as they paid for traditional wood decking products with the expectation that they were buying a superior product that had a long lifespan. All added up, the early wood plastic composites faced many challenges as a ‘drop in’ replacement for wood.

As we know now, these challenges were overcome. 2009 saw significant new product introductions that were intended to address two of the most notable shortcomings of the first generation of composite decking materials: stiffness and weatherability.

As with the evolution of products in other industries, such as high-definition TV’s and tablet computers, it was new technology that propelled the industry forward. First, mixtures of PVC with organic and mineral-based fillers and foaming agents gave birth to a new generation of products that were stiffer, lighter, and more resistant to decay than earlier products had been. Second, the use of co-extruded caps provided a highly weatherproof barrier that resisted colour change and fade with exposure to the elements. These two technologies combined allowed for the continued and sustained growth of the entire product category.

Over time, end-user expectations have evolved and both manufacturers and materials suppliers have worked hard to keep pace.

Some of the most important features of today’s www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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generation of composite decking materials now include: • superior weatherability • resistance to decay • low maintenance • excellent abrasion resistance • chemical resistance • colour hold • a wide range of finish and size options.

The market will surely continue to evolve, and as demands grow, new materials will emerge, pushing the envelope of performance.

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SUPERIOR QUALITY LOWER PRICE Easy Installation Low Maintenance Environmentally Friendly Concealed Fixing System 25 Year Domestic Warranty

Beautiful, Low Maintenance Wood Composite Decking

New Product lines

Spring 2019

Visit www.steintec.co.uk, contact Steintec on 0203 598 9800 or visit your local independent builders merchants for more product and supply information.

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COMPOSITE DECKING

COMPOSITE DECKING

REPORT

P R O L A N D S C A P E R CO N N E C T CO N TAC T E D CO M PA N I E S AT R A N D O M F R O M T H E P R O L A N D S C A P E R C I R C U L AT I O N DATA B A S E . E AC H WA S A S K E D I F T H E Y W O U L D TA K E PA RT I N A M A R K E T R E P O RT I N T H E CO M P O S I T E D E C K I N G S E C TO R .

PRO LANDSCAPER’S QUESTIONS

1

How often did you specify composite decking in your projects in 2018?

2

Roughly, how many metres of composite decking did you use in 2018?

3

Roughly, how much do you spend on composite decking in 2018?

4

What companies do you use for your composite decking needs?

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Market Report.indd 73

5

What would improve the products on offer?

6

For you, what makes a good composite decking product?

7

Do you predict your spending will increase for 2019 in this product sector?

8

Why do clients say they want composite decking over traditional timber?

9

Do you push composite decking over traditional timber?

10

What do you use composite decking for the most often?

ANSWERS April 2019 / Pro Landscaper Connect

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COMPOSITE DECKING

2 . R O U G H L Y , H O W M A N Y M E T R E S O F

1. H OW OFTEN DID YOU SPECIFY COMPOSITE DECKING IN YOUR

COMPOSITE DECKING DID YOU USE

PROJECTS IN 2018?

IN 2018?

• 56% of those surveyed said they used the product less than twice.

• 12% said they used it more than 10 times in the year.

• 55% of those surveyed said that less than 25% of their projects contained an element of composite decking.

• 9% said their company used it on over 76% of their garden projects.

0-2 times 3-5 times 6-10 times 10+ times

0-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

3 . R O U G H L Y , H O W M U C H D O Y O U S P E N D ON COMPOSITE DECKING IN 2018?

• 33% of respondents said they spent less than £5,000 on composite decking products in 2018.

• 19% said they spent between £5,000 and £10,000.

• 14% said they spent between £10,000 and £50,000.

• 5% said they spent over £50,000 on composite decking products last year.

£0 - £5k £5k - £10k £10k - £50k

£50k+ Unsure

• 26% said they laid less than a total of 100m2.

• 13% laid between 100 and 250m2.

• 9% laid between 250 and 500m2.

• 6% laid over 500m2 of composite decking in 2018.

• 46% said they did not keep specific records of the amount laid.

0 - 100m2 100 - 250m2 250 - 500m2

Over 500m2 Unsure

4 . W H A T C O M P A N I E S D O Y O U U S E F O R YOUR COMPOSITE DECKING NEEDS? • 52% of companies used Millboard in at least one of their projects in 2018.

• 13% used London Stone’s DesignBoard range of composite decking.

• Trex took a 7% share.

• The only other company mentioned by name was Saige, which took a 5% share.

• 23% used either local or national timber merchants or builder’s merchants such as Travis Perkins.

Millboard London Stone Saige

Trex Other

5 . W H A T W O U L D I M P R O V E T H E P R O D U C T S ON OFFER? • 50% concluded that the price of the product could be improved on.

• 6% said that the products were great as they are, therefore nothing needed improvement right now.

• 15% said a greater range of colour choice and finishes would improve the products available.

• 8% said that the installation could be made easier. A single interviewee suggested that a good idea would be installer courses for specific manufacturer products.

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Price Nothing Wider range of colours and finishes Easier installation

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COMPOSITE DECKING

6 . F O R Y O U , W H A T M A K E S A G O O D COMPOSITE DECKING PRODUCT? Finish Durability and Quality Maintenance Price

• 54% of those surveyed said that the finish makes the product.

• 50% said the durability and quality of the product is what makes a good product.

• 20% said that ease of maintenance was the most important factor for composite decking products.

• 7% pointed out that the price was what made for a good product.

• Other points mentioned in responses to this question was the ease of fitting, whether or not the product was British-made and the consistency of the product from first lay to last.

7. D O YOU PREDICT YOUR SPENDING WILL INCREASE FOR 2019 IN THIS

8 . W H Y D O C L I E N T S S A Y T H E Y W A N T COMPOSITE DECKING OVER TIMBER?

PRODUCT SECTOR? • 60% of those surveyed predicted their own company spending on the composite decking sector would increase in 2019.

• However, 30% said it would not.

• 10% were unsure as to whether it would increase or not.

Yes

No

Maybe

9 . D O Y O U P U S H C O M P O S I T E D E C K I N G OVER TRADITIONAL TIMBER?

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1 0 . W H A T D O Y O U U S E C O M P O S I T E

• 84% said they use composite for a decked area, as you would use traditional timber.

• 9% said they most frequently use composite decking for surrounding pools.

• 7% said composite decking was primarly used on rooftop gardens or balconies.

• 4% said they used them for bespoke seating areas.

Yes

Durability Ease of maintenance Weather-proofing Appearance Budget allowance

DECKING FOR THE MOST OFTEN?

• 57% said that when decking is mentioned in the initial contact with a client, they would push for composite products to be used.

• 43% said it would be left in the customer’s hands to make an impartial decision.

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• Unsurprisingly, durability (42%) and ease of maintenance (47%) were the top answers.

• 19% said the weatherproofing and subsequent anti-slip properties were important to their customers.

• 29% said composite decking was chosen because of its appearance.

• 9% said it was a decision that budget allowed for.

No

Decked area Surrounding pools

Rooftop gardens/balconies Bespoke seating areas

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COMPOSITE DECKING

COMPOSITE DECKING

TECH SPEC MATRIX Company

Product Trex Transcend

Colour Choices 5

Arbordeck

Colours

Fixing

Island Mist, Gravel Path, Lava Rock, Spiced Rum, Tiki Torch

Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing System Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing System

Trex Contour

2

Pebble Grey, Torino Brown

Hollow Domestic Grade Composite

8

Charcoal, Coffee, Ivory, Light Grey, Olive Green, Redwood, Stone Grey, Teak T-Piece Fixing and Stainless Steel Wood Screws

Size (W x L x H in mm)

Weight (kg) 13.5

140 x 3660 x 25 13.9 150 x 2400 x 25

5.9

150 x 4000 x 25

10.8

150 x 2400 x 25

7.8

4

Charcoal, Coffee, Stone Grey, Teak

150 x 4000 x 25

12.9

Solid Commercial Grade Composite

8

Charcoal, Coffee, Ivory, Light Grey, Olive Green, Redwood, Stone Grey, Teak

150 x 2400 x 25

9.8

150 x 4000 x 25

17.8

HD Deck 150

3

Lava, Silver, Walnut

150 x 3600 x 25

16.7

Composite Prime

HD Deck XS

7

Almond, Cedar, Forest Green, Lava, Light Oak, Silver, Walnut

146 x 3600 x 25

16.9

HD Deck Dual

4

Antique, Carbon, Oak, Walnut

Composite Wood Company

Forest Range

CladCo

Woodgrain Hollow

4

Ancient Black, Antique Ash, Salt Lake Silver, Wild Brown,

2

Charcoal, Teak

Dura Deck Resist 150

6

Cedar, IPE, Mahogany, Larch, Pebble Grey, Weathered Cedar

Reversible Composite Decking

5

Black, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Pebble Grey, Slate Grey,

Cotton Mill Range Dura Deck Eco 146

Dura Composites

Ecodek

Dura Deck Eco 295

Hidden Clip System

143 x 3600 x 22.5 Hidden Fixing System

166 x 3660 x 25

Standard Fixing Clip

146 x 3660 x 25

21.4

Subsurface Fixing Clip

295 x 3660 x 25

21.4

Subsurface Fixing Clip

150 x 3660 x 25

21.4

Balcony Screws, Stainless Steel Composite Deck Screws

136 x bespoke lengths between 1500-6000 x 21

21.6

145 x 1800 x 22

2.4

16

Einwood

20

145 x 1800 x 30

0001

145 x 1800 x 22

18F

4

Einclips (Invisible Fasteners)

145 x 1800 x 30

30F

145 x 1800 x 25

ResortDeck

6

Byron, Caribbean, Havana, Sea Salt, Storm, Sunset

EcoDecking

4

Ash, Ash Pure, Almond, Walnut

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QwickClip Hidden Fasteners

N/A

2.9

170 x 1800 x 21

20F

Elite Outdoor Living

Tech Spec Matrix.indd 76

Brown, Dark Brown, Sandy Brown, Grey

14.8 N/A

138 x 4800 x 23

3.15

20

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COMPOSITE DECKING

Company

Product Infinity

Eva-Last

Colour Choices

Colours

4

Kona Sunset, Tiger Cove, Spanish Saffron, Sapphire Silver

5

Aruna, Rusteak, Merbau, Xavia, Pebble

Summit Classic Ascent

Exterpark

Hahn Plastics

Millboard

TimberTech

Screws

140 x 5800 x 23

25.1

Screws

146 x 5800 x 24

20

Screws

138 x 5800 x 21

21.3

Screws

146 x 5800 x 24

21.2

146 x 2200 x 26

8.3

150 x 3600 x 20

19.5

190 x 3000 x 20

15.3

Patented Magnet System

2

Brown, Black

Screws

Xscape

5

Summit Brown, Summit Grey, Voyager Brown, Voyager Clay, Voyager Grey

Xscape Fixing Clip

138 x 3660 x 24

N/A

Trekker

5

Anthracite Wood Grain, Chocolate Wood Grain, Vulcan Wood Grain Earth Grooved, Vulcan Grooved

Decker Starting Clip

143 x 3200 x 22

N/A

DesignBoard

9

Traditional, Amber, Charcoal, Cinnamon, Greenwich, Luna, Mocha, Polar, Silver

Hidden Stainless Steel Fastening Clip System

150 x 3600 x 20

13

Enhanced Grain

6

Brushed Basalt, Golden Oak, Coppered Oak, Jarrah, Limed Oak, Smoked Oak,

176 x 3600 x 32

11.4

Weathered Oak

3

Vintage Oak, Driftwood, Embered

200 x 3200 x 32

12.5

Lasta-Grip

2

Golden Oak, Coppered Oak

Hanit Ultra Decking

Contemporary Solid

3

Coffee, Grey, Charcoal

Rustic Solid Decking

2

Grey, Walnut

Composite Decking Tiles

2

Grey, Oak

EasyClean Terrain

2

Elm, Silver

EasyClean Tropical

3

Storm Grey, Teak, Walnut

Durafix® Fixings

176 x 3600 x 32

Hidden Clip System

Interlocking System

Ashwood, Dark Ashwood, Tigerwood, Vintage White

2

Cedar, Grey

Witchdeck Composite

4

Chocolate, Grey, Slate, Teak

Duro Excellence

4

Denim, Moor Oak, Terra, Teak

Etherno Bamboo

1

Steam Treated Bamboo

iFly Decking Clip or Easy Click No-Screw System

Kinley Systems

Terrafina Excel Boards

6

Pebble Grey, Graphite, Red Brown, Grey Brown, Sand,

Invisible Joining System

Timco

Classic

4

Teak, Redwood, Grey, Ebony

3

Oak, Cedar, Driftwood

EasyClean Legacy ReliaBoard VertiGrain 2

Wallbarn

Vintage

Heritage

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143 x 3600 x 23

12.9 9.8 17

140 x 3660 x 23

17

600 x 300 x 23

17

136 x 4800 x 24

25

136 x 3600 x 24

20

150 x 2900 x 25

11

140 x 2800 x 25

9.2

155 x 1850 x 20

6.3

146 x 4500 x 21

3.8

146 x 3600 x 22

3.8

150 x 3600 x 25

4.7

CONCEALloc Hidden Fastener System

4

Urban 10

Weight (kg)

Anthracite, Earth, Slate, Snow, Shield Plata, Shield Bronce, Shield Oro, Shield Cobre,

Contemporary Hollow Saige

Size (mm)

8

Tech

Havwoods

London Stone

Fixing

Combined Clips & Screws

Hidden Clip System

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COMPOSITE DECKING

PRODUCTS

MILLBOARD

ECODEK

ENHANCED GRAIN DECKING

ECODEK HERITAGE

• Available in six colours: Golden Oak, Coppered Oak, Jarrah, Limed Oak, Smoked Oak and the newly launched Brushed Basalt.

• Moulded from real timber.

• Slip-resistant and low maintenance, making it even suitable for swimming pool surrounds.

• Made of polyurethane and mineral stone resin, an environmentally-friendly material.

• Board size: 176mm x 3600mm x 32mm.

• Coverage: 1.54 boards per m².

• Weight: 11.4kg per board.

• Low potential for slip, whether wet or dry.

• Manufactured from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials.

• Comes with a 25-year warranty.

• Minimal maintenance decking which does not require sanding or sealing.

• Consistent colour stability means no colour leaching on walls or facades from the product.

• Screw-fix system ensures solid, rigid construction.

Image ©Niel Kenyon @ ArkiMag

COMPOSITE DECKING

Price including VAT: £98 per m² www.millboard.co.uk

Price including VAT: RRP £11.94 per linear metre, £85.96 per m2 www.ecodek.co.uk

DURA COMPOSITES

TREX

DURA DECK RESIST 150

TREX ENHANCE

• Dura Deck’s premium decking board choice for high specification.

• Co-extrusion process produces a 360° outer armour to protect the core of the deck from the elements.

• Colour fade, strength load, stain, slip and Class B fire resistant.

• Available in six colours featuring an embossed wood grain on one side and a light groove on the reverse for maximum versatility.

• Available in lengths of 3.66m and comes with a 15-year warranty.

• Enhance Naturals collection comes in five colours: Foggy Wharf, Rocky Harbor, Sunset Cove, Toasted Sand and Calm Water.

• Enhance Basics comes in Clam Shell, Beach Dune and Saddle.

• Decking won’t rot or split and is minimal maintenance. The shell is thermally bonded to the core to prevent it delaminating.

• Domestic decking comes with a 25-year warranty, the commercial decking with a 10-year warranty against fading and staining.

Price including VAT: RSP £72 per m² www.duracomposites.com/decking

Price including VAT: RRP £8.46 (Basic), £11.10 (Naturals) per linear metre www.arbordeck.co.uk

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Long Life

Minimal Waste

High Slip Resistance

Low Maintenance

Solid Build Environmentally Friendly

SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR LIVING.

118mm

186mm

Image © Neil Kenyon, Arki Magazine

The durable and sustainable alternative to hardwood and hollow decking For your opportunity to use ecodek® on your next project, contact enquiries@ecodek.co.uk or call 01978 667 840

www.ecodek.co.uk

Maximise your outdoor space in all seasons with Dura Deck

ORDER YOUR FREE SAMPLES TODAY!

Available in two ranges, Dura Deck Resist and Dura Deck Eco, to suit various budgets and project requirements.

Resist (150mm) Premium Performance & Look Advanced co-extrusion technology with a protective 360° outer armour.

Eco (146mm & 295mm) Eco-Friendly & Economical Engineered to the highest standard for composite timber decking.

Key Features

Resists Load

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Resists Slips

Resists Fire

Resists Fade

Resists Stains

Resists Expansion

Tel: +44 (0)1255 423601 www.duracomposites.com

...designed for the future

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