When it comes time to choose between real wood and composite wood for your deck, consider the material’s water resistance.
Why? Isn’t composite waterproof?
No. Only synthetic materials are 100% waterproof. However, our composite wood has been designed to offer excellent water resistance. Therefore, it makes a great choice for a deck adjacent to a pool, a floating dock, or a house on the water by a lake. It is also an ideal product for coastal environments. Tests have shown that our technological wood can even withstand the humid and salty environment of the coast in British Columbia.
Wondering how regular wood performs? “Real wood” is neither waterproof nor water-resistant. To make it so, you will need to paint or varnish it. Without regular maintenance, the material risks mold, rot, greening, or crumbling.
We recommend considering moisture in your deck project.
Why choose a water-resistant deck?
Rain, frost, and the hasty thawing and heating characteristic of Canada’s significant temperature fluctuations can cause considerable damage. Exposing wood to large humidity shifts leads to the expansion and contraction of the material. Therefore, ordinary wood will distort and discolor, necessitating ongoing maintenance.
Wood boards react differently to environmental pressures. Some warp, some bend, or sag. You will notice a deck or terrace aging when some boards start to loosen. Over time, moisture wears down the fibers, leading to wood movement. Expansion and contraction, in turn, loosen the hardware: nails rise to the surface, and screws and bolts loosen.
A water-resistant composite wood deck also provides better protection against the effects of moisture. Not only will your composite deck require little or no maintenance, but it will likely last longer than a traditional wood installation.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Do you want to avoid slipping on your deck?
Natural wood tends to become slippery when wet. Composite wood, on the other hand, comes in two different finishes to help provide better grip. Being stable on your feet can give you an edge in splash battles or prevent you from falling into the water when exiting a boat on a dock.
How much time are you willing to invest in maintenance?
A wood deck typically needs sanding, staining, or repainting about every two years to resist water. Composite wood, however, remains water-resistant with no special maintenance. At its design, special polymer agents were integrated.
All NewTechWood products have this feature. This is known as Ultrashield protection technology. A deck that requires little maintenance means less time spent waterproofing and more time enjoying your installation.
What is your budget?
Initially, the cost of ordinary wood is more affordable than that of composite wood. Of course, this depends on supply and demand. However, when projecting costs over several years, you’ll realize that maintenance expenses accumulate, especially if you aren’t performing the upkeep yourself.
In the short, medium, and long term, consider all incurred expenses…
What look do you want for your deck?
The nature of authentic wood imparts much warmth. Additionally, this sanded material can be stained, colored, or textured nearly to your liking.
Our products are known for mimicking the texture and appearance of real wood with great realism. They replicate the look and feel without the same tendency to fade, distort, or rot and mold. Ordinary wood deteriorates when exposed to water, whereas composite wood withstands it and retains its color. Your deck will stay beautiful with just occasional cleaning.
Unlike synthetic (made of plastic) materials, composite wood can be cut with the same tools as ordinary wood. You can use a hand saw or a circular saw. The maneuverability of composite makes it a versatile material for deck construction.
Would you like to avoid splinters?
If you’ve ever had to remove a splinter from a foot (yours or your child’s), you understand why we ask. Wood splinters are a significant drawback for summer barefoot play. Exposure to water and sunlight affects the humidity of ordinary wood, breaking its fibers, which can lead to splinter formation.
Composite wood carries no such risk. Thus, you can enjoy your deck barefoot without fear of splinters.
Do you want to opt for an eco-friendly material?
Wood is a renewable natural resource but requires years to grow trees. Composite is eco-friendly because it reuses wood fibers and avoids waste.
We recycle plastic and wood in the creation of our water-resistant and moisture-proof products. You will find the equivalent of 3000 plastic bags and 1000 plastic bottles in 10 feet of NewTechWood composite wood. We also repurpose wood furniture from landfills. From recycled items, we create new products that outperform the original products while reducing deforestation. It’s a win for humanity and the entire planet.
Composite wood gives you free time and a solid foundation, splinter-free.
Composite wood decks are great options for those with little time to invest in maintenance but want to enjoy a safe installation. Your family, friends, and feet will thank you for choosing composite. You will be satisfied too. Additionally, all NewTechWood products are water-resistant. You can also consider them for adding a fence matching your deck or starting a new wall covering project, erecting a privacy wall with decorative beams, or building a floating dock using hollow boards.
Explore retailers and contractors using NewTechWood products near you.
