Composite Decking: An Environmental Choice

The new kid on the block in decking is composite decking. As the new kid, not many understand it very well, even thought there is not much difference in it and the wood it comes from. Composite decking is a mixture of sawdust and a binder to give it form and structure. This recycling makes it a good environmental choice, as the wood that goes into its construction is the waste from other wood products, and no trees have to be cut down specifically to make it.

You Need to Know More with Cedar Decking

Your cedar decking can be left unfinished if you desire a rustic weathered look, or use a quality finish to enhance both its look and its natural durability. Cedar decking responds excellently to such materials as oil-based stains and paints, and you should remember to look for a coating that offers good mildicide and ultraviolet shielding properties, as well as additional preservatives in order to protect your project’s youthful complexion.

Regardless of what type of wood you decide to go with in the end, learning and acknowledging yourself on the various kinds available – along with the positive and negative factors with each one – will help you enormously in the finding of the appropriate wood not only for the project but for your personal preference as well. Cedar is a long-lasting, dependable, reliable, and beautiful wood, and should be made as one of the top choices for a project such as decking.

What You Need to Know When Working with Cedar Decking

Cedar is a wood that is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, and no further chemical treatment is needed unless the lumber is in direct contact with the ground. When compared to the other available woods, cedar is prime because it does not swell or shrink as much as the other woods, lies flat, stays straight, retains fasteners, and provides a firm base for paints and stains. Added onto this is its physical beauty; cedar has a rich grain, texture, and color that compliments any architectural style.

Cedar is considered as being the friendliest wood you can work with because of the fact that it is ultra-lightweight, making transporting and handling a snap, and its soft texture and straight grain allow for quick and clean sawing and shaping. Also, cedar is produced and available in an array of shapes and sizes, and some pre-cut items in cedar decking include the following: fencing, lattice, balustrades, and decorative accessories.

Working with Cedar Decking

There are a number of different types of wood available to work for your deck, including a
composite decking that is made up of recycled materials and a form of wood waste. Cedar decking falls into the wood category, and is one of the most popular choices for decking. Whether you’re planning on completing your cedar decking project yourself, or hiring a professional to do it for you, there are a few important things to know before continuing any further on the idea.

Plastic Boat Decking

PlasTeak (http://www.plasteak.com/boating/plasdeck/plasdeck.html) offers a teak wood look in a plastic material that boasts “No Maintenance Ever!” If you are looking for the deck solution that will allow you more time to enjoy your boat and less time making it looks good, this might be the perfect alternative to the traditional decking. This material is non-slip and environmentally friendly and will give an upper class look to any boat without the maintenance that comes with other boat decking systems.

Treated Plywood

The EPA has laws as to what types of chemicals wood can be treated with. The plywood available for marine use is the only plywood the EPA still allows to be treated with arsenic rather than a copper compound. The arsenic treating allows for the use of marine carpeting and hardware without destroying the materials used on your boat decking. This material is used in rebuilding or re-decking pontoon boats and can be found at http://www.pontoonstuff.com.

Fiberglass Boat Decking

Fiberglass is lightweight and weather resistant among many of its features; however, it is also a bit tedious to maintain and/or repair. Wikipedia defines fiberglass as a “material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. It is used as a reinforcing agent for many polymer products; the resulting composite material, properly known as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), is called "fiberglass" in popular usage.” The installation of fiberglass material can be a job that is a bit out of the average boat owner’s league, so might cost more in the long run as well.

Boat Decking Alternatives

I believe the old saying says, the happiest day of a boat owner’s life is the day he bought his boat, the second happiest day is the day he sells it. This is because of all the maintenance that goes into a boat to keep it running well and looking good. Let’s take a look at some solutions for boat decking that will make the maintenance a bit easier for all you boat owners out there.

Wood Boat Decking

A traditional wood deck consists of planks which are caulked and tarred. High class boats might have the deck canvassed with the fabric laid down in a thick layer of paint or sealant. This style of boat decking has been replaced mainly with a fiberglass deck that is laid over treated plywood layers for easier repair and cost effectiveness, as well as options in color and weight.

A Variety of Styles and Colors

With aluminum decking, you no longer have to worry about painting your deck to make it look nice year after year. Aluminum decking comes in a variety of styles and colors that are made to last throughout the years. Choose the color and style that best suits you, and never again buy expensive paint and materials to keep your deck and yard looking the way you want it to look.
With aluminum decking, you’ll save money and time, and your yard will look better than ever. Say goodbye to wood and hello to aluminum for all your decking needs. You’ll likely get many compliments on how good your yard has been looking lately.

No More Warped Wood

With aluminum decking, you don’t have to worry about replacing the decking every few years, because this decking is built to last. The material doesn’t get warped or moldy after it rains and it is no longer necessary to apply any waterproofing materials. Aluminum decking is automatically waterproof, which means it will hold up to the foulest of weather and will continue to provide great decking for as long as you own your home.

No Slipping and Falling
Aluminum decking won’t get slippery like regular decking. When guests come over to lounge in the sun or bask by the pool, you no longer have to worry about them slipping and falling if too much water pools up on your deck. Most aluminum decking models come with some sort of natural traction ability, which means your guests can walk around and even play without having to worry about tripping, falling, and hurting themselves.

Aluminum Decking: A Revolution in Outdoor Decking

Anyone who has had wooden decking outside of their home knows what it is like to maintain it. Constantly having to pull up wet or warped boards, constant staining and waterproofing, not to mention the fact that it gets so slippery when coated with water that it makes wooden decking seem more like a chore than a nice addition to your yard.
With aluminum decking, there is no need to ever have to worry about replacing boards. You no longer have to apply waterproofing materials, paint or worry that your children or guests are going to slip and fall due to slippery boards. Aluminum decking is the best idea you could consider for all of your decking needs.

Room to Play

Above ground pool decking also allows your guests an area to walk around the pool. Children, especially, like to be able to run and play around the pool area. Above ground pool decking gives them this surface area, since with decking, they can walk around and jump into the pool instead of constantly having to climb up ladders.

Looks Better
The best part of having above ground pool decking is that it is more aesthetically pleasing than if you don’t have any decking at all. An above ground pool doesn’t look very good sitting in your yard all by itself. Above ground pool decking provides a frame for your pool. It can be stained and decorated how you want, and the best part is, you no longer have to worry about water soaking your lawn. With above ground pool decking your lawn is protected; so, just add some flowers and your yard will look great for hosting any party or function.
If you have an above ground pool and want to provide a way for your guests to bask in the sun, walk around your pool, and you want to make your yard look better, your best bet is to get above ground pool decking. Your guests will have a blast, and you will likely get many compliments on how good your yard is looking these days.

Above Ground Pool Decking: Adding Beauty to Your Above Ground Pool

Above ground pool decking is a great addition to any yard with an above ground pool. Above ground pool decking allows your friends and family to be able to bask by and walk around the pool. Not to mention the above ground pool decking looks much better than no decking at all.

Bask in the Sun
When you have a pool in your yard, even an above ground pool, people are going to want to come over to go swimming. More than likely, your friends and family are all going to want to come and take a dip to cool off during the hot summer months. Above ground pool decking allows your guests a place to rest and bask in the hot sun and acts just like the surface area around an underground pool. Many styles of decking allow for lounge chairs to be set up, towels to be laid down, or whatever your guests choose to get their suntans on.