Different Types of Composite Decking: Hollow vs Solid Core Boards
- Solid Boards Resemble Real Wood. Solid composite deck boards offer a more authentic lumber look. ...
- Hollow Boards Weigh Less. While they use less material, hollow boards are crafted for strength. ...
- Solid Boards Enhance Durability. ...
- Hollow Boards Respond Less to the Elements. ...
What is the difference between solid and hollow composite deck boards?
Solid composite deck boards offer a more authentic lumber look. Some homeowners prefer solid boards because they look more like the real lumber traditionally used for decking. Their deck board ends are more authentic looking because they don’t feature the tunnel-like design of hollow boards.
What is composite decking board made of?
Composite decking boards are made as either a solid or a hollow profile. The difference in performance is as much dependent on the composite material, as it is on the profile shape. The critical point is that the fibres are fully encapsulated by the plastic, and that there is a strong bond between the plastic and the fibres.
What are the benefits of hollow decking?
This loosens the fasteners and sometimes causes warping. Hollow boards are less impervious to these changes, which increases their lifespan. For example, if you live in a beach town or a city that experiences extreme cold and hot temperatures, you might opt for hollow boards.
What is the decking surface made of?
After all, you already know your deck surface is made up of decking boards (pretty simple). But when you “zoom in” to examine the boards closer, the picture changes. You might begin to notice significant differences across different types of boards and decking collections (more nuanced). “How much do decking boards cost?” No worries.
Is hollow or solid composite decking better?
It's usually a lot cheaper than solid decking and it can look perfectly good on the surface. But the difference in quality lies beneath the surface. Hollow deck boards have relatively poor structural stability. Solid decking, on the other hand, has a higher density and weight that makes it durable and long lasting!
Is hollow composite decking good?
Hollow composite decking boards, which have honeycomb pattern centres, tend to be more flexible and potentially better at absorbing shock. All other things equal, they also tend to be a cheaper option than solid decking boards.
What is the best type of composite decking?
TimberTech AZEK products are perhaps the best (and most expensive) of all the composite decking manufacturers. Its capped polymer boards are covered by a 50-year fade and stain warranty. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro with 30-year warranties and TimberTech Edge with 25-year warranties.
Is all composite decking hollow?
When buying composite decking you will have a choice of either hollow or solid boards. It can often be difficult to choose the right one for you, so here is a comparison of both.
Can you screw into hollow composite decking?
You can not drill or screw through a hollow composite deck as the screw will become loose and rise in time . Like the usual wooden decking boards, you can also screw down a solid composite decking.
Is Trex solid or hollow?
For instance, Trex® high performance solid composite decking boards are a timber-plastic composite manufactured primarily from a blend of reclaimed organic timber and recycled plastic materials. Their core is made from recycled composite materials – such as recycled sawdust and plastic blended with new synthetics.
What should I look for when buying a composite deck?
Choose composite lumber decking based on your budget; style and color preferences; fastener choice; and site and code requirements. Quality composite decking, like Trex decking, is two to three times costlier than pressure-treated wood but lasts two to three times longer.
What is the most realistic looking composite decking?
What are the most premium composite decking products? Trex Transcend Composite Decking – Boasting gorgeous grain patterns and luxury colors that mimic real wood's natural beauty, this decking is the crème de la crème of composites and comes with 25-Year Limited Residential Fade & Stain Warranty.
What is the longest lasting composite decking?
Ipe, the proven longest-lasting decking, 75 years or more . This is its strength; unlike cedar, which varies in level of resin, Ipe is just plain hard, dense. So hard and dense that it repels water and insects.
What is solid composite decking?
Composite decking contains real wood (as well as plastic), but if you want your deck to look like it's made of solid wood, you might prefer solid composite boards. On the other hand, while hollow boards can look more manufactured, they can look more uniform.
Will composite decking warp?
Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.
What is a solid deck?
Solid deck stains offer more protection against the elements than a clear or transparent stain. They shield the deck from UV rays and prevent water penetration as well as mildew and mold growth. Solid deck stains can last up to 10 years after application.
Will composite decking warp?
Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.
What is hollow board?
Hollow boards are typically engineered to more efficiently use less material to create a strong or stronger board than a solid board. There is a visual component that concerns some regarding the look of the deck board ends.
Does composite decking fade?
Do composite decks fade? Unlike traditional timber, composite decking is extremely fade resistant and capable of maintaining its “like new” looks for years to come.
Does Trex Enhance scratch?
Newer-generation Trex deck boards (Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance®, Trex Select®, Trex Contour®) are manufactured with a high-performance shell that wraps around three sides of the composite board to protect it from the elements, providing resistance to fading, staining, scratching and mold.
What is a solid deck made of?
Solid boards, as the name suggests, are made of solid material, while hollow boards (also called engineered boards) feature ribbed centers.
Why are solid deck boards so strong?
However, solid boards, because of their denser construction, are particularly strong. If you plan to load down your deck with heavy objects, such as hot tubs, grills, and furniture, solid boards might offer the most stability. Of course, other factors influence any deck structure’s durability.
Why do people prefer solid deck boards?
Some homeowners prefer solid boards because they look more like the real lumber traditionally used for decking. Their deck board ends are more authentic looking because they don’t feature the tunnel-like design of hollow boards. Composite decking contains real wood (as well as plastic), but if you want your deck to look like it’s made ...
What factors affect the durability of a deck?
Of course, other factors influence any deck structure’s durability. The strength of the joists, the quality of the materials, and the fasteners you use to put the structure together also play a part in determining its ability to withstand weight and the elements.
Do hollow boards work?
While they use less material, hollow boards are crafted for strength. Building your own deck is a labor-intensive process. If you want to work with lighter-weight materials, you could benefit from hollow boards, which weigh considerably less than their solid counterparts.
Do hollow boards look uniform?
On the other hand, while hollow boards can look more manufactured, they can look more uniform. They don’t feature as many of the grain variations as do the solid boards, so if you prefer uniformity, hollow boards might work best for your deck.