Some Plastic Decking Facts to Consider

Plastic decking has more frequently started being used as a cheaper alternative to wooden and composite decking, needing much less maintenance than either of the two under the right conditions. Unlike composite decking, which is made of both wood and plastic materials, plastic decking is completely recyclable and therefore considered the "greener" option of the two if you don't want to go with completely wooden materials.  Here are some facts from http://ecoscapeuk.co.uk that you may find helpful when deciding whether or not plastic decking is right for your home. 

There are many reasons why one should consider plastic decking when choosing flooring for your home.  Plastic under the right conditions is very unlikely to need any repair over short periods of time. Because plastic boards are a synthetic material, they're resistant to any insects or molds that target wood.  This is a huge advantage for those that live in areas where troublesome pests like termites can wreak havoc on wood surfaces.  Some newer companies that sell plastic decking even have the plastic fibers colored all the way through instead of just the surface, making scratches undetectable. With the manufacturers of these materials now able to replicate the look and general grain of wood, plastic decking is quickly losing its reputation of being fake and cheap looking.

However it is important to note there are also some downsides to using plastic decking. While plastic will prevent your deck from splintering, it will make it hotter to the touch if you live in a hot or sunny area. This can be a problem if you have pets or small children that may burn easily.  In more intense climates, it might even cause it to expand or contract, making your deck unsafe and unstable causing further dangerous conditions. Replicating the look of wood without actually using wood is only worth it if you're not going to need to plan for scheduled maintenance for a structure.

Research is definitely necessary for deciding if plastic decking is the right material for you and any structure you're planning on either having installed or building yourself. Checking to see what materials from any company react in a climate similar to yours will give you a good idea of whether or not regular maintenance will be required, and if your deck will remain cool and comfortable in the summer.