Composite Products Are On Trend – Wood v Composite

Composite Products such as Decking and Fencing are right on trend, featuring in a number of consumer focused interior and design show exhibitions and shows such as Grand Designs Live. Its shown strong growth in popularity, and demand for WPC is expected to grow year on year.

What is composite material?  

Composite products are made from a blend of 2 or more materials to form one unique material. This usually consists of FSC 100% hardwood timber processed into a wood powder along with recycled HDPE plastic granulated into pellets with 10% additives which include stabilisers, waxes, lubricants, fire retardants etc.

Pros of Composite v Wood

• Low Maintenance – they do not need to be sanded, stained or varnished
• Durability – resistant to lots of factors that usually reduce the life of wood decking such us splitting, rotting, cracking, fading scratching, mould and decay
• Sustainable – Made from eco-friendly materials, composite material is made to last and has many of the properties of a wood decking without the environmental impact.
• Cost Effective – It might me more expensive than wood but this product continues to look good year after year and has virtually no cost of upkeep.
• Good Slip Resistance – low potential for slip whether wet or dry.
• Easy Installation – Easier and quicker to install than wood decking saving costs on installation.
• UV Stable – Although uv stable a small amount of weathering may occur before stabilising.

Cons of Composite v Wood

• Initial high cost – more expensive but considering long-term use the overall cost allows a user to get a good return on their investment.
• Not real wood – they look like real wood but if your looking for 100% fresh from the forest solution this isn’t for you. Composite material is definitely a realistic imitation though.
• Not completely maintenance free – its still requires a very small amount of regular maintenance to lengthen its lifespan. Though this just requires monitoring for debris and washing with soapy water once or twice a year. This is far less than wood requirements.

Our Range of Composite Products

Here at Meridian we have a choice of Composite Decking and Fencing as well as Garden Rooms. Why not check out what’s available here.With a great range of    colours and styles to select from your garden could be transformed to create a stunningly harmonious space that will require little maintenance for years to come!

For more information on Composite Products Are On Trend – Wood v Composite talk to Meridian Building Plastics