New Composite Decking Material Trends Offer a Maintenance Free Deck

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(ARA) - Few products have had such a dramatic effect on the home improvement industry as composite decking over the last few years. With few exceptions, building products generally change very little from year to year. So when the demand for any new product exceeds double-digit growth, everyone in the industry wants a piece of the action. The result has been a number of manufacturers rushing to introduce a variety of new products. Homeowners are understandably confused about which one is right for their home.

Composite decking products, made primarily from a combination of wood or other cellulose fibers encased in synthetic material, have been around for more than a decade. The wood fiber adds strength. It also greatly reduces the expansion and contraction that can occur as decking heats and cools with changes in the weather. The synthetic material or plastic protects the wood from moisture, which can cause decay.

Homeowners are enticed by the lower maintenance that composite decking products offer. Traditional decks require time to maintain their original appearance. In contrast, composite decking products generally require no painting or staining and very little annual maintenance.

Composite decks also can be built with the same tools you use to construct a wood deck. Manufacturers usually suggest that you cut their products with a circular saw equipped with a blade that has 20 or more teeth per inch. Most composite decking products do have to be attached using screws instead of nails. However, most professional decking installers would recommend a quality screw for any material because it's less likely to come loose as decking materials expand and contract.

So if you think you might want to use composite materials to build or replace your next deck, how do you choose the one that's right for your home? The most basic difference between brands is the material itself.

The key to making a long-lasting, durable composite product is to fully encapsulate the wood particles. Large wood fibers can be difficult to surround and protect. A close look at the surface of some composite decking boards will reveal wood chips that are or could become exposed to the elements with a little wear. Exposed wood chips would eventually decay. What's a good alternative?

Oasis composite decking is manufactured and warranted by Alcoa and distributed by Weyerhaeuser. It's made entirely of first generation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and yellow pine finely ground to the consistency of flour. Its fine wood particles can be well encapsulated for high moisture resistance. The small particles also meld together to create a strong product with color distributed all the way through the board.

Oasis also features a reversible surface with one side featuring the texture of natural wood grain and the other a brushed texture. It comes in four colors: Coastal Redwood, Light Oak, Spanish Cedar and Weathered Grey. Each board has slight, natural variations that enhance with exposure to the sun. Oasis composite decking is available in two thicknesses for maximum flexibility. Fascia boards, rails, post covers, post caps and balusters are also available in various dimensions. Oasis products are covered by a manufacturer's 10-year, limited warranty.

To learn more about Oasis, call (877) 235-6873 or visit www.weyerhaeuser.com/wbm.

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