There’s nothing quite relaxing like the warmer months in Ottawa when you can enjoy your backyard in all its glory. Maybe you love dining al fresco, reading a good book in the shade, or soaking up the sun. Your deck becomes an extension of your home, and the right materials make all the difference when it comes to the quality and look you want for this outdoor living space. Composite decking is a popular choice among homeowners for many reasons, including its durability, the ease of maintaining it, and the wide range of textures and colours it comes in. Bottom line, composite decking provides peace of mind that you simply can’t get with regular wood.
What is Composite Decking?
This innovative decking is made up of a combination of materials. Typically a mix of recycled plastic and fiberglass with a PVC UV Protective outer layer. The final product is incredibly durable, able to stand up to scuffs and dents while resisting stains, rot, and insects. The stability of this product also means it won’t warp or splinter when exposed to the elements. It is also mold resistant.
We know that homeowners want to spend most of their time outdoors enjoying the weather, not maintaining their deck. Wood is a traditional choice that many backyard enthusiasts gravitate towards; however, those who have had to deal with the upkeep know that it can be time-consuming. Due to its fabricated process, composite decking never needs to be sanded, painted, sealed, or stained. And depending on the brand; some carry a warranty for the next 25-30, even 50 years.
One of the many convenient features of compositing decking is that it comes in various colours and textures to best suit your outdoor living style. For example, if you love the woodgrain look, many brands have incorporated this texture into their offerings for the effect without the additional work. They also have various earth-toned and neutral colours to choose from, depending on the style that suits you. You can even select a few different colours to create an inlay pattern or have a different toned edge from your other boards.
When compared to other material options, installing composite decking is a relatively smooth and easy process. The prefabricated pieces are fastened to the structure underneath each board, so there are no sharp nails or screws that can be lifted up from wear and tear. This seamless look is also carried throughout the uniformity of each board since they are slightly less rigid than wood; they fit nicely together.
FAQs
Thanks to the various components in this type of material, it can endure 25 to 50years depending on the brand & warranty.
Cleaning this type of decking is easy! We recommend a quick pressure wash cleaning once a year. After taking the broom and sweeping off any dirt and debris, use a light bleach free soap and water solution that you can spray over the deck boards, followed by scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. A quick rinse is needed to remove any soap residue which might stick to the surface, creating an unwanted film.
Here are some of the benefits from using composite decking?
- Long-lasting; this material can last nearly double the amount of time that wood can
- Minimal maintenance with a good wash once a year, no need for further work
- No exposed nails or screws
- UV and weather-resistant
- Low susceptibility to mold, a quick pressure wash will remove any molt that may appear due to fallen leaves, dust, pollen spores, etc…
- Long-lasting; this material can last nearly double the amount of time that wood can
- Minimal maintenance with a good wash once a year, no need for further work
- No exposed nails or screws
- UV and weather-resistant
- Low susceptibility to mold, a quick pressure wash will remove any molt that may appear due to fallen leaves, dust, pollen spores, etc…
Composite decking in Ottawa is a great choice due to the harsh weather we experience throughout the year that can easily damage wooden decking. This material continues to rise in popularity due to its overall durability and range of styles and colours sure to blend in with any backyard. At Ideal Fence, we work only with trusted composite decking brands, including EZ Deck, Trex, and TimberTech. If you are looking to incorporate this unique material into your outdoor space, reach out to us, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Ideal Fence, we offer Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar fencing. Both fencing options are made from the highest-grade wood, primarily used in the manufacturing of high-end fences.
Western Red Cedar comes from the Rocky Mountains and Eastern White Cedar comes from Northeastern Canada. White cedar is smaller and slightly weaker than red cedar, however, it is still decay-resistant and incredibly strong. Because of the size and shipping costs, white cedar is also more affordable than red cedar.
Cedar fencing is an excellent option when you want more privacy without sacrificing aesthetics. Cedar also offers the lowest maintenance of any wood fence. You’ll never have to paint or stain cedar, it’s naturally beautiful.
Yes, cedar can be manufactured in many different heights and sizes to suit your needs. If you have a particular style in mind, contact our office to discuss your ideas in more detail.
That depends on the project, but typically, the materials and installation costs are higher for a vinyl fence. However, vinyl will last longer and will require less maintenance than cedar. So you can expect the fences to be fairly equivalent in price when factoring in all initial and long term costs.
The natural oils in the wood protect it from rotting, however, cedar fences can start to rot if exposed to consistent moisture. To prevent this from happening we install the cedar fence above the ground.
Cedar wood will weather over time and slightly change in colour. To maintain its appearance and durability, we recommend applying a protective finish every year for long-lasting results. Applying a water-resistant sealer to the fence will give the wood even more protection against rain and moisture, and a UV sealer will protect the wood against the sun’s damaging rays.
Our installation period usually runs from April to December with lead times ranging between 2-3 weeks in the spring and 5-8 weeks through the summer. Because we meet with our customers year-round, we recommend that you book your installation as soon as possible to ensure we can fit your project in before winter.
