• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Strategicia

Initiate. Inspire. Innovate.

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Family
    • Health & Fitness
    • Education
    • Furniture
    • Technology
    • Business
    • Financial
    • Marketing
    • Transportation
    • Construction
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us

Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 4

Last updated on July 12, 2018 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

New deck made from Ipe wood

We started out with Composite Decking in the lead; when it comes to color-matching, manufactured products definitely have a leg up on the competition. Then Exotic Hardwood Decking took the lead as we looked at other issues that specifically relate to safety and longevity: hardness and fire ratings, heat and slip resistance. Add in two more significant issues of strength and moisture resistance, and we’re starting with Composite Decking at a score of 1 versus Exotic Hardwood Decking with a score of 6.

Exotic Hardwood Decking Resists Scratching

Of course, we don’t really have to explain how real wood responds to scratching, do we? As a naturally occurring building material, Exotic Hardwood Decking has the strength and hardness necessary to resist most everyday wear and tear. And when it is subjected to a deep gouge or some other abuse, it can be sanded or planed and then refinished with no long-term compromise. (Of course, a single board can also be fairly easily replaced and refinished in order to blend in with the rest of the deck.) Not so with Composite Decking. The thin and weak outer plastic shell of a Composite Decking board can become scratched fairly easily, and it cannot be refinished.

Metal snow shovels are a definite no-no for such surfaces — never mind a snowblower or a plow! And the issue isn’t just shell-deep. Remember how we talked about the way the inner wood flour core responds to moisture? When the cap stock surface is compromised, it exposes the inner core to moisture and mold as a result.

Score Update: Composite Decking=1, Exotic Hardwood Decking=7

Ipe wood decking boards on truck

Exotic Hardwood Decking Experiences Predictable Movement

Like it or not, real Exotic Hardwood Decking — like all real wood — moves. With natural Exotic Hardwood Decking, movement occurs primarily along the grain and in ratios according to the specific grain.

But don’t for one second think that you can avoid the issue of movement by opting for a manufactured Composite Decking product. In fact, movement becomes even more of an issue when you take away the natural structures of real wood but retain some properties of wood by using wood flour and plastic, instead. You still have movement, but now that movement is no longer predictable. Of course, the cut ends of boards will absorb even more moisture and, as a result, swell even more significantly.

As the wood flour core of a Composite Decking board absorbs moisture and expands, so does the plastic cap stock. But when the core sheds moisture, the cap stock retains its deformed shape. The gap between the core and the cap stock not only allows for mold growth, but it also contributes to warping. The issue becomes even more significant where end-to-end joints are present, such as in wider structures like boardwalks.

Score Update: Composite Decking=1, Exotic Hardwood Decking=8

Continue with Part 5.

Learn More About the Lumber Industry

• Which Decking Installation Method Is Best?
• Comparing Douglas Fir with Western Red Cedar

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

The McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import & domestic lumber industry since 1798. Headquartered just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods. As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for high profile construction projects worldwide. Call (800) 638-9100 to speak with a J. Gibson McIlvain representative.

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

Additional Articles

air drying lumber
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 3
forklift loading kiln at mcilvain
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 2
freshly cut wooden boards stacked at lumber mill
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 1
freshly cut wooden boards stacked at lumber mill
What Species of Wood is Ideal for Painted Projects?
flat and quartersawn utile
Utile/Sipo: Affordable Alternative to Genuine Mahogany
How Lumber Imports Help Rainforest Conservation Efforts, Part 2

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

four + nine =



Primary Sidebar

Quality wood products
Plywood options

Featured Articles

  • Genuine Mahogany vs. African Mahogany: What’s the Difference?
  • Why Teak Wood Has Been a Favorite Wood for Centuries
  • Plantation-Grown Fijian Mahogany: A Surprisingly Ideal Alternative to Genuine Mahogany
  • Ipe Decking: Should you use Face Screwed or Hidden Fasteners?
  • Plywood Core Issues – The Quality Behind Premium Plywood
  • Composite vs Hardwood Decking: Hardness & Fire Ratings
  • Excellent Tropical Hardwood Decking Species: 4 Options You’ll Adore
  • The Color of Quality Decks: Realizing the Beauty of Truly Green Building Products
  • The Color of Quality Decks: Addressing Natural Color Variation
  • How Extractives Impact the Color & Stain of Wood
Lyon Financial
Tropical decking

Popular Articles

  • Effects of Television on Teenagers
  • Evaluating Gym Air Quality: Why Chalk Is and Isn’t the Problem
  • Modern Perforating Techniques Used by Metal Manufacturers & Fabricators
  • How the All-New X10 HUB Builds on Already-Amazing Technology
  • Part 1: Selling a Limousine Business 101
  • Benefits of a Salt Water Hot Tub
  • What You Need To Know Before Buying a Pool Waterslide
  • Swimming Pool Additions: All About Climbing Walls
  • The Gymnast’s Diet: Why You Should Avoid Nitrates & Nitrites
  • The Gymnast’s Diet: Why You Should Avoid Refined Flours and Sugars

Reader Feedback

  • Mitch Shearer on How the All-New X10 HUB Builds on Already-Amazing Technology
  • Alec Burns on Health Benefits of Having Your Own Backyard Swimming Pool
  • Welded Mesh on Modern Perforating Techniques Used by Metal Manufacturers & Fabricators
  • Tyler Johnson on Top 3 Pool Maintenance Tasks – and Suggestions on How To Do Them
  • Kate Hansen on Health Benefits of Having Your Own Backyard Swimming Pool

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap