Consider an old wharf on a lake. The pier beneath your feet is fractured, ancient, and greyed, with uneven boards. When you get closer to the lake, each step becomes a little riskier since some of them are firm underfoot while others offer some give. Consider what substance this rickety, aged pier is constructed of.
The high-moisture, full-sun environment of a coastal or lakeside dock can cause hardwood deck boards to bend, crack, and lose their uniform appearance.
Composite dock decking provides superior moisture and UV protection, as well as a safer walking surface. Continue reading to find out why composite decking planks are an excellent alternative for your dock.
Walking on composite deck boards is safer.
The most important consideration when choosing the best dock decking is safety. A secure dock provides both a stable foundation of slip-resistant deck boards and a consistent walking surface. Apex® capped bamboo-PVC hybrid decking has been chosen by many builders because to its increased slip resistance and “extra grip.” Jake Johnson of Stone Ridge Decking, a Deck Installation Westchester NY Preferred Contractor, is one such contractor. Apex expands and compresses approximately 25% less than standard decking due to its unique structure. Its structure is made of lightweight bamboo and a PVC core containing cells. Because of the board’s constant, uniform appearance, walking on your pier is safer.
Acrylic polymer caps completely protect against moisture.
Your dock’s deck planks must be resistant to frequent moisture exposure. To prevent moisture damage, treat and stain wood decking on a regular basis. Even if the boards’ surfaces are properly protected, the undersides will remain exposed and susceptible to moisture damage.
Hybrid decking with acrylic polymer tops is the ideal decking material for any location where moisture is an issue. Acrylic polymer caps protect against moisture without the need for sealing or discoloration.
Use fade-resistant composite decking to avoid UV damage.
When selecting a dock decking material, UV resistance is critical. A deck near to a house will receive shade at certain times of the day, as opposed to a dock, which is regularly exposed to UV radiation from dawn to sunset even without protection of a neighboring structure’s shadow. Even when wood has been treated on a regular basis, the sun’s constant exposure causes warping, cracking, and discoloration.
However, bamboo-PVC composite decking provides protection against UV radiation and aging indications. There is no need to stain it because it will retain its gorgeous luster for years.
A low-maintenance deck may save you money in the long term.
Even though wood decking is sometimes chosen to save money up front, using it for your dock may result in you paying more money for a poor product. Wood is less durable than high-end composite decking, requires more frequent application of costly cleaning chemicals, requires more work to maintain, and is more subject to typical dangers (like moisture, fire and insect damage). The requirement to factor in maintenance costs grows in direct proportion to dock size. Staining and sealing a wooden marina dock, for example, could take many hours. If you want to prevent quickly depleting any early cost savings, you may hire someone to complete this monotonous, unpleasant task.
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