What is composite decking?

REPLICATED RARE WOODS IN A REINFORCED BAMBOO PVC COMPOSITE

Pioneer offers high-resolution digital replications which perfectly capture the look of timber in a reinforced composite.

REINFORCED, CAPPED BAMBOO-PVC COMPOSITE

Apex PLUS offers you a natural looking composite, with a bamboo foamed-PVC and glass fiber-reinforced core, which allows for increased strength and span capability.

CAPPED BAMBOO COMPOSITE

Infinity leads the Eva-Last technology range in durability with a resilient polymer capping, and bamboo composite core.

BAMBOO COMPOSITE

Eva-tech, the time-tested original Eva-Last range, is the most cost-effective bamboo composite available.

What Is Composite Decking?

As the popularity of composite grows so, too, does the amount of information, terminology, and sometimes conflicting reviews. It can be confusing and overwhelming to get a solid understanding of what composite actually is and whether composite decking is right for you.

That’s why we’ve outlined the basics of what composite is, how it compares to wood, its advantages, disadvantages, designs, and a breakdown of what those keywords, like “low-maintenance” and “eco-friendly”, really mean – as well as the long-term costs and savings of composite.

HOW IT’S MADE

TYPES OF COMPOSITE

Composite decking comes in three main compositions: WPC, BPC, and PVC. While all three types provide certain advantages over traditional timber decking, each type also offers unique additional benefits. Familiarising yourself with the basics of the types of composite available will help you better navigate and compare specific brands and boards as you get closer to choosing the best decking material for your outdoor space.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS & RAW INGREDIENTS

CAPPED VS UNCAPPED COMPOSITE

Composite engineering is continually improving. Advancements to the durability and design of composite decking boards give you greater choice when it comes to the look, cost, and functionality of your decking.

Capping offers a protective outer layer for composite boards, extending their lifespan, and durability, and heightening their resistance to scratching, staining, and weathering. Capped, or co-extruded, composite is high quality and performs better over time than the more economical uncapped composite, sometimes called first-generation or mono-extruded composite.

COMPOSITE SHAPES

HOLLOW

I-SERIES

SOLID

Composite boards are designed in several styles. Hollow boards use less material, making them lighter weight and easier to transport. However, their hollow chambers must be carefully covered by trim or fascia boards to keep out moisture and debris. Solid boards are heavier and hardier, with greater span capabilities and fewer installation considerations than hollow boards, and a longer lifespan. Cutting-edge innovation now blends the advantages of hollow and solid boards with a revolutionary I-beam shaped board. This I-Series composite line by Eva-Last is ultra-lightweight, free of any potential moisture issues, and offers the span capabilities and stiffness of much heavier boards.

Note: Each Eva-Last decking technology uses its own unique methods and manufacturing techniques in its creation. The process above details the general outline and is not specific to any one brand.