Every timber has it’s own advantages, whether natural or man-made. Composites are becoming more popular as the technology progresses. And it means much less raw materials and greater environmental savings. In this post we’ll delve into our preferred brands and what sets them apart.
Overall the basic advantages over raw timbers are:
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Recycled materials: They have less impact on the environment because they use recycled plastic and not require any tress to be cut down, instead using wood off cuts and shavings which would otherwise be landfill
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Maintenance free: No sanding or staining required, just soap and water,
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No fading, scratching, rot or splinters they now don’t scratch easily under furniture and they come with lengthy 25 year warranties.
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Termite free: nothing for termites to eat
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At Sunshine Coast Decks, we install Trex, NewTech and Duralife brands.
Trex.
We mainly install Trex composite decking. One of the original composite wood innovators, these boards are 95% recycled materials. Engineered from a blend of reclaimed timber and plastic film, using earth-friendly manufacturing processes free from the use of harmful chemicals. Wherever possible Trex uses post-consumer and post-industrial materials. Plus, Trex partners only with suppliers who share the same ethical and responsible green business practices processes and regularly audits to ensure this.
Profiles & Colours: Available in 6 colours in tropical and earth tones. Available in 1” square edge boards, 1”grooved edge and 2” square inch boards and have hidden fixings.
Manufacturing process: Trex has a sturdy core made from a blend of plastic and timber fibres. This core is then encased in a synthetic shell on three sides, which protects it from the elements and offers resistance to fading, scratches, or developing mould or mildew.
Duralife.
Duralife is composed of 90% recycled material and are formaldehyde-free. Duralife uses poly-prop plastic which harder, and stronger than other plastics which means it can span further than other brands. It also has non-repeating patterns and shades for a highly natural look.
Profiles & colours: Comes in 4 profiles and 4 colours.
Manufacturing process: DuraLife uses a unique co-extrusion process that places a tough, capped composite polypropylene shell around three sides of the board. The capped layer is fully bonded to the substrate to prevent delamination.
NewTech.
Another environmentally responsible product and has decking profiles with bush fire ratings. NewTechs board core is made of 60% recycled dense wood fibre mix with 40% high grade recycled plastics. Their parent company has been recycling plastic materials for over 30 years and claim that they save 26 tonnes of plastic from being buried in landfill each year.
Profiles & colours: Probably one of the most natural looking products on the market. NewTech colours are multi-chromatic and emulate the variations of colour hues found in natural timbers.
Manufacturing process: NewTech Wood has a strong & durable polymer shield which fully caps the core. The Core is made of 60% recycled dense wood fibre mixed with 40% high grade recycled plastics (HDPE). Using a co-extrusion process the engineering grade polymer shield is heat pressed onto the core creating a protective barrier against moisture, ultra-violet (UV), insects and bacteria.
