What is composite decking made of:
Fix Direct is a Fiberon composite decking supplier, a premium solid composite decking brand manufactured to high standards in the USA. Engineering a combination of maple wood by-product, which has been collected from flooring and furniture waste processes, with recycled plastic makes Fiberon decking one of the most eco-friendly decking manufacturers on the market.
A great feature of this highly advanced process is the decking that is naturally resistant to many insects such as woodworm etc. Another key benefit to consider is the robust protection against rot, split/sharding and colour fade, ensuring you can enjoy your composite decking for years to come.
Unlike PVC, the plastic consists of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) providing superior physical and mechanical properties. Maple provides excellent workability and dimensional stability and contains minimal tannin and minimal lignin, which reduce extractive bleeding stains.
The high percentage of Polyethylene limits the dimensional variations of the wood. Fiberon’s composite material is more expensive than wood, but offers a higher quality product overall requiring far less maintenance and far superior longevity.
Cost & Prices
Although our premium decking boards may be slightly higher priced than some competitors, the stability, durability and high safety standards mean that you benefit from very low maintenance decking and a far lower chance of damage due to the solid core construction and PermaTech outer layer.
It will never need painting, staining, oiling (treatment oil typically ranges from around £25 to over £50 per 5 litre tin), waxing or any other specialist treatments. The cost of buying these substances and then spending the time to apply them can easily mount up over the years - along with the hassle and added inconvenience.
Environmentally Aware
The manufacturing process of Fiberon decking diverts over 60,000 tons of plastics and other waste from landfills and incinerators each and every year. 98.5% of all material waste is recovered from the manufacturing process. Closed loop water cooling systems prevents excessive use of water, reducing wastage..
Fiberon boards are manufactured in an environmentally responsible way and without the need for applying other chemicals to keep them looking great. Just simple soap and water can remove most spoilages such as oil, grease and bird droppings.
Strong, Robust & Highly Durable
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is more stable, stronger and can withstand higher pressure than most other materials including plastic, wood and metal. It has a higher tensile strength for denser, more durable production that withstands higher temperatures - better than Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The HDPE our decking uses encapsulates the wood to resist harsh weather, warping, splintering and decay.
Safer For YOu & You're Family
The high quality composite decking we sell manufactured by Fiberon, does not contain urea formaldehyde. This is a non-transparent thermosetting resin or polymer and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=218&tid=39. No toxic chemicals are used during the manufacturing processes of Fiberon composite decking.
The deck surface can even be safer when wet because of its high slip resistance compared to timber which can be dangerously slippery when it is wet. This benefit can be physically seen or tested to see the difference and SEAC commissioned a slip test to be done in the UK (BS7976-2 by Grip Potential UK), this is in addition to the one already done in the US.
As Fiberon composite decking does not split nor splinter, it also makes it safe for bare feet and hands. You will also not have a punctured rubber tub if you drag it on this surface!
Composite Decking Vs Timber Decking
The most important benefits of composite decking over timber decking are:
- No staining ever needed, your decking will look good all year round – this is backed with a stain and fade warranty of up to 25 years, on residential properties
- No cracking or splintering, making it totally safe for bare feet and for using inflatable pools on it
- Hidden Fasteners can be used to provide a neat, finished look
- No rotting or decaying meaning less maintenance work for you
Solid VS Hollow
Fiberon only makes solid core decking boards, because there have been known problems with hollow core composite decking boards that are currently on the market. Common known problems are insect infestation and water/moisture getting trapped in the hollow core when the fascia or end caps of the boards fall off. Fiberon’s solid composite decking boards have been in the market (in particular the USA) for many years now without these issues.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
The boards with grooves to the sides enable Hidden Fasteners to be used whereas the square edge board uses screws or nails to hold them to the joist in the supporting structure. The square edge boards can also be used as fascias to the edges or sides of the deck. All of Fiberon boards have same appearance on both sides except the ProTect, Terranova Xtreme and Terranova, which offer a grooved look on the other side. Two identical faces minimise unusable boards and reduce waste by up to 15%.
VARIATION OF STYLES
Fiberon composite decking is available in a range of styles - such as Horizon, Sanctuary and Xtreme Advantage and also in a variety of colours (such as Ipe, Espresso and Earl Grey). Most of the range available on Fix Direct is available in capped decking boards; however we also have a range of uncapped boards, as shown in images below. Fiberon offers up to 25 year residential warranties against stain and fade resistance on their composite decking boards.