Introduction
Composite decking has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners with dogs. Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers, plastic, and other durable materials. It provides a low maintenance and long lasting alternative to traditional wooden decks. There are several reasons why composite decking can be a good option for dog owners:
Composite decking is designed to be durable and resistant to scratches, stains, mold, and mildew. This makes it able to withstand repeated use from dog paws and claws. The materials are designed to not easily splinter or warp. Composite decks do not require annual sealing or staining like wood, which saves time and money.
Many composite decking options now feature textured surfaces meant to provide traction even when wet. Proper traction helps prevent slips and falls for both dogs and humans. The variety of color options for composite decking also allows homeowners to find a look that suits their home’s style.
Overall, composite decking provides a combination of durability, low maintenance, safety, and aesthetics that can make it a top choice for pet owners. This article will dive into the key factors to consider when selecting the best composite decking option for your home and furry companions.
Durability
One of the biggest concerns with dogs and decking is scratch resistance. Traditional wood decking is susceptible to scratches and gouges from dog nails and rough housing. Composite decking is designed to be much more durable and scratch resistant.
According to Reddit users, composite decking like Trex is very resistant to scratches from dogs. Although it can still get minor scratches, it stands up well compared to natural wood (Source).
Composite decking is made with a blend of plastic and wood fibers. The plastic gives it more rigidity and scratch resistance compared to natural wood. Brands like Trex even formulate the outer shell to be extra hard and scratch resistant (Source). Although scratches can still occur, composite decking performs very well for pet owners.
Traction
One of the most important considerations when choosing composite decking for dogs is traction and grip. Dogs have different needs than humans when it comes to getting secure footing, especially larger breeds. Some composite decking can be quite slippery, especially when wet, which can lead to dogs struggling for traction and even injuring themselves.
According to Best Decking Material for Dogs, high-quality composite decking often has embossed or grooved surfaces that provide enhanced grip and traction for dogs. The texture helps provide secure footing for paws. Brands like Trex offer grooved boards and concealed fasteners that eliminate potential tripping hazards.
Products like Floor Grip can also help increase traction on composite decks substantially. These coatings are designed to improve grip for both human feet and dog paws, helping prevent slips and falls.
When researching composite decking, look for options specifically designed to provide good traction and anti-slip properties. This ensures dogs have a safe, secure deck surface to play and spend time on.
Low Maintenance
One of the best features of composite decking for dog owners is that it requires very little maintenance compared to natural wood decking. Composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic or polyethylene, making it much more durable and weather-resistant than 100% natural wood [1]. This means composite decking doesn’t require the regular sealing, staining or painting that wood decks need. The recycled plastic gives composite decking excellent resistance to moisture, mold, mildew and UV rays from the sun. So even with dogs running, playing, scratching and potentially having accidents on the deck, composite decking holds up well and looks great for years with minimal upkeep.
Composite decking’s low-maintenance nature makes it a top choice for busy dog owners who don’t want the hassle of frequent staining or sealing. A simple soap and water cleaning once or twice a year is generally all that’s needed to keep composite decking clean and free of stains. This prevents the buildup of dirt, grime and urine that can occur on natural wood over time. With simple periodic cleaning, composite decking stays splinter-free and safe for dog paws while retaining its like-new appearance for the life of the deck [2].
Resists Mold and Mildew
Composite decking is designed to resist mold, mildew, fungi, and other microbes better than traditional wood decking. The composite materials are engineered not to provide the food source that mold and mildew need to grow (Source). While no material is completely immune to mold, composite decking tends to stay cleaner and resist stains better than wood.
With proper semi-annual cleaning, composite decks can remain free of mold buildup (Source). A mild cleaner like Simple Green can be used to remove any mold, mildew or algae that develops (Source). Overall, composite decking’s resistance to mold and mildew growth is a major advantage over traditional wood decking in outdoor environments.
Variety of Colors
One of the biggest advantages of composite decking for dog owners is the wide variety of colors and aesthetic options available. Whereas wood decking is limited to natural wood tones or stains, quality composite decking like NewTechWood offers over 20 different color options. This allows homeowners to choose a deck color that matches any architectural style from traditional to modern. Popular composite shades like grey, brown, and redwood naturally hide dirt and stains from pets.
For a coastal or nautical look, many quality composite brands offer lighter deck colors like sand or coastal grey. Rich darker chocolate browns or walnut shades provide an elegant, upscale aesthetic. Specialty decking lines like NewTechWood’s UltraShield even offer tropical hardwood looks and exotic grains for one-of-a-kind beauty. With such a wide color pallete, composite decking provides aesthetic options for any home style while still being durable and low-maintenance for dogs.
Cost
Composite decking used to be significantly more expensive than wood decking. However, costs have come down in recent years to be more comparable. According to The Pros and Cons of Composite vs. Wood Decking, the initial investment for composite decking is now similar to pressure-treated pine boards. The price can vary based on the specific composite material, thickness, and quality. But overall, composite decking now has a comparable upfront cost to wood.
The main cost advantage of wood is that it can be easily repaired or replaced on a plank-by-plank basis. With composites, it is more difficult to replace just one board. So any damage or defects usually require replacing an entire section. While wood and composite are similar in initial price, composites tend to have higher lifetime costs due to replacement challenges.
When building a deck for dogs, the initial investment for composite or wood is comparable. But composites offer benefits like increased durability and less long-term maintenance that can justify the cost. For dog owners looking for a lasting deck, composite materials provide good value despite slightly higher lifetime expenses.
Brand Comparisons
When it comes to composite decking brands for dogs, there are several top options to consider:
Trex
Trex (https://www.trex.com/) is one of the most popular and well-known composite decking brands. Their products feature high traction and durability, making them a great choice for active dogs. Trex Transcend decking has a textured wood-grain pattern to help provide secure footing.
TimberTech
TimberTech (https://www.timbertech.com/) offers slip-resistant composite boards with durability to withstand active dogs. Their Earthwood Evolutions line has an organic texture and visuals while providing traction under paws. TimberTech offers one of the best warranties at 25 years.
Fiberon
Fiberon (https://fiberondecking.com/) is another leading brand praised for its realistic wood look and textures that are easy on bare feet and paws. Their composite decking resists stains, mold, mildew, and scratches. Fiberon has a limited lifetime warranty.
When comparing brands, be sure to consider factors like durability, warranty length, texture, slip-resistance, scratch resistance, and maintenance requirements.
Installation
When installing composite decking for dogs, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional installer for the best results. Though DIY installation is possible, composite decking requires expertise to properly install.
Professionals have experience working with composite materials and know the proper techniques for cutting, fastening, and sealing the boards. They also have the right tools for the job, like a miter saw with a fine-toothed blade. Trying to cut composite decking with a circular saw risks chipping and fraying the boards.
Another key reason to hire a pro is proper substructure and framing. The underlying frame needs to be sturdy enough to handle concentrated weight from pets, furniture, and people. Weak framing leads to sagging boards over time. Experts know how to properly space joists and use quality materials.
Pro installers also follow manufacturer’s instructions for gapping, spacing, and fastening. This ensures optimal airflow underneath to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. It also allows for contraction and expansion of the boards through temperature changes.
Finally, a professional decking crew will pay close attention to the finished look with perfectly aligned boards and tight seams. Their workmanship leads to an aesthetically pleasing, high-performing deck suitable for active pets.https://www.decks-docks.com/dog-friendly-decking-material
Conclusion
Composite decking is a great option for dog owners for several reasons. The materials are designed to be durable, slip-resistant, and low maintenance – key factors when dealing with active pets. Composite decking resists mold, mildew, and staining, making it easy to clean. It comes in a variety of attractive colors to complement any home. While composite decking has a higher upfront cost than wood, it pays off over time by eliminating the need for frequent repairs, paint or stain touch-ups, and replacement boards. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon have excellent warranties and proven performance. With the right composite boards and proper installation, you can enjoy years of problem-free use even with messy furry friends running around. Give your dogs the perfect place to relax and play while adding beauty and value to your outdoor living space.