You have an outside deck where you may enjoy life, and the decking material is pressure-treated wood. Typically, you have supper and play games with your family on the wooden deck. What an amazing life! However, after years of use, you realize that the wooden deck needs more than just routine maintenance. And it will be moldy and rotten, causing you some trouble. You wish to replace the present wood deck with the popular composite decking material. The question you need to know is, can you install composite decking on the wooden deck?
Time and money can be saved by installing composite decking on an existing deck frame. This is because the deck frame does not need to be rebuilt. If the existing frame of your deck is in good condition, your new outdoor deck will be sturdy and long-lasting.
Can composite decking boards be installed on a wooden deck?
If the frame of your wooden deck is in good condition, you can lay the composite deck over it. Before placing composite decking on the hardwood deck, the following three considerations must be made:
Age of wooden deck
Typically, the treated timber deck has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your wood deck lasts longer than this, composite decking cannot be installed on it. This is due to the fact that moisture will persist between the deck frames. Water is the primary cause of wood decay, as it promotes the growth of fungi, which in turn causes wood deterioration.
Type of wood used to construct an outdoor deck
Constructing outdoor decks with corrosion-resistant wood helps lessen the likelihood of rapid degradation. Mahogany, mahogany, and cedar are highly resistant to corrosion. Before you refinish the composite board, carefully determine if your hardwood decking is constructed of these durable woods.
Symptoms of degradation
In another instance, the exterior of the wooden decks is in fine shape, but the interior may be decaying. How do we evaluate the circumstances? The correct method for solving this issue is to use a screwdriver to locate soft places. If the wooden deck frame has numerous soft patches, it has decayed on the inside.
If your wooden deck boards exhibit indications of rot, or if there is swaying and creaking beneath the decking, you should replace them. Then composite decking cannot be built on the wood decks, and it may be necessary to install the composite deck from scratch.
Install composite decking over a wooden deck
Using the proper tools and methods to construct composite deck boards can save time and increase the durability of the new outdoor deck.
Step 1: Remove the existing wood decking
First, remove all furniture and deck railings from the existing deck to create adequate working area. Then, utilizing a pry bar, remove the old deck. Next, you must determine if your deck frame is rotted. Then, make any necessary repairs and even build additional frames in areas that are noisy or unstable.
Step 2: Protective measures
Before installing the new composite boards, the existing wooden frame must be treated with an anti-corrosion agent. Coat all of the frame’s cutting edges with liquid wood preservative. Additionally, the holes in old nails or screws must be filled to prevent water gathering. This can be accomplished with joist protection tape. Use this tape to cover the top of the joists to extend the deck’s service life.
Step 3: Installing the composite deck
To cut the composite deck to the proper length, an acceptable space must be left at the end. Use deck screws or fasteners that are compatible with the composite decking to secure it. Using shims, leave a space between decks during installation so that water can drain when it rains. This space allows the composite decking to expand and contract when exposed to heat, so preventing warping.
In this phase, you might contact a composite decking contractor for assistance. Or you can build the outdoor deck yourself according to the composite decking manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
Step 4: Finalization and conclusion
When the composite deck installation has been completed. Then, reinstall the deck railing and replace the deck furnishings. Then you can appreciate your new, durable composite decking.
Positives and negatives of adding composite decking over an existing wood deck
Society is advancing, and ornamental materials are continuously evolving. As a novel type of composite material, there will be much debate. After analyzing the pros and cons of your building material selections, you will have a better grasp of the actual scenario. Then you may determine the optimal course of action based on your particular circumstances.
Pros of composite decking
It requires minimum maintenance and can save you a great deal of money and effort on upkeep.
The composite material is favorable to the environment. The composite material is composed of recycled plastic and wood fiber. It not only increases the rate of tree consumption but also minimizes household waste.
The appearance of the composite material is realistic. In contrast to the plastic decking, the composite decking resembles a timber board.
Durable service life The composite decking can last up to 30 years, which is more than twice as long as wood decking.
There are numerous hues. As a man-made material, the composite deck is available in numerous hues. It will therefore save you time and money on painting.
Will not fracture or shatter. They are built from more durable materials and are less likely to crack during installation.
Extremely waterproof. Can resist deterioration induced by water.
They are resistant to insects. Due to the material’s characteristics, the composite deck will not attract insects like termites. Additionally, the danger posed by termite bites is avoided.
Composite decking is less susceptible to fading than wood. This implies that your outdoor deck will retain its attractive appearance over time.
Cons of the composite decking
Mold on the old deck could cause decay on the new one. If you fail to carefully inspect, the mold on the old wooden deck may slowly degrade the new one.
If the wooden support system beneath the new deck is weak, the deck may collapse. Rot will weaken the entire structure of the deck.
On your top deck, mold stains may first appear. The layer of decaying wood beneath your new deck may creep upward, eventually soiling it.
Wood is less expensive than composite decking. If your finances are limited, the cost of composite flooring will restrict you from purchasing it.
Conclusion
If the original frame is in good shape, it is usual practice to replace worn or decaying hardwood decks with composite decking. This is more cost-effective and time-efficient than taking everything down and beginning afresh.
