While timber is still a hard Kiwi favourite for decking – which we’ll focus on next issue – landscapers tell us that more and more homeowners are owning up to their interest in other options, such as composites, thanks to its reduced maintenance!
There have been a number of technical advancements in composite decking over the last few years and, with the desire to find alternatives for hardwood decking, composites are coming into their own. Made from a combination of recycled fibre and plastic products, it is hardwearing, low maintenance, slip resistant and splinter free.
Timbertech timber composite
Timbertech decking is made from up to 80% recycled content, with 100% of the wood and plastic in the core made from recycled materials. The quality and integrity of the cap and core of the boards isn’t compromised in the process and even scraps from the board-making process are repurposed and added back into production.
It’s also capped with a hard UV polymer shell to protect against the elements. It’s available in:
136x24x4800/6000mm in Brown Oak or Silver Maple (available in grooved and solid profile)
184x24x4800/6000mm in Slate Grey (available in solid profile only)
BiForm timber compostise
An eco-friendly and durable alternative to
traditional hardwood decking, BiForm’s decking boards are made from 60% recycled timber and 30% recycled HDPE plastic (+10% anti-fungal agent and colouring). Every year BiForm recycles hundreds of trees’ worth of timber and millions of bottle worth of plastic in their boards.
BiForm has also been specifically formulated for New Zealand’s high-UV conditions, is BRANZ appraised and comes with a 25-year warranty.
It is available in Camo Brown, Camo Grey, Cedar, Charcoal and Mid Grey colours and 130x19x4850mm and 140x25x4580mm finished sizing.
Eva-Last bamboo composite
Eva-Last I Series is made from recycled plastic and FSC-certified bamboo – a highly renewable resource – and is free from toxins and preservatives. It is also capped with a hard UV stable polymer shell and comes with a 25-year warranty.
It’s also manufactured using solar energy!
It is available in Caribbean Coral, Concrete Grey, Oasis Palm and Tiger Cove colours and 135x25x5400mm sizing.
Outdure Resortdeeck
Outdure Resortdeck is made from 95% recycled material (35-40% non-toxic HDPE and 60-65% wood fibre), is recyclable at the end of its life, and its Qwickbuild aluminium sub-structure is Global Green Tag certified.
Resortdeck provides the natural timber look you might want but is splinter-free, low maintenance (no need for staining, oiling or painting) and scratch, fade and mould resistant.
It is available in Byron, Caribbean, Havana, Seasalt, Storm and Sunset colours and 138x23x2800/4800mm sizing options.