Aluminum vs Composite Decking: Choosing the Best Option
Article Highlights
- When choosing between composite and aluminum decking, factors like cost, maintenance, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability come into play.
- Aluminum decking is renowned for its durability and fire resistance, making it a popular choice.
- Composite decking balances beauty and functionality with low maintenance, making it a premium choice for homeowners.
- Understanding the pros and cons of each material is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences.
- Consulting with decking experts can provide valuable insights and help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Choosing the right materials is one of the first hurdles you need to overcome before getting your dream deck. Aluminum decking and composite decking are two popular options, each with its own benefits and appeal. Compare the durability, maintenance, costs of the two materials.
Click on one of the sections below to learn more:
- Introducing decking materials: aluminum vs composite
Discover the revolutionary material that looks like wood but impressively outperforms it
- The pros and cons of composite decking
Weigh up the prospect of composite decking for your outdoor space – is it worth it?
- The pros and cons of aluminum decking
Is the high-performance material worth the downsides such as noise and slip risks?
- Cost analysis: metal vs composite
Both premium options, but one is superior in terms of performance and wide aesthetic appeal.
- Lifespan and durability: aluminum vs composite decking
Consider how long your decking will last and whether recyclability is important
- Aesthetics and design: which looks better?
Composite decking by Millboard offers versatile colors and styles that resemble real wood grain
- Maintenance considerations
There are upkeep advantages to both options, weigh up the possible maintenance requirements
- Environmental impact: aluminum vs composite decking
Balance sustainability and natural – which is the most important?
Introducing Decking Materials: Aluminum vs Composite
Timber decking has historically been a popular choice of decking material but there are more modern options which offer the same appeal but last longer with minimal maintenance. Another durable option is aluminum decking. Both composite and aluminum options have high resistance to mold, mildew, rotting, moisture and warping but there are some key differences.
Composite decking is typically made from a mixture of different plastics and wood fibres. It can mimic the appearance and feel of natural wood, but it won’t rot, splinter, or warp. Aluminum is a recyclable metal that can be extruded in various shapes for construction and home improvement designs. Aluminum is known for its longevity, fire resistance, and low upkeep. Both options have clear benefits over traditional timber decking.
The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
The benefits of composite decking are vast. It’s functional and requires little maintenance compared to other materials such as a wooden deck or PVC deck. It won’t rot and is highly resistant to mold and fading. The boards don’t slinter, warp or crack, keeping your outdoor spaces safe to use all year-round.
Millboard Composite Decking is slightly different to standard composite decking. It doesn’t use any wood fibers and is molded from oak boards to recreate the natural beauty of wood grain. The high-performance boards are both functional and beautiful, with the most accurate wood-effect pattern on the market. The boards are made from recycled minerals and polyurethane, reinforced with fiberglass. The Lastane® top surface layer is soft underfoot so provides the boards with high resistance to slip, scratches, mold, splinters, impact and splitting
Its impressive features, durability and low maintenance benefits make the higher initial price worth it for homeowners. There are cheaper types of decking, such as timber and PVC decking but these come with their own challenges. Moreover, some homeowners prefer natural looking materials such as timber or natural patio tiles.
Pros of Millboard Decking
- Highly fade resistant
- Splinter-free and soft-touch surface
- Wood-free and moisture resistant
- Accurately mimics the natural beauty of wood grain
- Comes in ten versatile colors
- Highly durable and made to last
- Low maintenance
- High slip resistance
- Made using recycled materials
Possible downsides of Millboard decking
- Composite decking can come at a premium price over aluminum.
- Composite decking is not as fire resistant as aluminum
- Composite decking won’t span as far as aluminum decking
The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Decking
Aluminum decking is known for its long-lasting strength. It is a smart choice for homeowners looking for something sleek and robust. Unlike wooden decks, aluminum does not rot, get damaged by insects, or suffer from moisture problems. Metal decking is fire-resistant so can be used for balconies and rooftops where fire safety is a top priority. It also makes aluminum suitable for use under fire pits, although, consider the possible damage to the powder coating by exposure to high temperatures.
There are some downsides to aluminum decking. It has excellent thermal conductivity, so it can get very hot after being in direct sunlight and get very cold in the winter. This can make it uncomfortable to walk on without proper footwear. Also, metal decks can be slippery when they are wet, even with a grooved design. Some other aspects such as non-natural look, noise, and scratch resistance are also disadvantages to bear in mind when choosing between aluminum and composite decking.
Pros of aluminum decking:
- Durable and lightweight
- Various colors available
- Fire-resistance
- Sleek appearance
- Splinter-free
- Rot, insect and moisture-resistant
Cons of aluminum decking
- Slippery when wet
- Non-natural look
- Noise issues
- Powder coating can be prone to scratches
- Thermal conductivity
Cost Analysis: Metal vs Composite
When choosing the best decking material consider the upfront costs and savings over time. Aluminum and composite decking options are both premium materials and offer long-lasting benefits.
Millboard Composite decking costs between £145-190 per square meter, for the decking boards alone. Meanwhile an aluminum decking costs vary widely between £90-210 per m2. Opting for a basic composite deck or PVC boards over Millboard could result in cost savings compared to an aluminum option but the qualities of a Millboard deck wouldn’t be achieved.
Both composite and metal decks come with low maintenance requirements, but aluminum decking can be more prone to scratches, scuffs, stains and marks compared to mineral-polymer boards. You may need to touch-up your powder-coating from time to time to maintain its appeal.
Lifespan and Durability: Aluminum vs Composite Decking
Aluminum decking can last decades, this makes it a great long-term investment for homeowners. The material’s strength and resistance to rotting, warping and damage helps it stand the test of time. However, the powder coating on colored options may not last as long. The decking area remains functional for an extended period but the aesthetic appeal could dwindle over time. To extend the material’s lifespan, the aluminum decking can be recycled when it is no longer needed.
While strong and durable, a composite deck may not be as physically robust as aluminum. However, it lasts 25 years. The lifespan depends on the quality of the composite decking materials, the skill of the install and how the decking is used and maintained. Composite decks have high resistance to wear such a scratches, scuffs and stains.
Design and Colour & Aesthetic Appeal
Composite decking offers versatile design options. Millboard makes natural wood effect decking boards in three different styles. Enhanced Grain is molded from oak boards for the most authentic wood grain pattern. Choose from ten shades and two board widths. Configure your decking boards any way you like, such as tessellating shapes, chevrons or herringbone.
Weathered Oak Decking boards are another option. Hand-molded from aged oak, these composite boards add a rustic charm to your outdoor space while outperforming traditional wood decking. Select from three colors to match your home’s aesthetic.
When safety is a top priority, choose from three stunning shades of Lasta-Grip Decking. The additional color-matched grip offers peace of mind while maintaining an elegant appearance.
Aluminum decking does not have as many design options. But it still has a sleek and modern look that suits contemporary homes. Powder-coating can give you virtually any color required.
Alternatively, Millboard decking accurately mimics the look and feel of real timber, and you can style it to suit any home – modern or traditional.
Explore Composite Decking Options
Maintenance Considerations
Aluminum decking needs very little care because it can resist things like moisture, rot, insects, splintering and cracking. However, the powder coating on the aluminum boards can scratch or chip with heavy use. Depending on the color and finish you go for, it can show marks and scuffs more easily.
On the other hand, composite decking requires seasonal cleaning but doesn’t need staining, sealing, sanding, or painting to maintain its appeal. The boards and Lastane® layer are resistant to mold, rot and moisture. Composite decking can look like wood without needing as much upkeep as traditional wood decks. Homeowners can have the beauty of wood but also enjoy the easy care of composite materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
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