Composite Wood Decking: Built To Withstand Ontario Weather

Terraces, gardens, and pool sides – each of these can make a home feel like a personal sanctuary, a safe space to unwind at the end of every day and every week. So if you are planning to build your home or renovate it, we suggest paying extra attention to the decking material you use. While cedar deck boards are a great choice, we recommend having composite wood on your radar as well. 

 

Why? Because this material has what it takes to adapt to Ontario’s wildly varying weather, be it scorching summers or icy winters. This is critical because Ontario’s tough climate brings with it many challenges, which most common decking materials cannot survive. Let’s explore how composite wood decking is the champion of all seasons. 

 

 

Exploring Composite Wood Decking’s Weatherproof Abilities

 

 

Sun & Heat Resistance 

 

While part of a home, decks are primarily outdoor structures, which means the sun and heat exposure they face is high, especially considering the fact that summers in Ontario are quite hot and sunny. Now, the problem with using traditional wood is that heat will cause it to fade, crack, and splinter over time. That is not the case with composite wood decking. Engineered to resist UV damage, it keeps its color and integrity so you can enjoy a solid and aesthetically pleasing deck for a long time to come. No frequent sanding, sealing, or staining sessions required. 

 

 

Snow & Freeze-Thaw Cycle Performance

 

Every winter in Ontario is characterized by freezing temperatures and snow buildup. Once the season starts to mellow, though, it gives way to cycles of thawing, which may or may not be followed by re-freezing depending on the time of the year. This cycle is very harsh on natural wood. The moisture from snow can seep into its very structure, causing issues such as warping or splitting. If you want to avoid such damage, choose composite wood. It resists moisture absorption, which means it will not crack or swell during winter. 

 

 

Resistant To Mold & Moisture

 

Let’s talk about the performance of natural wood decks as opposed to composite wood ones during the rainy season. The former tends to attract mold and rot during monsoons, while the latter actually blocks water-based damage. So if a pool deck or a garden deck is a part of your blueprint, you should turn to composite wood if you want to keep mold and moisture-related damage at bay. 

 

 

Additional Benefits Of Composite Wood Decking 

 

 

Easy Maintenance 

 

Composite deck boards do not require much upkeep to maintain its stellar performance. As we mentioned before, they keep their integrity intact without requiring re-staining, re-sealing or re-sanding every year. Just give them a quick wash with soap and water regularly if you want to keep them looking as good as new. In fact, composite wood is a win-win from the standpoint of both homeowners and contractors. While homeowners get a minimal maintenance deck, contractors are able to provide lasting structures. 

 

 

Enduring Performance

 

There is no denying that composite deck boards tend to be expensive when compared with cedar or pressure-treated wood. But they more than make up for their cost by offering excellent performance in the long run. After all, they are weather-resistant, easy to maintain, durable, and feature a long lifespan – all of which adds up to make them a cost-effective investment.

 

 

Sustainable Choice

 

Composite wood decking is generally made of recycled plastics and wood fibers. As a result, it puts less pressure on natural resources and is not a contributing factor to deforestation. This makes composite wood a sustainable choice that is perfect for eco-friendly projects and conscious homeowners. 

 

 

Conclusion 

 

To tackle Ontario’s unpredictable weather, you need dependable decking material. Composite deck boards are a reliable choice in this regard. Built to endure heat, rain, and snow, they are highly durable and easy to maintain. You can also get them in custom sizes if you place your order with the most trustworthy lumber yard in all of Ontario, Fonthill Lumber Inc. Whether you are a contractor building a new home or a homeowner planning a renovation, contact us to get the most durable, stylish, and cost-effective decking material.