Composite wood, or a synthetic combination of wood fiber and plastic, has become an increasingly popular option for decking due to its versatility and potential for innovation. Compared to traditional wood such as cedar, composite wood requires less maintenance and can withstand damage from water, UV rays, insects, and more, making it an appealing option for waterfront docks.
Tommy Docks offers DIY composite dock packages in a range of sizes to make the most out of this durable material in our deck solutions. Here’s what you should know about composite wood before you decide if a composite dock is right for you.
What is Composite Wood?
Composite wood, sometimes referred to as plastic lumber or “fake wood”, is a manufactured board made from a mixture of wood and plastic. This balanced blend is often made by mixing wood particles with thermoplastic phenol-formaldehyde resin, which is then molded into the shape of a decking board during the manufacturing process.
Wood-plastic composite material first became popular for decking in the 1990s due to its appearance of real wood without difficult maintenance. This composite lumber has since been used for a variety of purposes, including railings, window frames, and indoor furniture, but its most widespread use is for outdoor decking.
Types of Composite Wood
There are three primary types of composite wood- solid, hollow, and capped. Each of these options has different qualities and can be used for different purposes and construction projects.
Solid Composite Decking
These heavy boards are made of wood fibers and plastic and mineral fillers. This strong material is often used for permanent infrastructure in residential and commercial properties requiring resilient construction, including:
- Permanent Floors
- House pathways
- Pedestrian walkways
- Pool decks
- Waterside docks
Hollow Composite Decking
As their name suggests, these lightweight boards have holes, which makes them less impact-resistant but popular for low-impact projects and installations, including:
- Cables
- Siding
- Cladding
Capped Composite Decking
These boards consist of a core made of a mixture of wood material and polypropylene and an outside cap made of a textured synthetic coating. Since these robust boards can withstand extreme weather conditions, they are popular for outdoor uses, including:
- Garden areas
- Outdoor pathways
- Fencing
- Wooden decks
- Boat docks
Solid composite wood and capped composite wood are both used for docks due to their strength and durability.
Benefits of a Composite Dock
With so many different types of docks to choose from, it can be hard to fully understand the potential of a composite dock when making a purchase. Here are some of the main things that a composite dock can offer, both immediately and after years of use.
Durability: Thanks to its blend of wood and plastic, composite boards can resist rot, insect infestations, and other damages that waterfront docks are often vulnerable to. They are also less likely to split or warp and can be waterproof, making them a sustainable dock solution.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: While composite docks might have more expensive initial costs compared to their natural wood and aluminum alternatives, it does not require the same costly maintenance upkeep, potentially cutting costs in the long run.
Eco-conscious: Composite wood is often made from reprocessed materials, such as recycled plastic and waste wood, and it doesn’t require chemical treatments like some wooden docks might. Buying a dock cut to size reduces waste even further, and Tommy Docks’s DIY kits make it easy to be eco-friendly.
Composite Dock Maintenance
Dock maintenance for a composite dock will look very different compared to a traditional wood dock or an aluminum dock.
Does Not Fade: Composite wood can resist UV rays, so the panel colors are less likely to fade
Easy to Clean: Composite deck boards won’t get stained with mildew or grime and require only a wash-down with soapy water, a soft brush, and a power washer.
No Annual Maintenance: With composite decking, there is no need for sealing, staining, or painting every season like with a wood deck.
The Future of Composite Wood
As composite decking becomes more popular and the market expands, the United States has prepared for a safe future so these products can be used in the most efficient and safeguarded way possible. In 2017, the TSCA Title VI established formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products in the United States. While these regulations typically apply more to engineered wood products like plywood rather than the specific type of composite wood used for docks, these protections will ensure that plastic composite materials are compliant and protect human health for years to come.
Composite Decks with Tommy Docks
At Tommy Docks, our composite decking boards are made without foam or wood fillers for a heavy-duty, fully waterproof product. Our wood composite materials offer superior features including:
- Weatherability
- Scratch-Resistance
- Stain-Resistance
- Resistance to sun, water, and microbial damage
- Free From Splinters and Sagging
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio (2608.7)
- Optimal Thermal Movement (0.06768)
- Maximum Deflection at Midspan
Compared to other brands, our composite wood product offers the best Stiffness-to-Weight ratio and the lowest thermal expansion/contraction of any thermoplastic deck board in the industry.
Tommy Docks Composite Dock Kits
Our DIY deck kits come with pre-cut parts to make both assembly and maintenance easier. Tommy Dock’s comprehensive kit includes:
- Aluminum frames
- Composite drop-in panel kits
- Superior dock pipes
- Normal-duty brackets
-
Footpads
- Safety caps
- All other necessary hardware
We offer decking options in a range of sizes and materials to help you find the composite dock that best matches your needs. With warm brown, sleek gray, and modern terrazzo color choices, we offer you choices that best fit your aesthetic and design preferences.
Learn More About Deck Solutions From Tommy Docks
At Tommy Docks, we are proud to offer our customers cutting-edge materials crafted with care and innovation. Our products make it easy to assemble a lasting dock solution that fits your personal needs and preferences. Between our composite deck kits, durable hardware, and customizable accessories, Tommy Docks has everything you need to transform your waterfront.
Resources
https://theconstructor.org/building/composite-decking-types-and-benefits/563521/
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/documents/tsca_title_vi_import_certification_webinar.pdf
https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/22052
