Ithaca Composite Decking
What is Composite Decking? Basically it is a combination of plastic and wood. The types and amounts of each material differ depending on the company. Generally it consists of recycled wood from various sources, and all or part recycled plastics. The wood and plastic is combined, heated and extruded into planks resembling traditional wood planks. Some are even made with a grain-like pattern to resemble wood.
Ithaca composite decks come in two basics kinds, solid and hollow. They are both made by the same method, but with some important differences. Some think that hollow planks are not as strong as the solid, but this is not necessarily true. They can be as strong or even stronger than solid boards. You will need to compare the strength ratings on a side-by-side basis. Many prefer the feel of the solid board under their feet because it more closely resembles the feel of wood. Because hollow planks require end caps, they are not recommended for angled or curved shapes. Solid planks are usually more expensive than hollow ones, so if your project allows, they may be a good choice.
So why choose composite materials for your Ithaca deck over wood? Ease of maintenance seems to be the primary reason. Composite planks are a uniform color throughout, which is wonderful if your deck gets scratched. There is no need for staining, refinishing or repainting, so if you get a quality product maintenance should be minimal. Also, the plastic makes composite planks water resistant and they are easy to clean.