Why WestStar Shines for Northwest Composite Decks
Composite decking is becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners, and demand is expected to continue to rise over the next several years. Composite decks, made from wood fibers encased in recycled plastic, are environmentally-friendly, require minimal maintenance and have numerous safety and practical advantages over wood decks.
Northwest homeowners, in particular, stand to benefit from composite decking’s ability to withstand rough weather conditions, but choosing the toughest deck isn’t as simple as buying out any old composite material. Composite decking can differ when it comes to the quality and amount of wood and plastic used, and different manufacturers have varying strengths and weaknesses.
Composite Decking Brands
Many people confuse Trex decking with composite decking, but the two terms are not synonymous. Although Trex is one of the major manufacturers of composite decking, many other companies have emerged throughout the United States.
For homeowners in the Northwest, there’s a composite decking material available that’s specially manufactured for the region’s unique weather. WestStar decking is designed exclusively for the Northwest’s humid climate and frequent rain to offer superior protection against mold and mildew.
Facts About WestStar
All recycled materials. WestStar decking is made entirely from recycled materials. Recycled wood from warehouse and factory pallets, as well as scraps from woodworking studios, are used to create a strong wood base for the inner core. Plastic from post-consumer bottles makes up the durable, protective outer shell.
Toughest plastic. To create a deck that can withstand intense weather conditions, WestStar uses only the strongest HDPE (High Density Polyethlyene) recycled plastics, as opposed to lower-density plastics that can quickly break down and lead to costly repairs.
Mold resistant. Many composite decks suffer from mold and mildew growth, which can make the deck surface slippery. WestStar decking includes a mold inhibitor, which helps prevent the growth of mold even in wet conditions. This, combined with WestStar’s signature non-skid finish, creates a safer composite deck.
Built to last. Since each board is encased with a plastic enclosure that protects against moisture, UV rays and temperature extremes, WestStar decks on average last two to three years longer than typical wood decks. The plastic shell also eliminates the possibility of warping, rotting, cracking and, of course, painful wood splinters.
Low maintenance. Because protection against the outdoors is built in to each board, WestStar decking never needs to be stained or painted. To keep your deck looking new, simply keep yard debris like leaves and branches swept clear, and use a pressurized hose attachment to wash it down completely twice a year. As long as you keep your deck clean and tend to any stains or spills immediately with household cleaners, your WestStar deck will settle into your yard nicely.
Top-notch warranty. Retailers who carry WestStar decking often offer generous warranties compared to those offered for competing composite materials. Splintering, splitting, insect or termite damage and surface checking are almost universally covered.
Installation Tips
If you’re considering installing a WestStar or similar composite deck, a little extra thought on the front end can add years of life to your already long-lasting deck.
When installing a deck, most professional contractors tend to screw the boards into the joists from the top down. For a long time, this made sense—securing the board directly to the foundation was a good way to maintain a strong bond. However, problems would occur due to moisture seeping in the space between the screws and the boards, inflicting rot and decay to the wood material inside.
Using deck clips bypasses this problem entirely. Instead of punching a hole from the top down, deck clips fasten boards to the joists underneath for the same strong hold without enabling unnecessary exposure to the elements. By installing your deck this way, you’ll instantly add years of enjoyment to your deck and bypass possible headaches in the future.
