Composite Wood Decking

How and why the Gold and Diamond range Deck Planks are different from each other:

This extract best explains what the fundamental difference is between the gold and Diamond Range Deck Planks

Gold Range Deck Planks – all composite deck planks are manufactured in a similar way, they are all porous (they absorb). So, while the deck planks are totally maintenance-free, it is possible that they may stain if something (like red wine or oil) is spilt on them. The longer the plank is left before cleaning, the harder it will be to remove the stain. The fluid soaks deeper into the material, so get rid of it as soon as possible. This profile has a narrow groove finish. Therefore, scratching and scuffing are not always visible to the eye, which is a fantastic bonus. Follow Best Deck’s easy instructions to care for your deck. The Gold Range deck plank has a 15-year guarantee, making it an excellent choice.

Diamond Range Deck Planks – this capped or wrapped decking (also known as co-extrusion), which means the composite plank has an additional protective wrap around it (the same principle used to wrap cars). This wrap around the composite profile is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and makes the deck plank stain- and moisture-resistant. This makes cleaning it very simple (it is easily washed with a hose). It also has a longer guarantee than the Gold Range (25 years), so it looks better for longer. With its wood grain wrap finish, it’s likely that it will never be necessary to spend money again on your deck planks (unless there’s a case of malicious damage or an extraordinary act of God).

Best Deck’s pricing on our Diamond Range (co-extrusion plank) is the most competitively priced in our industry. IMPORTANTLY, our wrap goes all the way around the deck plank. See more below on this wrap.

Why Best Deck’s Diamond Range deck planks are an industry leader:

Co-extruded, capped or moisture-free – these are all terms that refer to this type of deck plank. But, at Best Deck, it is our Diamond Range. Some co-extrusion wrapped planks are not wrapped around the entire plank; the wrapping is only on the top of the plank. At Best Deck, we understand that being moisture-resistant is crucial all the way around the plank, and not just on top. A plank with protection only on the top and not all the way around cannot be completely moisture-resistant. Best Deck wraps the entire plank at the industry’s most competitive pricing.  Our Diamond Range planks make sense.

How the two ranges differ in dimensions:

Gold Range Deck Planks – this plank is 135 mm wide and 21 mm thick on the outside at the flat section. Importantly, when the plank is measured from end to end (taking out the back recesses) the plank is 11 mm thick at this section.

Diamond Range Deck Planks – this plank is 140 mm wide and 22 mm thick on the outside at the flat section.

Importantly, when the plank is measured from end to end (taking out the back recesses) the plank is 15 mm thick at this section.

However, It is important to take note that both the Gold and Diamond ranges will function the same and outlast their guarantees. Below are some suggestions to assist in making an informed decision.

Things to consider when making a decision on which range to choose:

• Is it for a residential or commercial project?
• Is it a high traffic area?
• Will it be in an area where food and drink could be dropped and spilt?
• What is your budget?
• Do you prefer the narrow groove finish or the wood grain finish in terms of aesthetics?
• NB – Samples: have you seen, touched and felt the product? Ask Best Deck about our samples. They are always available for collection, and can also be couriered all nationally and internationally, subject to project size, at Best Deck’s cost.

Have you been quoted on clips and screws?

Ensure that, when you ask any company for pricing on composite decking, you get a square metre price that includes the clips and screws. One must be sure that the required clips and screws have been quoted for. This is something we deal with daily.  When compared with completely inclusive quotes from our competitors, our prices remain impressively cost-effective.

Clips and screws from various companies will add between R70 and R110 (ex VAT) to the quoted square metre price of the deck planks. So, the price without the clips and screws is not an apples-for-apples comparison. Best Deck will always include clips and screws in our pricing, unless otherwise instructed by the client.

What is our point?

The point is that you cannot install the deck planks without the clips. And, while you could buy the screws elsewhere, the risk of using the wrong screw with our clip could mean a negative impact on your guarantee. What’s more, Best Deck offers a fantastic price on our screws; it would be hard to beat our costs.

When it comes to composite deck plank clips

Best Deck’s standard clip is a black plastic Teflon clip. Although we very seldom sell stainless steel clips, we can supply them, if required.

While our standard clip is black Teflon, we also have a narrow-gap stainless steel clip. This clip is usually used in more specific applications. For example, in the product image of this narrow-gap clip, one can see a tented bush camp, where they have internally used the narrow-gap stainless steel clip with silicone to create a sealed composite floor. Externally, they have used the standard black Teflon clip.

• Standard black Teflon clip = 5 mm gap between the deck planks
• Narrow-gap stainless steel clip = 2 mm gap between the deck planks

Never use another company’s clips with Best Deck’s deck planks as that could affect the guarantee.

When comparing Best Deck pricing with other companies

Best Deck has phased out cavity planks altogether. At one time, these were all that were available, everyone sold them. Today, cavity planks are referred to as first-generation deck planks. They are now outdated and technology has advanced. Since about 2013, composite products (specifically, decking) have evolved dramatically. Best Deck has evolved with them and we now sell and install what we refer to as third- and fourth-generation deck planks.

Best Deck products are of the highest quality and have been sold in South Africa since around 2011. While various brands may look the same or similar, they simply ARE NOT. Contact us directly for more assistance.