Published: March 18, 2025
Traditional timber is beautiful and timeless…but also expensive, the common victim of termites, and susceptible to rotting, cracking and warping. This is where Best Deck’s composite wood products come in. Thanks to innovative science in the fields of design, engineering and construction, we offer all of the benefits of traditional wood with many added pros, and none of the drawbacks.
Best Deck’s composite wood is a modern material that combines the best of natural wood and bamboo with synthetic polymers (high-density polyethylene plastic) and a bonding agent. This results in a durable, low-maintenance and environmentally-friendly product that is also beautiful and stylish.
Here, we’ll dive into 1) the science of composite wood, 2) what the benefits of using it include, and 3) why it matters for the future of building and design.
The Science of Composite Wood
Best Deck’s composite wood is engineered from recycled timber, bamboo and recycled plastic. These are mixed in equal quantities (with a little bonding agent), heated together, and then moulded into the planks and finishes that we use for our decking, pergolas, gates, cladding and panelling, screens and more.
When the wood and plastic are heated, they create a composite framework or structure that is tightly bonded.
This process results in an aesthetically pleasing product that is durable, safe and easy to clean. It’s extremely strong and hardy as a result, and is resistant to heat, cold, sea air and pollution. At the same time, it resembles natural wood, so the age-old appeal of natural textures and colour is a constant.
We also incorporate UV stabilisers and colourants into the material to protect the Best Deck products from fading in the sun. This ensures that our world-class products retain their appearance over time, even in harsh weather conditions.
Durability
Its scientifically-engineered durability is one of the main advantages of composites. Natural timber is vulnerable to damage from moisture, sun and insects. This leads to decay and structural damage over time. Composite wood, however, is built from scratch to resist these challenges.
The plastic component in our composite wood acts as a protective barrier, preventing water from being absorbed. This reduces the risk of rotting, cracking and warping.
By combining wood and plastic, our product is further strengthened against cracking, splitting or splintering.
Best Deck’s composite wood is guaranteed for up to 25 years (depending on the product and range), but can last far longer. Natural wood decking has a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on how well it is maintained, treated, cleaned and repaired. Longevity makes Best Deck’s composite wood products the most cost-effective and reliable clear choice for the long term. This is a real investment!
Engineered to be Maintenance-Free and Easy to Clean
Natural wood needs to be sanded, treated, sealed and stained on a regular basis. Our gorgeous composite wood pergolas, decking, cladding and more require no maintenance over the decades and are quick and easy to clean.
This is because our product has been manufactured to have a non-porous surface that is as durable as it is attractive. So, it just requires a rinse and mop with water to keep it looking as good as it did the day we installed it.
Resistance to Decay and Pests
Rot is a common issue with traditional wood, especially in outdoor applications, where decking, cladding and pergolas are exposed to moisture. Composite wood’s plastic component makes it water-resistant, preventing the absorption of moisture that will inevitably lead to rot, swelling, warping and mould.
According to Property24, termites can cause damage to real wood that costs millions to repair. Best Deck’s composite wood is completely termite-proof, thanks to it being around one-third recycled plastic and the chemical bonding agent. Termites aren’t able to digest the plastic, so they stay far away from your valuable property.
Environmental Benefits
While the high-density polyethylene plastic that we include in our composite wood might raise environmental concerns, it actually offers a number of eco-friendly advantages. It is made from recycled material; including used, recycled plastic. So, we are doing our part to reduce waste that ends up in landfills.
In addition, our composite wood lasts for decades, which means that it doesn’t have to be replaced for generations. This reduces the demand for new timber, helping to conserve trees and reduce deforestation.
These environmental benefits make composite wood a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Why It Matters
Composite wood is about more than just being a beautiful, durable building material. It’s about the shift toward more sustainable and efficient construction practices, thanks to the science behind it.
Best Deck’s products are ideal for many residential and commercial applications. The growing demand for composite wood reflects its value in the market. This growth is thanks to the increasing awareness of its benefits and its ability to address some of the challenges associated with traditional wood.
Composite wood is more than just a material — it’s a step toward a more sustainable and efficient future in construction and design.
