Decking Materials

Composite Deck Tiles and Other Decking Materials

Composite deck tiles are made from recycled wood and plastics. The recycled wood is mainly derived from construction debris, wood waste from wood sawing mills, used pallets and post consumer wood remains. The plastic is also recycled post consumer remains, plastic bags, used milking jugs and other plastic containers. These waste materials are then chipped into small bits and blended and molded into tiles that resemble wood blocks. These are mainly used for outdoor deck flooring, landscaping and park benches. These are a recent addition in the market and they were first manufactured in the early 1990s. However, due to their advantages over traditional deck materials, they are fast becoming the main decking material.

Composite Deck Tiles versus Wood Tiles

Whether the wood-tiles are made from Cumar, Garapa or Ipe, the material is sourced from wood extracted from felled trees. These means that these wood tiles are unfriendly to the environment. However, the composite-tiles use recycled plastics and wood that would have otherwise been detrimental to the environment. However, there are composite deck tiles in the market that are made from virgin materials. These particular are therefore harmful to the environment and in that aspect, they are no different from the wood-tiles.