Fiberglass Decking: Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiberglass Decks

D Swain
Your deck can be made of various materials. Two of the most common include wood and more recently fiberglass. Fiberglass designs offer a few advantages and disadvantages when compared to other types. This article will discuss some of them.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass decking is that it is very low maintenance. Your deck will stay in good condition with minimal work from you. With wooden decks, you have to paint of seal it occasionally.

Durability

Fiberglass decks are also very durable. A wooden deck will start to break down after being exposed to the elements over time. Even if you apply sealants regularly or use a rot-resistant variety, your deck probably won't last more than 15 years. Fiberglass decks also don't have a problem with rusting like their metallic counterparts.

Look

Another advantage of fiberglass decking is that it offers a variety of color choices. You can paint a wooden deck any color you want. However, you will need to repaint often and the color can scratch off easily. Decks made from fiberglass have their color throughout the whole material, so it will never become discolored.

Misc

You will also like the fact that fiberglass decks are a bit safer than wooden ones. You need to be careful on wood decks because you can get a splinter. With a fiberglass design, you also don't have to worry about pests destroying your property.

Cost

The main disadvantage of fiberglass decking pertains to its cost. You'll have to pay much more upfront for this type than you would for a wood design. However, this is partially offset by the fact that fiberglass lasts much longer.

Stains

Another disadvantage of fiberglass decks is that you can stain it easily. You need to be careful not to spill and leave grease on the surface like when you're cooking on the grill. Dirt can also lead to stains.

These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass decking. It's very easy to maintain and durable enough to withstand the elements over time. However, you'll pay much more upfront for this type of deck.

Published by D Swain

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