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A Cautionary Tale: Why Composite Decking Failed in Perth’s Heat As a decking specialist and handyman in Perth, Western Australia, I recently encountered a sobering example of why material choice matters in our unique climate. A homeowner called me to repair their deck, but what I found was a stark reminder that not all “modern” solutions live up to their promises.
Composite decking failed
The deck in question was a composite installation, just seven years old, that had completely failed. Warped boards stretched across the surface like waves frozen in plastic. Broken holding clips and popped screws littered the structure – tell tale signs of a material fighting against Perth’s intense heat.
Environmental impact
The environmental implications are particularly troubling. While composite decking is often marketed as an eco-friendly choice, the reality is far more complex. These materials can’t be recycled once they fail, and they’ll sit in landfills for over a century before breaking down. In contrast, natural hardwoods like Merbau can be repurposed or will naturally decompose at the end of their much longer life cycle.
Composite decking draw backs
Speaking of heat – composite decking has a significant drawback in Western Australia’s climate. These materials can increase surface temperatures by up to 10% compared to natural wood, making them particularly unsuitable for our sun-drenched region. Imagine stepping onto your deck on a 40°C summer day – that extra heat makes a noticeable difference.
The healthy solution
Our solution? Replacing the failed composite with pre-oiled Merbau hardwood. This traditional material has proven itself time and again in Australian conditions. With proper maintenance – just an annual cleaning and a couple of coats of oil – a Merbau deck can outlast its composite counterparts by decades. It’s a perfect example of how sometimes the old ways really are the best ways.
The lesson
The lesson here is clear: when building in Perth’s challenging climate, choosing materials that have stood the test of time often makes more sense than opting for newer alternatives that might not be suited to our unique conditions.