Composite decking has become a go-to option for homeowners seeking durable, low-maintenance outdoor solutions. Gone are the days of constantly staining and sealing wood decks—composite decking, especially the offerings from Sunset Composite Decking, provides an excellent alternative. Known for its exceptional durability, eco-friendly materials, and realistic wood-like appearance, Sunset Composite Decking is becoming a favorite in outdoor spaces across the world. In this guide, we will explore the main types of Sunset composite decking, factors to consider when selecting the best option, and why Sunset is a great choice for your next decking project.
Table of Contents
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a material made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. This fusion of materials results in a highly durable and low-maintenance deck that mimics the look and feel of traditional wood but without the high upkeep. Typically, composite decking consists of wood fibers or sawdust mixed with recycled plastic, creating a sturdy, weather-resistant product.
Benefits of Composite Decking:
Durability: Unlike wood, composite decking is resistant to rot, mold, and insects, making it ideal for outdoor environments. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring your deck looks great for years.
Low Maintenance: Composite decks do not require staining, sealing, or sanding, unlike wood decks that demand constant attention to maintain their appearance.
Eco-friendly: Most composite decking, including Sunset’s products, is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Why Choose Composite Decking Over Wood?
Composite decking has a longer lifespan than traditional wood, often lasting decades without significant wear. It resists cracking, splintering, and fading, all common problems associated with wood decks. While the upfront cost may be higher, composite decking’s longevity and minimal maintenance costs make it a worthwhile investment.
Types of Sunset Composite Decking
Sunset Composite Decking offers several collections, each designed to meet the unique needs of homeowners and contractors alike. These collections vary in price, durability, aesthetic appeal, and available features. Let’s explore the main options in the Sunset lineup:
Sunset Signature Collection
The Signature Collection represents the premium line of Sunset Composite Decking. It combines the best materials and craftsmanship to offer a decking solution that’s both elegant and durable.
Wood Grain Finish: The Signature Collection features a realistic wood-grain finish that mimics the look and texture of natural wood. The grain patterns are meticulously crafted, ensuring a beautiful and authentic wood-like appearance.
Enhanced Durability: The boards are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, resisting fading, mold, and rot. This collection is ideal for areas with high foot traffic or harsh climates.
Wide Range of Colors: With options such as Chestnut Brown, Cedar, and Slate Gray, the Signature Collection allows homeowners to find the perfect color to complement their outdoor space.
Sunset Select Collection
The Select Collection is a mid-tier line offering a balance of performance, durability, and affordability. It provides excellent value for those looking for a high-quality product without the premium price tag of the Signature Collection.
Wood-Look and Smooth Surfaces: The Select Collection offers both wood-look textures and smooth finishes, allowing you to choose the aesthetic that best fits your outdoor design.
Fade and Stain Resistant: Like the Signature collection, the Select range is designed to resist fading from UV exposure and staining from spills, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
Variety of Colors: Available in colors such as Redwood, Sandstone, and Charcoal, the Select Collection offers flexibility in design.
Sunset Basic Series
The Basic Series is the budget-friendly option, offering essential features for those looking for an affordable composite decking solution. Despite its lower price point, the Basic Series doesn’t compromise on durability.
Simple Design: The Basic Series offers a clean, smooth surface without the intricate textures found in other collections. It’s an excellent choice for straightforward decking projects.
Affordability: If you’re working with a tighter budget but still want the benefits of composite decking, the Basic Series is an excellent option for low-cost decking solutions.
Limited Color Options: The Basic Series offers a limited color selection, focusing on neutral tones like Gray and Brown.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sunset Composite Decking
Choosing the right Sunset Composite Decking collection depends on several key factors, including climate, design preferences, and budget. Here are some important considerations when making your decision:
Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate in which you live plays a significant role in selecting your decking. For example:
Hot and Dry Climates: Opt for darker colors and premium collections like the Signature Collection to ensure that your deck resists UV fading and cracking.
Cold and Wet Climates: Composite decking is naturally resistant to moisture, but in areas with heavy snowfall or rainfall, a textured surface may provide better traction and durability. The Signature and Select Collections offer a wider variety of finishes suitable for wet conditions.
Style and Design Preferences
The look of your deck is essential to complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Consider:
Wood Grain vs. Smooth Surface: The Signature Collection offers wood-like textures, while the Select and Basic Series include smooth options.
Color Options: Sunset offers a wide array of colors to match various architectural styles. Lighter shades, like Sandstone, create an airy, modern look, while richer tones like Chestnut Brown and Redwood exude warmth and tradition.
Cost Considerations
While Sunset Composite Decking is generally more expensive than wood, it offers better value over time due to its durability and low maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Signature Collection: Higher price point but superior durability and aesthetics.
Select Collection: A mid-range option that offers an excellent balance of quality and price.
Basic Series: The most affordable option, providing essential composite decking features without breaking the bank.
Durability and Warranty
One of the key selling points of composite decking is its durability. Sunset offers generous warranties for its decking products:
Signature Collection: Typically comes with a 25-year warranty against fading and staining.
Select Collection: Also backed by a 25-year warranty but may offer fewer color options.
Basic Series: Comes with a shorter warranty, making it a more suitable choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize affordability over long-term protection.
Maintenance and Care of Sunset Composite Decking
One of the main benefits of Sunset Composite Decking is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike wood decks, which require constant staining, sealing, and sanding, composite decks need only basic cleaning.
Cleaning Tips
Regular Cleaning: To maintain your deck’s appearance, regularly sweep away leaves and debris. Wash with a mixture of soap and water using a soft brush to prevent dirt buildup.
Dealing with Stains: For tougher stains, use a composite deck cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Mold and Mildew: Although composite decking is resistant to mold, it’s still essential to clean any organic matter that may accumulate on the surface to prevent growth.
Winter Care
In colder climates, remove snow and ice promptly to prevent damage to your deck. Use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching the surface. Be cautious when applying deicing salts, as they can be harsh on composite materials.
Advantages of Choosing Sunset Composite Decking
There are many reasons why homeowners choose Sunset Composite Decking for their outdoor spaces, as it combines beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness. Let’s delve deeper into the advantages:
Eco-Friendly
Sunset Composite Decking is made from recycled wood fibers and plastic, making it an environmentally conscious choice. By opting for composite decking, homeowners contribute to the reduction of plastic waste, as a significant portion of the material used in the production of these boards comes from recycled plastics. In addition to helping reduce waste, composite materials also have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional wood decking, as they require less energy to manufacture and maintain. The production of Sunset Composite Decking helps preserve forests and natural resources by decreasing the need for cutting down trees to produce wood-based materials.
Durability
Sunset decking is built to last, and it’s designed to withstand the harshest outdoor elements. Unlike wood, which can rot, warp, or splinter over time, composite decking is resistant to fading, mold, and mildew. The boards are engineered with advanced technology that ensures they are waterproof and resistant to damage caused by prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or sunlight. In addition, Sunset composite decking will not attract termites, reducing the risk of infestations. Whether you’re living in an area with heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures, or intense sunlight, Sunset Composite Decking ensures that your deck will continue to perform year after year with minimal upkeep.
Aesthetic Appeal
With its realistic wood-like appearance, Sunset Composite Decking offers stunning finishes that suit a wide range of outdoor designs. The wood-like textures and finishes found in collections like Signature and Select create a natural look that perfectly mimics the beauty of hardwood, but without the high maintenance that comes with real wood. The color options are varied, from deep shades of redwood to cool tones of gray, allowing homeowners to customize their decks to match the existing style of their outdoor living space. Whether your style is rustic, contemporary, or coastal, Sunset Composite Decking can elevate the look of your outdoor area with its rich, natural finishes.
Easy Installation
Another advantage of Sunset Composite Decking is its easy installation process. Sunset boards are designed with DIY enthusiasts in mind, featuring an interlocking system that simplifies the process. Whether you are hiring a professional contractor or opting for a weekend DIY project, the system ensures a smooth and straightforward installation. The boards can be easily clipped into place, reducing the need for complex tools or expensive equipment. Furthermore, since composite decking does not require nails or screws that could rust or create gaps, the end result is a clean and polished deck surface. This also helps prevent injury from sharp metal parts that might otherwise occur with traditional wood decking.
Common Myths About Composite Decking
While composite decking has gained significant popularity, there are still some common myths surrounding it. Let’s address these misconceptions and explain why Sunset Composite Decking is a fantastic choice for your outdoor space.
Myth 1: Composite Decking is Too Expensive
It’s true that the upfront cost of composite decking is often higher than traditional wood. However, when factoring in the long-term benefits, Sunset Composite Decking quickly becomes a more cost-effective option. Wood decks require frequent maintenance, including staining, sealing, and occasional repairs, all of which add to the overall cost. Over time, the need to replace rotting or splintering wood will also incur additional expenses. On the other hand, composite decking is designed for low maintenance, meaning fewer repairs and no need for annual staining or sealing. When considering the total cost of ownership, Sunset Composite Decking proves to be a smart investment that will save homeowners money in the long run.
Myth 2: Composite Decking Looks Fake
Another common myth is that composite decking looks artificial or cheap. However, Sunset Composite Decking has been engineered to replicate the authentic look of wood, with a variety of finishes and textures that give it a natural and beautiful appearance. The Signature Collection, for example, features high-definition wood grains that closely resemble premium hardwoods, making it hard to tell apart from real wood. The Select Collection also offers smooth, clean finishes with realistic color options that can be customized to suit any outdoor design. With Sunset’s wide range of finishes, you can easily find a style that complements your home, while still enjoying the benefits of composite decking.
Myth 3: Composite Decking is Too Slippery
Many people believe that composite decking becomes slippery, especially when wet. While some lower-quality composite boards can be slippery when exposed to rain or moisture, Sunset Composite Decking is designed with safety in mind. The Signature and Select Collections come with textured finishes that provide better traction, even when wet. This makes the decking safer for children, pets, and guests, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, the grooves in the boards help to channel water away from the surface, reducing puddles and ensuring that your deck remains safer and more durable.
How to Choose the Best Sunset Composite Decking for Your Home
Selecting the perfect Sunset Composite Decking for your outdoor project requires careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right decking for your home:
Assess Your Space
The first step in choosing the right decking is to assess your outdoor space. Consider the size of the area you are decking, the amount of foot traffic it will receive, and how the deck will be used. If you plan to host large gatherings, you may want to opt for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing option like the Signature Collection, which offers a high-end look and superior durability. For smaller or less frequented areas, the Select Collection or Basic Series could provide the ideal balance between cost and performance. You should also account for climate and weather conditions, as certain materials perform better in different environments.
Set a Budget
Next, it’s important to set a realistic budget for your decking project. Composite decking is available in a range of prices, depending on the collection and features. The Signature Collection is more expensive but provides long-lasting quality and premium aesthetics. The Select Collection offers excellent performance at a mid-range price point, while the Basic Series is a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to reduce upfront costs. By defining your budget, you can narrow down the selection and choose the collection that best meets your needs while staying within financial constraints.
Choose the Right Collection
When choosing a collection, consider your priorities. If durability and appearance are your top concerns, the Signature Collection is the best option. This collection offers a variety of beautiful colors and textures that make it a top choice for homeowners who want the highest level of performance and aesthetics. If you are looking for a middle ground between cost and quality, the Select Collection provides a balance of both, offering great value for money. For those on a strict budget, the Basic Series will provide the essential benefits of composite decking without compromising on quality.
Consult Experts
If you are unsure which decking option is best for your home, don’t hesitate to consult with experts. Professional contractors can provide valuable insights into which materials will work best for your space, climate, and design preferences. They can also help you determine the installation process and offer recommendations for how to care for your decking long-term. Sunset Composite Decking’s customer service team is also available to answer questions and guide you through the selection process, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing Sunset Composite Decking for your outdoor space is a decision that delivers lasting benefits. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home with its beautiful, natural wood-like finishes, but it also offers low-maintenance, durable solutions that withstand the elements year after year. Whether you’re constructing a luxurious outdoor patio for entertaining or creating a cozy backyard retreat, Sunset Composite Decking is designed to meet all your needs, while keeping your investment protected.
The variety of collections, from the premium Signature Collection to the more affordable Basic Series, ensures that there’s an option to suit every budget and design preference. With enhanced durability, minimal upkeep, and an environmentally friendly composition, Sunset Composite Decking offers unbeatable value. Start your decking project today with confidence, knowing that you are choosing a product that combines aesthetics, functionality, and long-term performance.
Explore the diverse Sunset Composite Decking collections from Hosung and transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, lasting area where memories are made for years to come.
