Can Composite Decking Touch the Ground?
The composite decking market is continuing to explode in popularity, and that growth is expected to continue in the years to come. As more homeowners and pros are choosing this material for their outdoor living projects, there’s a common question that arises for anyone newer to the category: Can composite decking touch the ground?
Can Composite Decking Touch the Ground?
Unlike traditional wood, most composite decking doesn’t absorb moisture like natural wood, which means it resists rotting, warping, cracking, and insects. While it’s recommended for composite decks to use wood posts to frame the deck, you’ll want to make sure the support structure is chemically treated to deal with moisture.
With composite decking, it’s recommended to follow the best practice of the manufacturers installation instructions which includes not having the deck boards installed directly on ground. Let’s take a look at some of the most important considerations when building out an outdoor living space:
- Clear out any grass, plant, or weeds where you’re installing the composite decking. This will limit the amount of moisture that comes into contact with the wooden support structure of the space. Plus, removing grass and plants makes it easier to have a level surface for the foundation.
- Make sure the area is level. After laying down some landscape fabric to help prevent weeds from growing, place a board on the frame or ground itself and check it with a level. If any part of the area is off tilt, adjust to ensure an even surface.
- Use a frame or structure to support the composite decking. Composite decking in non-structural and shouldn’t be installed directly on the ground. A frame or structure for support at a minimum of 1.5” tall is necessary for proper structural support and ventilation. Raising the deck even further helps the space have more airflow which helps reduce moisture build up.
What About Concrete?
If your outdoor living project has a concrete slab as a foundation, you’ll need to install a sub-frame for the best results. Before you start laying out the frame, inspect the concrete and mark any cracks you see. It’s also important to make sure that the concrete is free of any depressions or spots where water could potentially pool.
An outdoor living space built on a concrete slab might require a bit of prep work but having it as a foundation does come with some benefits. For starters, using composite decking can transform the aesthetic of your property by hiding the concrete. If you’re looking to redesign the outdoor aesthetic, it’s much more cost effective to put a composite deck on top of concrete instead of ripping it out completely.
As always, it’s best to consult a professional if you aren’t exactly sure how to get started.
Envision Outdoor Living Has Reliable Composite Decking
Whether you’re building an outdoor living space on dirt or concrete, it’s important to use composite decking that is up for the task. At Envision Outdoor Living, our composite is Different by Design. Every board is built with an EverGrain Core, creating a product that’s resistant to splinters, rot, insects, and splitting.
We’re also the only composite decking manufacturer that uses Compress Technology to create our deck boards. It’s a proprietary compression molding technology that uses heat to create a best-in-class bond between the cap and core. At Envision, we believe that homeowners and pros shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to the quality of the products they use.
Request a Sample to Jumpstart Your Next Project
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next outdoor living project, Envision is here to help. Request your sample today to get more familiar with the types of picturesque outdoor living spaces our products make possible.
