When specifying building materials for use in educational institutions, they need to endure heavy use, maintain safety, and be a sustainable solution.
In this post we explore the benefits of using composite decking for outdoor learning and recreational areas in schools, colleges, and universities.
Common uses of composite decking in educational settings
Composite decking is very versatile and can be used in various ways within educational environments:
- Decking for walkways and outdoor classrooms: Composite decking provides a slip-resistant surface to ensure safe access to outdoor spaces, even during wet weather. It’s also extremely robust and requires very little maintenance (more on this below).
- Seating and tables: Increasingly outdoor tables, benches and chairs are being made from composite lumber as its splinter-free, split-free and very hard-wearing. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional timber and plastic.
- Planters and green spaces: Whenever timber can be used to create planters, fencings or railings, so can composite wood. As such, planters made from composite wood are the perfect way to inspire the next generation of gardeners and growers.
Why choose composite decking for education establishments?
Composite decking offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of educational establishments:
1. Safe underfoot
Composite decking is slip-resistant, making it safe underfoot for children and young adults in all weathers. A quality composite board will undergo ‘pendulum testing’ and be given a PTV (pendulum test value’ to highlight its level of slip resistance. A score of 25–36 is good slip resistance and 36+ in excellent.
Ecodek deck boards can also be installed with high-grip inserts, to increase traction in areas that are particularly high risk.
If using composite wood for outdoor furniture it’s worth noting that. Unlike traditional timber, composite does not split or splinter, again, making it much safer for areas frequented by children and young people.
2. Durable for heavy footfall
Educational spaces experience constant use and often heavy footfall, making durability a key consideration. Wood composite decking is manufactured with a mix of hardwood fibres and polyethylene (recycled milk bottles).
Together, these materials, create a strong and durable deck board that emulates real timber, but does not rot, split or warp. Ecodek decking has a 25 year warranty, offering a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
3. Reduced maintenance costs
Unlike timber, composite decking does not regular sanding, sealing, or treating to protect it from the elements nor does it need to be painted to make it look attractive.
It only requires the occasional sweep and clean with warm water to stay in top condition. This saves valuable time and reduces maintenance costs for schools.
4. Sustainable
With 95% recycled and sustainably-sourced materials, Ecodek composite decking supports environmental responsibility. The boards are made with 60% FSC® or PEFC® certified wood fibres and 35% recycled plastic, ensuring minimal ecological impact.
Our boards can also be recycled at the end of their lifetime and re-used to make new composite deck boards, creating a truly circular economy.
5. Flexible design choices
Composite decking is available in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes to complement existing school architecture. Whether creating vibrant playgrounds or sophisticated outdoor study areas, it can blend with existing designs or help create a new, bold look.
6. A smart investment
All these benefits combine to make composite decking a smart investment for any educational establishment. Longevity, minimum maintenance and exceptional safety credentials, make composite decking an obvious choice for any nursery, school, or university.
Get support with your next decking specification
To understand more about how composite decking can enhance your school or university, contact our expert team today at 01978 667 840.