Composite decking is an ideal building material for coastal outdoor spaces, designed to withstand the harsh elements that come with seaside environments. Its durability and safety make it particularly well-suited for wharfs, marinas, and ports, where long-lasting boardwalks, pontoons, and promenades are essential.
In this post we look at the benefits of composite decking over other materials for outdoor areas near the sea.
Most common uses for composite decking in marina environments
The most common use of composite decking in marina environments is to build walkways such as boardwalks, pontoons and promenades.
We have provided composite materials for many of these projects across the UK, including Hornsea Foreshore (East Riding of Yorkshire Council), Cardiff Senedd Boardwalk (Cardiff Harbour Authority) and Lowestoft Jubilee Parade & Beach Huts (East Suffolk Council).
As Ecodek deck boards can be manufactured in any length, they can be delivered at the width of the boardwalk, making installation much quicker and reducing waste and cost.
However, decking isn’t the only application for composite wood – anywhere traditional timber is used, composite wood can serve as a durable and sustainable alternative.
Many local councils, forestry commissions and national parks are now procuring street furniture such as seating, tables and waste bins, made from composite lumber, due to the many advantages it has over timber (and plastic!).
The benefits of composite decking for marina projects
Composite decking is ideal for marinas and other coastal locations. It is increasingly being used as an alternative to traditional timber decking for a number of reasons:
1. Weather resistant and durable
Outdoor costal locations are prone to harsh weather conditions which can take their toll on timber in the following ways:
Saltwater and sea spray: The high salt content in the air and water will degrade traditional timber over time.
Moisture and humidity: Constant exposure to moisture increases the risk of wood rotting and warping. Moisture absorption is a key reason why timber decking does not last.
Sand: Sand particles carried by the wind or foot traffic can be abrasive on traditional wood surfaces and wear them down.
Composite wood decking is proven to withstand these challenges – it will not rot, split, splinter or degrade when exposed to the elements.
2. Improved slip resistance
Safety is a number one priority for walkways that are near water and are often wet and slippery, therefore posing a higher risk of slips, trips and falls.
Timber surfaces in particular can be extremely slippery due to a build-up of water film from water absorption, and from wear and tear, as the wood wears down and loses its natural grip.
Composite decking is extremely robust and will not decay or wear down. A quality composite board will have a good ‘pendulum test value’ which calculates slip resistance. Boards can also be installed with high-grip inserts, to increase traction in areas that are particularly high risk.
3. Easy to install with bespoke board lengths
Composite decking is easy and quick to install. Ecodek decking can be manufactured in bespoke board lengths from 1.5 to 6 metres which means less waste and quicker installation – both leading to lower project costs.
4. Low maintenance
Unlike timber, which requires sanding, sealing and constant maintenance to keep it safe and stylish, composite decking only needs the occasional sweep and wash with warm water to keep it clean.
5. Environmentally-friendly
Composite decking also has excellent sustainability credentials. Ecodek’s composite decking contains 95% recycled and sustainably-sourced materials. Our boards are manufactured with approximately 60% sustainably-sourced wood fibre, certified by FSC® (FSC-C105481) or PEFC® (PEFC/16-37-1226). This ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Additionally, about 35% of the material is recycled HDPE polymer, made from consumer waste, such as recycled plastic milk bottles.
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.
Get support with your next decking specification
If you would like further information on how Ecodek composite deck boards can be used for a wide range of outdoor projects, call our knowledgeable, friendly team today on 01978 667 840.