Why​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Composite Decking Works So Well for Dardenne Prairie Residents

 

The Deck Builder in Dardenne Prairie, MO weather is something that most of us, the people who live here in Missouri, are very familiar with. It is often sunny and warm one day; the next day, surprise storms or heavy moisture may come. That's the life we live near the Missouri River. And those weather changes just might ruin a backyard deck made from traditional lumber after a relatively short period of time.

During the past several years, we have been noticing the trend of more and more homeowners seeking the means of outdoor enjoyment without the need for constant sanding and staining of the decks or worrying about splinters on the feet. That's the main reason why composite decking has become so popular in our community. It is a very durable material, looks good, and, to be honest, it just simplifies the user’s life. So, I thought, this is the perfect opportunity for me to share the story of a local family, explain what makes composite decking so efficient, and also give you some brief hints in case you are considering this for your home.

A Local Problem We See All the Time

One of the major problems that we come across the most in rickety old decks in Dardenne Prairie is, by far, moisture damage. The wooden boards in the deck become victims to the whole absorb water, dry out, swell, shrink cycle due to our humid summers and snowy winters—and this happens over and over. Thus, breaking, warping, and even decay are the consequences of the same cycle. A lot of homeowners are not even aware of how quickly it can take place until their deck starts to look worn out and they feel it is unsafe.

Besides this, strong UV exposure can also bleach the wood bringing an uneven colored fade effect, and the constant maintenance can just be an eternal task that will never end. So, the question is: who, among those busy parents with kids, work, and a million other things, has time for deck staining every spring?

In case you recognize these words, you are not the only one. We see this situation all the time.

A Recent Homeowner Story

We can recall a hundred situations, but one of them is the family near Stump Road that really made an impression on us. They had a wooden deck that was a part of their house. Upon a mere look, it seemed okay, but after a few years, the boards became soft and discolored. A splinter incident happened to the kids in the summer, and mom told us that is when she realized she needed help the most.

Their Decking Challenge

The main problem was not just the aspect of it—the safety factor was seriously compromised. The boards moved under pressure, and the moisture-damaged joists below were some of the reasons to the problem. So the family, who was heavily into barbecuing and chill time, had to find a safer solution to use the space for a long time.

However, the thing is: They were tired of re-staining and repairing every few years. That is what had bugged them the most.

Our Solution

We examined the yard with them and weighed up the pros and cons. Composite decking was definitely the best option: low maintenance, safer under bare feet, and more durable in our Missouri weather.

Brown with a hint of orange color looked like natural wood but was chosen by the family for not fading unevenly. The simple railing lighting addition allowed them to enjoy late summer evenings outside.

The Outcome

The first season of their new deck was a success, and they couldn’t be happier with the new deck. They told us that the best part was being able to just… relax. No sanding. No splinters to worry about. Just a clean, comfortable space that could withstand barbecues, pool days, and a lot of dog paws.

This kind of experience is what makes us think how big of an impact a backyard upgrade can have on the way you live in your home.

What Makes Composite Decking a Great Fit Here

Composite decking may not be the only answer, yet it is a very feasible one for local homeowners. The reasons are:

Handles Missouri Weather Fluctuations

The rains here can be severe, and the winters are characterized by the freeze-thaw cycles that are quite harsh on the wood. Composite materials are not like real wood in that they don’t take in moisture, thus, they are less inclined to be warped, cracked, or rotted. Just that fact alone spares one from a lot of trouble.

Low Maintenance for Busy Families

The majority of people that we meet are in love with the idea of being outdoors but are not quite as fond of the maintenance that goes with the outdoor space. Composite decking is almost maintenance-free. There is no need for seasonal staining or sealing, and a quick rinse done once in a while will suffice.

Looks Great for Years

Contemporary composite decking has really evolved. It is quite similar to natural wood in terms of appearance, and even the colors stay the same with uninterrupted sun exposure.

Safer Surface for Kids & Pets

No one enjoys the feeling of getting a splinter. Composite boards remain smooth. Some even have slip-resistant surfaces which is great for pool areas or places that get a lot of rain.

Things We Recommend When Choosing Composite Decking

In case you were thinking about going the composite route, below are some pointers influenced by our work experience around Dardenne Prairie:

Consider Color & Style That Fits Your Home

There are a number of color options for composites including grays, browns, wood tones, and quite a few more. Evaluate your siding, the yard, and the future space to decide on the color. A lighter deck may stay cooler; a darker one may create a warm, cabin-like atmosphere.

Think About Traffic + Lifestyle Needs

In case you have pets, children under the age of 10, or are in the habit of hosting BBQs every weekend, then that will help you decide which board styles and finishes to opt for. Some choices are more resistant to scratching or provide more texture for the feet.

Add-Ons Worth Considering (Rails, Lighting, Seating)

What are little things compared to the big ones? Lighting at the stairs is both functional and aesthetically pleasing during the night hours. Built-in benches allow you to save some space, especially if you have a small-sized backyard.

Common Questions We Hear From Neighbors

Great questions is what we usually get from homeowners in the area. The ones that come up most often are:

Does it get too hot in summer?

All decking warms up in the sun, however, lighter colors can be very helpful in that respect. Plus, many composite boards nowadays are built in such a way that they are less heat conductive as compared to their older versions.

Will it fade over time?

If at all, only slight fading will take place. Furthermore, good brands hold their color much better than wood, particularly during our long sunny summers.

What does it cost vs. wood?

Initially, composite is a costly investment, however, one does not have to do the recurring staining or board replacements. A lot of homeowners actually say that in the long run, composite is more cost-efficient.

Any permitting needed in Dardenne Prairie?

Most of the time the answer is yes— a permission is needed for any newly built deck or major renovation. It depends on the size, place, and whether it's attached to the house. Making sure of the requirements locally before you commence your project is always a wise thing to do.

Lessons We’ve Learned Building Decks Across Dardenne Prairie

Each neighborhood is like a small school that teaches us something new. The few lessons are:

Drainage & Airflow Matter

Even composite decks can be vulnerable if they lack proper ventilation. The correct spacing allows air to come in thus preventing moisture accumulation which is especially great after a heavy storm.

Plan for Lighting Early

In case you are considering installing lights in your house later, it is better to plan for it right now. It is not easy to lay down wiring if you decide on it later.

Build for Future Additions

Some Dardenne Prairie homeowners' pergolas, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens were added later. Being aware of it during the time of building can give you the advantage of time and money savings later on.

Simple Ways to Personalize Your Composite Deck

It is not necessary for a deck to be very big in order to be welcomed. These are some of the favorite upgrades that we have seen in the town:

Built-In Seating

Benches are great at space-saving and have a neat appearance.

Privacy Walls

They are excellent in case you live very close to neighbors and would like a greater degree of privacy.

Pergolas + Shade

During summer we get really hot. A pergola can be a source of shade and at the same time, it is aesthetically pleasing.

Outdoor Kitchen Prep

In case you are an outdoor cooking lover, why not start with a small counter or a storage area? You can always make it bigger later.

When Composite Decking May NOT Be Right

Maybe you want a very rustic, natural look, or you love doing the staining and refinishing by yourself every year. In that case, wood may still be your choice. There is nothing wrong with it—just be aware that there are trade-offs in terms of maintenance and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌lifespan.