Ceramic or Composite Decking: Which is the Best Option?

Disadvantages

• Durability and Resistance: Can crack or break easily, especially due to significant temperature variations or falling objects.
• Comfort and Safety: Can be very slippery when wet, especially after some time of use. In hot climates, ceramic absorbs more heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. In the case of glued flooring, visible pooling can occur in areas that are more recessed.
• Installation: Requires a solid and level concrete slab, especially for glued ceramic decking. If there is a need to access the underside of the floor, tiles must be broken and the flooring redone, not allowing the passage of pipes or installation of equipment accessible from underneath.
• Maintenance: Grout lines, in the case of glued flooring, may require extra attention as they tend to accumulate debris and look unattractive.
• Aesthetics: Compared to composite decking boards, ceramic tiles are smaller (about 0.5 to 1.2m), which presents some aesthetic limitations.

When of high quality, composite decking is considered an excellent alternative to ceramic decking due to the following factors:

• Durability and Resistance: Designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, it shows extraordinary resistance to climatic elements and significant temperature variations. It does not rot, crack, and maintains its initial appearance over time. It shows exceptional mechanical performance, particularly in impact resistance (falling objects).
• Maintenance: Requires very little maintenance, only occasional cleaning with water and detergent. Does not need to be varnished, painted, or sealed over time. The fact that it allows water drainage under the planks helps keep it “clean” for longer.
• Comfort and Safety: It is a highly slip-resistant flooring, even when wet. The surface is extremely comfortable to the touch, ideal for walking barefoot. Allows water to drain under the flooring, eliminating the possibility of significant pooling.

• Aesthetics: Offers a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes that can mimic the appearance of natural wood. Standard boards are 2.3m long, but can be custom-made (with lengths between 1.8m and 3m), allowing greater aesthetic customization to match various architectural styles.
• Installation: Can be installed directly on the ground, even if not leveled, without the need for waterproofing, which is increasingly important from an environmental standpoint and reduces the complexity and cost of the project. It has a patented fastening system that saves installation time, using only one screw per plank and allowing individual planks to be opened thanks to the intermediate clip pro. Offers complete solutions for various applications.
• Price: In situations of installation on a concrete slab, composite decking usually involves a slightly higher initial investment. In situations where installation is done on the ground, composite decking will require a similar or slightly lower investment compared to ceramic decking.

In conclusion, composite decking offers significant advantages in terms of durability, maintenance, comfort, safety, and even environmental impact, making it an attractive choice for many outdoor space projects. However, the choice between composite and ceramic decking will depend on aesthetic preferences, usage requirements, local climatic conditions, specific budget considerations, among other factors.