Looking to build a dock on your waterfront residential property? A second home that's located near the water offers a perfect escape from the hectic city life. It gives you breathtaking views of nature, as well as a chance to dip your toes into the cool, relaxing water.

One of the key things you'll have to think about when planning your dock construction project is which kind of decking material to use. Each of the many different types of decking materials available for residential dock-building has unique pros and cons that should be carefully reviewed in order to make a well-informed decision.

Although wood remains the go-to decking material for dock construction in waterside homes, dock builders are increasingly seeing composite decking as a suitable wood alternative. Continue reading to find out why.

Composite Decking Is Durable And Virtually Maintenance-Free

If you're looking for a dock decking material that can last longer than wood while requiring less maintenance, composite decking is an excellent choice. Made of a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite decking boards resist weather damage better than wood. 

As a result, they significantly reduce the maintenance requirements on residential docks, saving time and money in the long run.

Composite Decking Looks Great

As the most visible part of residential docks, decking contributes to the curb appeal of waterfront properties.

In the past, many dock builders used to shy away from using composite decking because it gave a plastic-like appearance that looked cheap and unattractive. Today's composite decking products come in a wide range of decorative colors and can be designed to look as wood-like as possible. This way, you can enjoy the durable performance of an engineered decking product combined with the look of your favorite exotic wood varieties.

Composite Decking Is A Safe Choice For Families

Unlike traditional wood decking, which can splinter and pose a safety hazard to those who walk or sit on it, composite decking remains splinter-free, come rain or shine. This helps to improve the safety of dock users while eliminating the need to replace splintered planks or wood. No more worrying about injuring yourself when walking down the dock bare feet.

Before you choose composite decking for your home dock construction project, you should know that not all composite decking is created equal. The most demanding applications require the highest quality of decking products. Don't hesitate to consult a professional who provides home dock construction near you for more information on dock decking.