Garden rooms are a fantastic way for modern homeowners to create additional living or working space on their property without adding a costly and invasive extension. When planning a new garden room, it’s important to think about the different construction materials that will go into the structure.
Different materials have different costs, benefits, drawbacks and maintenance requirements and these should be considered carefully to ensure the garden room meets your needs. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the composite materials which we use as cladding and decking for our garden rooms. Let’s show you the benefits of composite and explain why we think it’s a superior material to timber.
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Composite material
Composite materials are those made up of two or more chemically different constituents which together provide properties that would not be obtained by the constituents individually. Composite material is low in weight and high in strength, which makes it incredibly durable and resistant to stress. This makes it an excellent material for use in construction.
Composite is resistant to corrosion, unlike metal and alloys, and it does not swell, warp or rot like wood. It is far cheaper than steel and it requires less energy to manufacture and transport. When composite material is used to build structures like garden rooms, less of it is required than other materials without performance or stability being impacted. Plus, it offers low thermal conductivity which limits heat loss and reduces energy waste.
Another major benefit of composite is its flexibility when it comes to design. It can be made into many different types of shapes in order to serve both structural and decorative purposes. Plus, thanks to its low weight, it offers more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation than wood, steel or aluminium.
Composite material for garden rooms
Composite cladding
Our Garden Retreats are wrapped in composite cladding to provide an elegant finish and high performance. Many garden rooms are clad in timber, but we find that composite cladding has a wide range of benefits over solid wood.
First, composite cladding is incredibly strong, durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to the following:
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Fire
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Corrosion and other degradation when exposed to the weather
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Pests which can bore into natural wood and gradually break it down
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Cracks, dents, scratches and other damage
Composite cladding is also incredibly low maintenance. Timber requires routine refinishing to keep it protected against the elements, but this is unnecessary with composite cladding which remains in excellent condition for years. The only thing to do with composite cladding is to give a quick wipe down now and again to remove any debris or dirt.
Finally, we feel that composite cladding offers superior aesthetics to timber. Available in natural colour finishes black, grey or brown, composite cladding looks sleek, modern and minimalistic which is perfect for contemporary properties. The brown variety imitates an authentic timber look for those who want a more rustic finish for their garden rooms. Elegant black and grey give a more modern effect which is popular for urban gardens and looks incredibly professional for those who will be using the structure as a garden office, studio or other business premises to which they will be inviting clients.
Composite decking
Your Garden Retreat pod is available with optional composite decking to create a stylish outdoor space surrounding the structure. The decking is made from the same composite material as the cladding and is available in the same colour options. Being composite, the decking is strong and durable enough to support the weight of any furniture or equipment you choose to place outside.
Composite decking is significantly easier to take care of than traditional timber decking because it does not require routine re-sanding and resealing to keep it in good condition. It won’t warp, rot, splinter or fade, nor will it expand and contract like wood and risk buckling. It’s also resistant to mildew and mould, both of which are common problems with timber decking and can result in the surface developing an unsightly and slippery green surface.
You can walk on a composite deck on bare feet without risking splinters, which is ideal for garden rooms that will be used as relaxing living spaces. Plus, if you’re dealing with muddy grass or uneven surfaces surrounding your garden room, the composite decking will provide a clean, level and comfortable surface on which to enjoy your outdoor space.
This provides a perfect extra space solution if you use your Garden Retreat as a garden studio for creative pursuits like painting or sculpture and want to take inspiration from the open air, or if your building functions as a garden gym and you want to warm up or cool down outside during hotter summer days.
Composite decking offers superior sustainability because it’s lighter and therefore faster to transport, and it will last for decades without needing replacement. Durable, long-lasting, easy to maintain and with a sleek finish, composite decking is a fantastic finishing touch for your garden room.
Frequently asked questions
Why clad a garden room?
Cladding a garden room helps to keep it insulated so that it stays warm in winter and cool in summer, and it protects the structure of the room to extend its lifespan. Cladding also provides a sleek and stylish finish.
Can composite cladding be painted?
Composite cladding cannot be painted, but since it does not flake or peel like stained or painted timber cladding, there’s no need to paint it to keep it looking nice. Our composite cladding is available in three colour options as standard: black, grey or brown. Composite is a low maintenance material that will look as good as new several years down the line.
What is the life expectancy of composite cladding?
Composite cladding can last for decades because it is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, rot and pests. A garden building from Garden Retreats is guaranteed for 25 years, which is a testament to its long lifespan.
Will composite decking get hot in the sun?
Modern composite decking does not get too hot in the sun. It’s normal for it to become warm, but it shouldn’t get any hotter than natural wood decking would become on a very hot day. It is comfortable enough to walk on even in hot weather.
To find out more about our low maintenance composite garden buildings, contact our Garden Retreats team today.