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Renovating your cottage deck : Why choose Dekavie’s recycled plastic planks?
Are you planning to redo your cottage’s patio or porch this summer, and wondering what’s the best material to build your deck with? Whether your retreat is near a lake, in the forest or in the middle of the mountains, a patio has to stand up to more than just the test of time! Humidity, rain, snow, frost and sun put materials to the test, and this is even truer when our chalet is located in the middle of nature.
In such conditions, Dekavie’s recycled plastic boards truly stand out! Resistant, durable, low-maintenance, and designed to withstand Quebec’s harsh climate, they are the ideal choice to fully enjoy your little piece of paradise—worry-free.
A truly moisture-resistant material
Traditional wood may have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, but it’s no match for the persistent humidity of cottages near lakes and forests. Over time, it swells, rots or becomes covered in lichen and mold. Dekavie boards, on the other hand, are one-of-a-kind: they don’t rot, and are unaffected by water, fungus or insects.
Manufactured from recycled HDPE plastic and without wood fiber, they are also resistant to scratches, chemicals such as chlorine or pool salt, and wide temperature variations. A considerable advantage when you think of our harsh winters and humid summers.
Which is better for a cottage: recycled plastic or composite?
It’s easy to confuse both products, but Dekavie’s 100% HDPE recycled plastic boards are not composite boards. Composite boards are actually a mixture of plastic and wood fibers whose composition varies according to the manufacturer.
Because composite boards contain wood powder, they tend to absorb moisture, which can lead to premature degradation. In the context of a patio in nature or near a lake, it’s definitively not the most durable option.
No more demanding maintenance
Say good bye to staining, sanding, painting or varnishing every two years! If your second home is located in the woods, you’ve probably noticed that your deck maintenance can become a real challenge. Lichen, mildew, dead leaves and fir bark resin easily stain wood and composite boards.
Fortunately, no stain is permanent with Dekavie boards. As the boards are dyed in the plastic mass and not on the surface, their color is permanent and UV-resistant. What’s more, dirt such as mold and mildew cannot penetrate the plastic, which is a considerable advantage.
In other words, all it takes is a simple clean up with a pressure washer or boiling water (for conifer gum). Your patio stays looking great, year after year, and you can enjoy your weekends boating, rather than maintaining your patio.
A product designed for families
Do your kids run with wet feet on your patio when they come out of the lake or pool like ours? Good news: Dekavie planks have a slightly textured surface that provides a better grip underfoot. What’s more, their soft surface is comfortable for the little feet (or paws!) of your children and pets. A real plus for creating a friendly, safe outdoor space.
Make an eco-friendly choice for your backyard
When you choose Dekavie, you’re also making an ecological choice. In addition to exceptional durability and a 25-year warranty, our boards are made from recycled plastic and, best of all, are themselves 100% recyclable at the end of their life, which is unique on the market! Their local production, here in Quebec for nearly 30 years, also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. So they’re the perfect choice if you want to do your bit for the environment.
Réal Béland’s cottage
This spring, we visited Réal Béland, who was installing Dekavie for the patio of his forest cottage.
From idea to reality
So, you see, when a project is in the wilderness, where humidity deteriorates wood planks quickly, Dekavie is the most sustainable and economical alternative for the long term! And what’s more, you’re supporting a Quebec product. What more could you ask for?
If you need to build or renovate your cottage deck, don’t hesitate to contact us to make your project a reality!
