Benefits of Aluminium Framing for Composite Decking

Composite decking enhances Australian homes, offering stylish, multifunctional outdoor spaces with strong investment returns. Whether your home is rustic, Mediterranean, or modern, composite decking is transformative.

Timber and composite decking typically rely on traditional wooden frames for support, providing customers with a cost-effective, easy-to-install foundation. Unfortunately, excessive moisture can cause timber frames to decay over time. They may also require periodic inspections and maintenance, depending on their type and treatment.

The durability and strength of aluminium frames have made them a popular structural support option for composite decking among Australian homeowners. If you’re considering aluminium decking framing but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

As trusted, highly experienced Australian decking suppliers, our expertise can help you see your dream outdoor space come to life. This blog explores the benefits of aluminium framing for composite decking, enabling you to achieve this goal and improve your quality of life.

What Is Aluminium Framing for Composite Decking?

Aluminium framing for composite decking is a modern, resilient substructure with lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium joints and beams. This framework provides a sturdy, level, and durable foundation for composite decking boards, especially in high-moisture areas and low-profile decking applications.

Aluminium frames install easily, resist warping, and offer versatile height adjustment, making them superior to timber frames, which can suffer from moisture damage and warping.

How Does Aluminium Framing for Composite Decking Work?

Aluminium framing for composite decking is a cost-effective, low-risk, and high-reward investment for Australian homeowners seeking a premium foundation for their outdoor fixtures. It works in the following ways:

• Frame assembly: Specialised brackets and fasteners connect aluminium joists, beams, and posts to create a sturdy framework.
• Optional height adjustment: Installers can place pedestals underneath the joists to level the deck and achieve the desired height.
• Decking attachment: Contractors attach the composite decking boards to the aluminium framing using hidden fasteners or screws, ensuring a flawless, stylish appearance.

Beneefits of Aluminium Frames for Your Composite Deck

Whether installing composite decking for your patio, balcony, garden walkway, or rooftop deck, understanding the benefits of aluminium framing helps you make an informed purchase for your outdoor living area and achieve a high return on investment. These benefits include:

Resilience and longevity

Unlike timber framing, aluminium endures decay, mould, and insect damages, extending the deck’s lifespan. Aluminium frames can last up to four times longer than wood.

If you live in an area with extreme climates, aluminium frames are the ideal choice. They can endure warping, cracking, and deterioration.

Structural integrity

Metal frames are much stronger than wood. They offer premium structural integrity that can endure heavier loads and provide long-term peace of mind.

Consistency

Aluminium framing for composite deck construction ensures components fit accurately, drastically reducing installation errors and uneven finishes.

Low-maintenance

Unlike traditional wooden frames that require frequent sealing, staining, or painting to maintain long-term structural integrity, aluminium frames are low-maintenance alternatives that take the burden of tedious upkeep off your hands.

Manufacturers coat aluminium frames with anti-corrosive finishes, which contribute to their low maintenance and enhance their remarkable resilience.

Sustainability

Manufacturers source aluminium frames from recycled sources, including drink cans, doors, old building frames, roofing, and cladding components, thereby leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

Metal frames can be recycled. This reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources. They are an ideal lifestyle choice for homeowners who want long-term sustainability.

Visual appeal

Aluminium framing suits many styles, including contemporary, industrial, or Scandinavian modern. When combined with timber, composite, or synthetic decking, you can achieve any desired finish.

Non-flammable

Aluminium’s non-flammable composition allows homeowners to host barbecues and install fire pits on composite decking, provided they follow safety guidelines and maintain proper clearances.

Plumbing and electrical connections

Contractors can seamlessly integrate plumbing and electrical connections within aluminium framing without disrupting existing utilities.

Compatibility

Aluminium frames are compatible with several decking materials, including wood, PVC, and composite, allowing you to reap their benefits regardless of your decking preference.

Creativity

Metal composite deck frames’ strength, flexibility, and versatility enable homeowners to customise their outdoor living spaces.

For example, installers can manipulate aluminium and seamlessly integrate it into rounded decks, multi-level platforms, or geometric patterns that conventional timber framing cannot.

On the other hand, metal frames can also easily integrate with built-in benches, planters, or fire pits due to their rigidity and uniformity.

Drawbacks of Aluminium Framing for Composite Decks

Despite the benefits of aluminium framing, it also has several drawbacks worth considering. Carefully weighing its pros and cons helps you assess its feasibility for your outdoor living space, long-term needs, and budget. These drawbacks include:

Steep upfront cost

Premium aluminium or steel deck frames cost more than timber. The long-term durability, structural integrity, and low maintenance can help homeowners break even and avoid costly repairs over time.

Assembly

DIY homeowners can install timber frames more easily than aluminium. Metal frames are rigid and need special tools and expertise. Many manufacturers sell subframe kits for easier assembly, relieving DIYers from tedious installation.

Visual appeal constraints

Although aluminium framing offers homeowners a stylish, durable composite decking foundation, others may prefer the conventional aesthetics of timber frames. Regardless of your preference, contractors can paint visible areas of your metal framing to improve visual appeal and ensure that it aligns with your unique preferences.

Choosing Between Aluminium And Steel Frames

If you prefer metal frames for your composite deck, you must choose between aluminium or steel. Considering their advantages and disadvantages allows you to make an informed purchasing decision for your outdoor area.

Aluminium Frames

Aluminium is lighter than steel, making assembly and handling easier. Thus, it’s an ideal option for rooftop decks, water-adjacent structures, or projects where weight plays a significant role.

Since aluminium resists rust and corrosion, it thrives in high-moisture, salt water, chemically-exposed areas and environments with extreme temperatures. Aluminium doesn’t require additional painting, sealing, or staining, making it an ideal option for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance composite decking foundation. Its highly recyclable nature perfectly complements modern, bespoke, sustainable homes in Australia.

Aluminium subframes are usually pricier than their steel counterparts. Please remember that the former isn’t as durable as steel, so it isn’t ideal for high-load-bearing projects. Aluminium is also prone to thermal expansion, meaning it can expand and contract at extreme temperatures.

Steel Frames

Steel is the superior choice if strength and load-bearing capacity are your primary considerations for a composite decking subframe. Projects requiring optimal strength and durability that can benefit include:

• Commercial and public spaces: cafes, restaurants, alfresco dining areas, boardwalks, schools, and apartments.
• Large or elevated decks: Multi-level, rooftop, or podium decks.
• High-traffic areas: Entry platforms, shared residential decks, and leisure complexes.
• Coastal or harsh environments: Marine-adjacent homes or high-moisture locations.

Decking experts consider steel a budget-friendly alternative to aluminium for upfront material costs. Contractors can easily manipulate steel into complex shapes, enabling greater flexibility in personalised design.

On the other hand, steel’s significantly heavier weight than aluminium can complicate handling and assembly. For this reason, it’s a primary consideration in projects where easy installation and weight limits apply. Moreover, steel requires regular reapplication of protective coatings to extend its lifespan, making it a higher-maintenance alternative than aluminium.

Conclusion

Aluminium is a durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant composite decking subframe that provides homeowners with superior structural integrity, resilience, sustainability, and visual appeal. Although their high upfront costs and complicated installation can be concerning, their advantages far outweigh their drawbacks. Thus, aluminium is an ideal choice for customers seeking a composite decking foundation with a high return on investment.

Take that critical first step in your composite decking journey. Ezy Decking, Australia’s trusted supplier of Sydney composite decking boards, can help bring your dream outdoor space to life. Join the ranks of our satisfied clientele today.

Ezy Decking provides premium quality composite decking boards with 10 year structural warranty to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney & Northern NSW. Contact us today for a free quote.