An outdoor deck is now almost as common on a house as a living room or a bathroom, but decks can be a real challenge to maintain. They need to be cleaned at least once a year and sealed every two years. If not, they disintegrate, becoming ugly and, more importantly, unsafe.

While keeping to a yearly maintenance schedule sounds simple enough, many people who are not handy — or just don’t want to waste a day slaving over their deck in the hot sun — will put it off until it is too late.

If you are one of these people, you might want to consider using composite wood decking in your next deck.

Composite wood decking is typically a 50/50 blend of recycled wood — sawdust, wood shavings, etc. — and some form of recycled polyethylene or PVC plastic, such as milk jugs or plastic bags. (This also makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-laden pressure treated lumber or endangered woods like cedar, mahogany and redwood.)

The artificial nature of composite decks gives it an engineered resistance to rot and insects, and prevents it from cracking, splitting or weathering like wood decks. It is much more resistant to sun and moisture than regular wood, and does not require staining, sanding or sealing.

Although the up-front cost may be more than pressure treated wood, composite decking is often cheaper than exotic woods. The costs even out over time, since real wood alternatives require constant upkeep.

Composite wood decking is typically a 50/50 blend of recycled wood — sawdust, wood shavings, etc. — and some form of recycled polyethylene or PVC plastic, such as milk jugs or plastic bags.

Composite decks require no special assembly — they use the same construction techniques as wooden decks and, because of its 50 percent wood content, the product has a wood-feel and workability. Keep in mind, however, that composite decking is not structurally rated. This means you must use "real" wood (typically pressure-treated lumber) for the supports and frame. A deck not built to manufacturer’s specifications might experience sagging or drooping.

The color and texture of composite decking is different from more traditional materials, although the manufacturers are working on that. Currently the colors that are available are white or earth tone colors (such as brown, tan or gray) with a variety of finishes. These colors will lighten over time, so be sure to check with the manufacturer for an approximation of the final color.

Most brands can be painted whatever color the homeowner desires — although wood composites do not absorb or retain paint and stain as well as natural wood. (Do a test application of paint or stain before applying.) Because of the difference between wood and composite, most manufacturers sell matching rails and trim.

Despite what some manufacturers imply, composite decks are not truly maintenance-free. They stain easily and any stain must be cleaned up quickly. This is especially true in the case of grease — which means homeowners must be careful when using a barbecue grill.

Mold and mildew is another common problem. Even if the deck appears to be clean, most manufacturers suggest periodically washing down the deck with cleanser to prevent the build up of pollen and other airborne pollutants that can promote mold growth.

Proper drainage is necessary to avoid the buildup of water pools (mold and stains). Spacing between deck boards should be at least a nail’s width apart, and homeowners should regularly clean out the expansion gaps between the boards.