Composite decking projects are likely to include a lot of wood adjustments to board lengths. For that one invariably has to make use of cutting blades. Though there are numerous blades that can get the job done, it is well-advised to use blades that are dedicated to that purpose.
Composite wood is a category of wood types that include the likes of wood, plastic, chipboard, plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard which are mainly used in construction outside.
One should consider how important it is for one to get a clean cut If that is not the requirement, you can simply select the blade that helps you accomplish the task the fastest. So let’s take a look at which blades that one can select for the job.
Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade for Wood and Wood CompositesBest Overall
Freud Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade
First up, we have the manufacturers of ultra-fine wood cutting blades – Diablo. The product is well up to any task or project that involves the cutting of wood composites, especially decking.
Design
Freud D12100X has a kerf design that is sharp and thin and can shear through effortlessly. The vents are laser cut with stabilizer vents that take in noise and absorption. This prevents any movement sideways and makes for clean and precise cuts.
Performance
This blade goes through wood and wood composites like hot butter through a knife. The wood thus produced has a superior quality finish. The clean shearing is possible mainly due to its axial shear face studded with 100 jagged teeth.
- The superior wood quality produced
- 100 teeth
- Ultra-thin design
- Shears through wood faster
- Precise cuts
- A little on the expensive side
DEWALT DWA31740 Composite Decking BladeBest Precision
DEWALT Composite Decking Blade
Next up, we have a product by DeWalt which is considered somewhat a household name in the woodworking industry. Let’s take a look at some of the defining features that have made it a favorite amongst workers who deal with composite decking.
Design
The blade features a triple chip tooth design that grinds through the wood with ease. It is a modification over the general blade construction and is specially made for composite decking. The plate is laser-cut which makes for clean, precise cuts.
Performance
One can get pretty impressive cuts out of this blade and its serrated edges. The plate provides true, straight cuts that are of supreme quality and are ideal for composite decking.
The blade can be applied to cut cellular PVC. One can easily get melt-free cuts with this blade that adds to the value of the finished product.
- Great design
- Serrated edges provide easy cuts
- Provides a supreme wood quality
- Laser-cut blade
- Ideal for composite decking
- Doesn’t come with any warranty
Norske Tools NCSBP228 10 inch x 64T Composite DeckingBest Cutting Life
Norske Tools Composite Decking
Here, we find ourselves with one of the most used tools by professionals, one made by the Norske Tools Store. Here too one will find nothing worth complaining about as the design and the performance is on par with the best in the business. Let’s take a look at them thoroughly.
Design
The 64 teeth of the blade are 10 inches long that designed to cut through any decking material and even cellular PVC. The kerf design is ultra-thin, and the non-stick coating protects the blades while reducing drag.
The blade is also protected against corrosion and heat which keeps it from moving sideways.
Performance
Norske blades perform exceptionally well when it comes to providing clean, melt-free cutting and their composition ensure that their cutting life is maximized.
The blade can even shear through bamboo without much effort. This is possible due in no small part to the non-stick coating that shields the blade from gumming.
One is bound to find multiple uses for this heavy-duty blade. Although there are no guarantees, one can safely count on the blade to provide impeccable cutting performance for many years to come.
- 64 serrated teeth
- Designed to maximize cutting life
- Provides melt-free cutting
- Requires minimal material removal
- Ideal for bamboo decking
- No guarantee provided
Bosch DCB 1284CD 12 In. 84 Tooth Edge Circular Saw Blade For Composite DeckingBest Blade Teeth
Bosch Edge Circular Saw Blade
Last, but not least, on our list is a circular saw blade designed by Bosch. Though one is bound to find it a little on the expensive side, it is one of the most premium cutting blades that one can find in the market today. Let’s jump into the specifics.
Design
The circular saw blades are designed specifically for heavy-use construction applications. These are manufactured with top-of-the-line steel plates and a carbide formulation that improves longevity and provides faster cuts.
The serrated teeth of the blade are triple ground while the kerfs are thinner to reduce waste.
Performance
One can expect nothing less than the best with such a design as mentioned above. Truly, there are very little impact resistance thanks to its composition.
Even when cutting highly abrasive materials, the quality of the finish is extraordinary. The full steel body resists bending and provides an accuracy that is necessary for true cuts.
- Triple ground teeth
- Anti-friction finish
- Resists impact and lasts longer
- Provides a high-quality finish
- Reduces waste and delivers accurate cuts
- Is a little expensive compared to others but is definitely worth the price
Buyer’s Guide/FAQs
With that, we come to the end of our review. But there are still some questions that remain unanswered especially when one is considering which one to buy, and how to operate these blades for composite decking.
While answering, we shall also go through the buyer’s guide in brief so you know how to arrive at an easy decision.
Which saw blade to use for composite decking?
The number of teeth on the blade is a crucial factor since it leads to better accuracy of the cut and the speed with which they are made. Having a blade with fewer teeth may cut faster but will result in rough finishes.
What blades should I use to cut composite decking?
What is the lifetime value of composite decking blades?
Their maintenance costs are likely to be higher in the long term, which is why only premium blades must be chosen as they require little to no maintenance and provide maximum cutting life.
What else will I need other than blades when cutting composite decking?
If you’re using premium cutting blades you may not have to wear eye protection since they produce minimal debris but it is advised nevertheless to be on the safer side.
How long does it normally take to cut composite decking?
Secondly, one has to consider the blades that are being used. Thirdly, one has to take into account the level of expertise of the user.
Safety measures
Final Thoughts
Cutting composite decking is no easy matter, but with the best blades, one can ensure not just faster delivery but also get impeccably fine cuts that only professionals achieve.
There are definitely many factors to consider when one is out in the market looking for the ideal blade in one’s price range.
Everything from the finish, to the tooth count, to the heat and wobble resistance, are things that have an impact on the kind of cut that you get. Melt-free cutting is to strive for which is the hallmark of a premium blade.
Blades tend to wear out over time and require maintenance and keep-up. But if you choose premium blades, this won’t be a problem. They have a naturally long cutting life due to their makeup and composition.
We hope that this review has given you sufficient information to make an informed decision about which blade to get to cut composite decking, and what you should be on the lookout for.
Did you like our Best Blade to Cut Composite Decking review? Please comment and don’t forget to check Best Saw Blade for Laminate Flooring Review.