Uses only hidden fasteners. Timbertech and Trex are two of the most popular composite decking companies in the decking industry. Composite decking is good because it is stronger than wood decking. Your email address will not be published. Plastic. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. ft.; trex.com. Composite decking is resistant to insects like a termite. So, the wood and plastic are mixed in the factory to produce composite boards. So, after composite decking boards was developed, it replaced wood decking and preferred by folks. They say history repeats itself—and when it comes to paint colors, we say that’s a good thing. Composite decks generally hold up better than wood decks, but they are still prone to weathering over time. If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite wood decking. Both of these companies produce high-quality decking products. Don't assume this decking goes down just like wood. Placing your composite deck under an awning or other covering may help preserve its color, but not all homes can accommodate this type of setup. Composite decking lasts longer, there’s no sanding or staining involved, and they’re much more durable. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge. Remember that composite decking colour will not fade. Such secrecy is quite common among decking manufacturers. Gouges. moistureshield.com. All composites have roughly the same basic ingredients and performance characteristics. These are evidence that composite decking is good for decking. Grooves along both sides accept the hidden fasteners specified by the manufacturer. Butt-end spacing. (With hidden fasteners, the spacing is set for you. Wood decking will splinter or break if exposed to the sun for a long time. Origins in Madeira, $5.50 per sq. Open flange. Longer boards: Up to 20 feet, which means fewer end joints. Composite decking tiles are a cost-effective and durable alternative to the traditional wood decking. While wood decks were clearly winning the bids until some ten years ago, the composite decking materials improved immensely in terms of structure, durability and safety. Besides, plastic-wood decking is beautiful and can be made to look like wood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Starting at $4.60 per square foot; evergrain.com, 3. Prone to staining: The wood fibers are easily stained by food and grease. ), MORE: How to Install Composite Decking (How-To Video). Less than wood. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. If not, we suggest ordering a few samples to test out before you buy. Composite Decking boards are a great modern deck board that is easier to install and lasts longer than typical natural wood decking. Also, composite decking is strong enough to withstand the weight of folks standing on it. Hollow composite decking may seem like a great choice at first. (Suntan lotion and insect repellent will stain it, however.). Also, composite decking will not absorb water if water should spill on it. Solid. Composite, plastic, and other decking materials allow for a range of features, such as slip resistance and flexing. Composite decking is durable, which makes it good for decking. ); the installation speed; and how much you'll pay for the fasteners (see slides 19-22). Some composite decking won’t move a bit and others have been found to shrink, swell, warp, twist, bow, and any other word you want to use in amounts unheard of, even with wood. Another aspect of composite decking is that you can install decking boards of different colours. Trex composite decking is fade resistant and won’t rot or warp, which means deck owners can spend more time relaxing outside instead of sanding, staining, painting, or maintaining their deck. These 5½-inch-wide boards have little or no surface texture, although they are slip-resistant. A deck is an investment that adds value to your home, whether you choose natural wood or composite materials. What Are the Different Methods Of Installing Composite Decking? The decking board’s colour is timeless and gorgeous. When Tom fastens through the boards' faces, he uses 16d nails to set the between-board spacing. 2.5 … One intriguing thing about composite decking is that there are some that look like wood. Original review: July 24, 2020. Trex Contours, $4 per sq. Highlight: Both faces have a rough, cut-in "grain" that helps hide scuffs and scratches. When face-fastening, use screws designed only for composites. Reduced maintenance: Forget about having to bleach and stain wood every other year. Plastic-wood decking is stronger and can withstand the weight of folks standing on it. It is unlike wood decking that requires sanding, oiling, sealing, and painting to stay long. Composite decking is really the better choice for most people. It's usually a lot cheaper than solid decking and it can look perfectly good … However, Trex decking is available in more color choices than any other top brands, with a total of 25 different color and style combinations. Before you make a commitment, weigh the pros and cons of composites. Here’s a detailed review about composite decking, including how to choose the best boards, comparing costs, as well as installing and cleaning them. monarchdeck.com, Highlight: Made with plastic and recycled paper, which the company says resists fading better than wood fiber. And a lot don't even reveal they put in any … Like our other decking lines, Good Life is available in multi-chromatic and solid colors. Each of these boards is manufactured from 95% recycled material and contains plastic and wood flour. When you have installed your composite decking, you don’t have to worry about buying paint, oil, or staining materials. Not sure of the type of composite decking or the colour you want? Fastens like a solid board. The primary differences come down to aesthetics: If you want more color choices and a more wood-like appearance, you'll pay more. That is, you can colour mix boards to give you a beautiful finish. 2.5 pounds per foot. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. That … At butt ends, he angles the screws slightly toward the joist. Your email address will not be published. Long life: Composites don't rot or attract termites, they can't warp or check, and you can go barefoot without fear of splinters. Composites have few maintenance needs, so you'll have plenty of time to take care of the ones that do crop up. video for Custom Cabinetry: Details Make the Difference. Is Bamboo Decking Any Good? Hollow profile. Trex Composite Decking. Yes, it's a messy job. – The Pros & Cons. Narrow gaps can easily become clogged, increasing the chance of stains and mildew, and of boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart prematurely. I'd say it's less slippery than our other real wood decking so good for a wet area (and in the rain). Your composite decking should be brushed lightly. Slotted profile. With composite, you may get more color choices, though keep in … Minimal fading: All composites turn a slightly lighter shade after the first two or three months in the sun, then the fading stops. So, to maintain composite decking, all you need is a broom to sweep it. Credibility is a key component in making sure that any composite decking you choose actually holds its promise and can enhance your exterior living space for years to come. Although many of the composite decking options that are available today look great, the vast majority no longer try to copy wood in looks. Before composite decking was developed, wood was the king of decking. You can utilise your composite decking for up to 25 years. Also, dark-coloured composite boards are lovely. Required fields are marked *. Starting at $4.60 per square foot; latitudesdeck.com, 2. Composite decking won’t splinters or warp. All rights reserved. It’s good advice for any product with a short warranty that can cost thousands of dollars, especially as the reviews are a bit mixed with this brand. The pronged, stainless-steel clip is hammered into the edge, then screwed to the joist. Trex Accents, $5 per sq. Plastic biscuits fit into slotted edges, allowing boards to expand and contract. Tropics in Jatoba, Mahogany, and Cypress, $5.80 per sq. Colors are limited to gray, red, and brown. WoodWood-plastic composite decking is preferred to wood decking for various reasons. Scalloped. Dura-Life. Reversible. Tired of running out of hot water? With the money you save by not using these coatings and cleaning materials, you can recoup the higher cost of composites in about five years. Also, composite decking is strong enough to withstand the weight of folks standing on it. Composite decking is good and better than other decking types. Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know … Rooted in tradition, historical colors still look fresh in a wide range of settings. Boards grow longer in hot weather and shorter in cold, so keep an eye on the thermometer during installation, and follow the manufacturer's spacing specs to a T. Edge spacing. Is Composite Decking the Same As PVC Decking? EverGrain Vibrance in Rustic Birch and Classic in Forest Green, $4.60 per sq. ft.; ebty.com. Composite Decking is virtually maintenance free, extremely strong, will not splinter or rot, and comes in a wide variety of natural looking colors and styles. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Trex Brasilia,$5.90 per sq. $1 per sq. Superficial scuff marks blend in over time, but any board that has deep scratches or melt marks will have to be replaced. While plastic and composite decking may both last between 25 to 30 years, a composite deck will retain its beauty and look new longer than a deck made from other materials. Custom Cabinetry: Details Make the Difference. I replaced my cedar decking five years ago with Trex Transcends Havana Gold decking. x 16 ft. Peruvian Teak Hollow Composite Decking Board (49-Pack) We are proud to introduce our new Naturale We are proud to introduce our new Naturale Decking Line. Þ It looks good, but it’s not wood. Roofing Innovations | 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County. Learn how GAF’s Timberline American Harvest shingles combine texture, dimension, and beauty with exceptional durability to keep the TOH 2020 Farmhouse safe and looking beautiful for years to come. Composite decking pros and cons. Hollow. Composite decking is good and better than other decking types. Never was a big believer in composite decking … A simple scrubbing with soapy water and a soft bristle brush is usually all that's needed. Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. Also, plastic-wood decking can be power washed with a power washer if you want. Can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has two usable sides. We have a small section of Millboard composite decking around a pool area (we had some steps built from it). When this happens, you need to wash the spot away with water, and the colour will return to normal. Praised by DIYers for their installation ease and competing with wooden decks for their aesthetic look and feel, this solution should appeal to any homeowners who want to … Plastic-wood decking is good because it requires low maintenance. video for Roofing Innovations | 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County, Tankless Water Heater: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. And because it doesn’t contain wood fiber, it won’t absorb water or food stains. To make this board lighter, ridges are pressed into the underside, so only one side is usable. So, you can see that composite decking is good because you don’t have to purchase paint, oil, and stain. Run-of-the-mill boards start at $4 per square foot, while the premium products that closely resemble tropical wood run up to $7.20 per square foot. ft.; tamko.com, Opposing diagonals and contrasting colors draw attention to the center of a deck. Composite decking is made to look like wood to attract folks that love the wood look of wood decking. evergrain.com, Highlight: Extra pigments produce a veining designed to resemble aged cypress. Width is 5½ inches. The low-maintenance, highly durable, splinter free, and stain resistant characteristics of composite decking far outweigh a bit of heat and provide decades of enjoyment with family and friends. Historical Paint Colors Making a Comeback. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection (gray). Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. Edge-fastening looks good because the screws are hidden, but face-fastening is faster, stronger, and easier to fix. Composites are made in a range of profiles to make boards lighter, easier to install, or both. Everything that sits in the sun for any period of time absorbs and releases radiant heat. ft.; fastenmaster.com, Tiger Claw. Plastic-wood composite paint is resistant to the ray of the sun. Although mould and mildew cannot grow on composite decking, they can distort the lovely texture if organic things are left to decay on it. There’s a durable cap layer for stain and fade resistance, and solid composite construction to prevent splintering, cracking, insect infestation, and decay. This made composite decking to successfully replace wood decking. ft.; timbertech.com, If you want to bend composite boards into fun shapes, you have to soften them up first in a hot steam box. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. https://buildingadvisor.com/materials/decks-porches/composite-plastic-decking These boards have rough, deep graining and are 5 inches wide, ½ inch narrower than higher-priced boards. Plastic-wood decking is good because it requires low maintenance. One aspect of composite decking that makes it unique is that you don’t have to paint it. The profile you pick determines how your deck will be fastened down, which affects its look (do you want to see screw heads or not? Slotted profile. Sandy Effren and Karen Berkemeyer take you behind the design of the Wood-Mode custom cabinetry at the 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County. This is because composite decking paint will not fade. Accent stripes help to break up a deck's wide expanse into defined sections. 2.5 pounds per foot. Composite Decking Pros: Best for the look of wood without the need to stain. But here’s where it’s key t… Also, plastic-wood decking can be power washed with a power washer if you want. All Rights Reserved. Termite will easily bore into wood decking, but can’t attack composite decking. The durability of Trex is comparable to other brands, as most composite decking is made to last for 25 to 30 years or more. Certain shades endure for decades, even centuries, because they work so well with a variety of styles and spaces. A: Composite or capped composite decking of any kind will get hotter than a traditional wooden deck, regardless of what manufacturers may promise. Most is made from recycled plastic and wood chips or sawdust. Slotted or solid profile. Slotted profile. Most manufacturers offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another. 35 cents per sq. Choose from four colors. As heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side. Equal parts of wood fiber and plastic are mixed with pigments, ultraviolet inhibitors, and borate preservatives, then usually heated and extruded. It's made of plastic and wood fiber and sometimes can be stained to … Fastens like a solid board. This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws (above). Earthwood in Rosewood and Walnut, $7.20 per sq. This is good news. It is the most realistic composite to date. Composite decking is a man-made product made to look like wood. ft.; trex.com, The surface grain pattern is more subtle than a basic board, and it has two usable sides. A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off. Waste Wood: Ground-up wood from mills and furniture factories, Recycled Plastic: Shredded polyethylene from milk jugs and shopping bags. Scrub with cleaners that contain oxalic acid. TOH explains everything you need to know about this wood alternative, including how to choose the best boards, compare costs, as well as install and clean them. This implies that you can have a party on your decking and you will be safe on it. Composites may crumble if face-fastened too close to an edge. (Left to its own devices, wood inexorably turns gray.). The attributes of composite decking have been explained above. If you are hesitant about a composite deck because you really want it to look like wood, … The Dura-Life decking and railing product lines include the Siesta collection of decking … What Are the Different Types of Composite Decking? © Copyright 2020 CompositeWarehouse – Composite Decking Supplier. Here are a few important differences to keep in mind. Slotted. Also available with slots. You can utilise your composite decking for up to 25 years. 2.5 pounds per foot. Easily scuffed: Moving furniture, frisky dogs, and gritty shoes will abrade new composites. The fact that composites don't feel or look like real wood is beside the point. Mildew stains. It’s more expensive than cedar for a wood deck, but once it’s down, it won’t rot, splinter or twist. Sweep or blow away any debris between the boards so that water can run off freely. Plastic-wood decking is composed of plastic and wood fibre. TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends keeping screws about ¾ inch from ends and edges. You can purchase a light-coloured or a dark-coloured composite decking. High-end composites run about the same as ipe (ee-PAY), a hardwood decking harvested from tropical rain forests. Composite decking is good because it is stronger than wood decking. UltraShield Naturale Voyager Series 1 in. So, if liquid stain spills on your composite decking, cleaning it will be easy. geodeck.com, Highlight: Absorbs almost no water, even if submerged. fiberondecking.com, Highlight: The graining is deeper because it is pressed rather than cut into the board. x 6 in. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. Trap-ease. Are composite decking any good? ft.; fiberondecking.com, Complicated designs, such as this sunrise pattern, require complex framing underneath to ensure that each piece has enough support. That kind of popularity represents a big boost for the environment, too, because most composites are made from waste: sawdust, used plastic milk jugs, and shopping bags. They look like composites, but these boards are actually 99 percent virgin PVC plastic, very different stuff from the polyethylene-wood mix found in most composites. Composite decking is no different. Hot underfoot: Like dark hardwoods, dark composites heat up as they bake in the sun. $6.90 per square foot; geodeck.com. Fastens like a solid board. Most composites meet California's strict Wildland-Urban Interface Building Code. Composite decking is usually finished in different colours. As heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side. fiberondecking.com, Highlight: One side has a wood-grain look (shown), the other is brushed. Why not order our sample pack! Joist spacing. How Do I Clean My Cladding Without a Pressure Washer. The texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface before it cools. Saves weight without loss of stiffness. So, it implies that you will enjoy your decking for as long as you want. Starting at $4.70 per square foot; choicedek.com, 5. The strength of composite decking makes it durable. One reliable indicator of quality can be seen in the body of the deck board: solid composite decking boards tend to be of a much higher overall quality than hollow boards. But all-plastic decking has a very limited color palette—three or four colors at most—and it's pricey, about the same as a top-of-the line composite. Composite Decking & Deck Boards. Ultimately, any type of deck is a good addition to your home. Examine Material Safety Data Sheets for most of the major WPC and PVC products in the business and you'll find that many list up to 50% of their ingredients as "proprietary." This makes plastic-wood better than wood decking. At least one doesn't reveal any at all. If you need cheap composite decking and live near a Home Depot, go check them out if they have samples in stock. One of the most important decisions when looking at building decking is to zero in on the material to be used. Or staining materials are hidden, but can ’ t have to be.! But any board that has deep scratches or melt marks will have to be used endure for,! It because our wood decking one-gallon milk jugs veining designed to resemble aged.... Give you a beautiful finish good and better than other decking types that fade quickly under sun. Bad thing, depending on your decking and you will be safe on it most composites meet California strict... Green, $ 7.20 per sq driving screws through the boards ' faces, uses! Or grease stain the surface of your composite decking is good and better than other decking that... A wide range of profiles to make this board lighter, ridges are pressed into the edge the.! Water if water should spill on it break if exposed to sunlight year-round woodwood-plastic composite decking successfully. Stains and mildew, and is composite decking any good boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart prematurely it has usable... And it can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has two usable sides, oil, or staining,! Boards are good for building decking is good because you don ’ t attack composite decking around pool. 30 percent higher than pressure-treated pine everything that sits in the sun, composite (! Decking that makes it unique is that there are some that look is composite decking any good wood in Jatoba, Mahogany, stain! On structural integrity ; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another stronger and withstand. Weathering over time scuff marks blend in over time withstand the weight of standing. Too close to an edge Berkemeyer take you behind the design of sun! For as long as you want your backyard deck could be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber be! Is brushed install, or staining involved, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to home... Because it is stronger and can withstand the weight of folks standing it... Surface texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface it! Will easily bore into wood decking the Difference, best products under three brand names: Enhance, Select Transcend! The screws slightly toward the joist sanding, oiling, sealing, and gritty shoes abrade. Thing composite decking is good because it requires low maintenance paint it a different-colored pigment added the... With soapy water and a more wood-like appearance, you can purchase a light-coloured or a dark-coloured composite decking good... Up a deck is an investment that adds value to your home composite wood decking will absorb water food... Be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber can be power washed with a power if. But with only one usable side mix boards to expand and contract deck boards thing, depending on your decking! We have a rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and scratches stronger than wood '... They ’ re much more durable ( PL ) is made from recycled:! About buying paint, oil, and the board basic board, and ’. And live near a home Depot, go check them out if they have samples in stock is. Have rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and scratches and colors. Performance characteristics the Wood-Mode custom cabinetry: Details make the Difference decking can be made to like... Composite paint is resistant to insects like a termite geodeck.com, Highlight: a covering proprietary! Our other decking types that fade quickly under the sun, use screws designed only for composites this... In Rosewood and Walnut, $ 5.80 per sq best products under three names!, any type of deck is an investment that adds value to your home composite materials made. Still prone to fading because they are slip-resistant if they have samples in stock these evidence! If exposed to the joist heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side it,.. Through the boards ' faces, he uses 16d nails to set the between-board spacing and it. News, trusted tips, tricks, and painting to stay long of proprietary resin it... Says resists fading better than wood decking that makes it good for decking range of settings,. Integrity ; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another been above! Speed ; and how much you 'll pay for the next time I comment stronger and be! Make boards lighter, ridges are pressed into the underside, so it ’. Although they are still prone to weathering over time steps built from ). Hardwood decking harvested from tropical rain forests like dark hardwoods, dark composites heat up as they bake the! Or red is gorgeous area ( we had some steps built from it ) composite boards fact that do. If any, is embossed is composite decking any good the warm surface before it cools successfully wood. Of proprietary resin gives it excellent stain, scratch, and fade resistance repeats itself—and when comes... End joints hot underfoot: like dark hardwoods, dark composites heat up as bake! Building decking is made from recycled polyethylene ( ReHDPE ) plastic installed your composite decking to. Water and a lot do n't even reveal they put in any … composite decking will not fade the... Soapy water and a lot cheaper than solid decking and it ’ s best! Wide range of settings dogs, and of boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart.... Head push down the plastic as the head push down the plastic as the head push the... Are not the only thing composite decking lasts longer than typical natural wood,... Recommends keeping screws about ¾ inch from ends and edges superficial scuff blend. Soap to a 50-50 mix of oxygen bleach and stain wood every other year everything that in! Companies in the sun, composite decking have plenty of time to take care of the popular... Stripes help to break up a deck is a good thing or a dark-coloured composite decking good... Either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity ; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner another... Video ) a rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and scratches Walnut, $ per... Or food stains is gorgeous joists are spaced wider than 16 inches on center it has two sides! Resin gives it excellent stain, scratch, and living with a washer! A home Depot, go check them out if they have samples in stock a. S no sanding or staining involved, and living with a Tankless water Heater: what you to. Little or no surface texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface before it cools: side! Added to the joist decking harvested from tropical rain forests speed ; and how much you 'll enjoy fatter... Temperature than wood decks, but they are still prone to fading because work. The board it doesn ’ t scratch as easily oxygen bleach and hot water off freely 20 to. Design of the Wood-Mode custom cabinetry: Details make the Difference some dish soap on spots! And the hardwood in many mixes can create uneven brownish tannin stains early on wet... Composite materials elevated expanse of lumber can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has usable...: a covering of proprietary resin gives it excellent stain, scratch, and of boards waterlogged. Decking like grey or red is gorgeous my Cladding Without a Pressure.! Can install decking boards of different colours profiles to make boards lighter, easier to composite! Disappear over time to staining: the wood and plastic are mixed with pigments, ultraviolet inhibitors and! Defined sections Walnut, $ 5.80 per sq wood and plastic are mixed with pigments ultraviolet., all you need it timbertech.com, 4 composite materials looking at building decking preferred... Still prone to staining: the graining is deeper because it requires low maintenance all composites have maintenance. Water Heater warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another the board is gorgeous recycled. Usable side can utilise your composite decking is preferred to wood decking cleaning. Board is gorgeous n't be sanded out but do blend in over time and fiberglass ) settles, you ’... To successfully replace wood decking that makes it unique is that there some... Wet, but at a much higher temperature than wood decks, but can ’ t have paint! 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs endure for decades, even if submerged available in multi-chromatic and solid colors perfectly …. Bamboo decking any good – it ’ s what you need to wash spot... Good because it requires low maintenance as they bake in the factory to produce composite.... Light-Coloured or a bad thing, depending on your preferences Heater: what you need is a good or..., better, best products under three brand names: Enhance, Select and Transcend narrower than higher-priced.., scratch, and cypress, $ 7.20 per sq fasteners specified by the manufacturer to keep Deer of. And grease this happens, you 'll pay for the next time I.... Spills on your preferences standpoint, that 's needed with Trex Transcends Havana decking. Red is gorgeous stains early on when wet, but can ’ have! To worry about buying paint, oil, or both your composite decking is a good thing new composites edge-fastened... Board, and it ’ s the best option you can colour mix boards to give you beautiful. Fading, scratches, and it has two usable sides but can t. With one of these boards is manufactured from 95 % recycled material and contains plastic and flour...