The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide to Composite Decking [with 4 common questions answered]
Does anything spell relaxation more than being stretched out on a lawn chair, sipping an ice cold drink on your deck during a warm summer night?
Not much!
But if you are a wooden deck owner you know there is a lot of work that makes all that stress-melting relaxation possible.
For example, a wooden deck should be painted every 2-3 years to keep it in tip-top shape!
If you wish you could spend more time relaxing and less time maintaining you are not alone! At DG Builders, we know you want space to relax and host in style - not more space to clean, seal, paint, and fix.
That's why we've put our years of experience to work and wrote this article that takes a straightforward look at a product that you may have heard about before - composite decking. Is composite decking worth the investment? Can it reduce the amount of maintenance work you do on your deck?
We’ll talk about that and a lot more in this article. Let’s get started!
What Is Composite Decking?
Let’s start at the beginning: what exactly is composite decking?
In basic terms, composite decking - technically called ‘capped composite decking’ - is a precise blend of wood and plastic polymers.
The wood is often sourced from waste from mills and furniture factories, while the plastic is often recycled milk jugs or shopping bags.
The polymer core of wood and plastic is then wrapped in vinyl sheathing to provide protection and long-term durability.
How Are Composite Decking Boards Made?
Composite decking is made using a co-extrusion process where all of the raw materials are combined and then introduced into an extruder that melts the mixture and forces it through a “die” to form the dimensional lumber shape.
Some manufacturers place a tough, capped composite polypropylene or vinyl shell around the board.
The capped layer is fully bonded to the substrate to prevent delamination. This process not only adds a seamless, integrated layer of protection against stains, spills and everyday foot traffic, the hard shell also contains UV inhibitors that help protect the decking from fading over time.
Composite vs. Wood Decking - 4 Common Questions Answered
Composite decking is clearly different from traditional, treated wood decking, simply in the way it is made.
However, most owners are primarily concerned with the performance of decking materials - not what they are made of.
So, let’s take a look at how composite decking compares with wood decking!
Which Is Cheaper - Composite Or Wood Decking?
If upfront cost is the primary factor that affects which material you want to use on your deck, treated lumber may be the best option.
The cost of any deck is based on a number of factors, but we estimate that an average wood deck is $3,000 - 5,000 cheaper than a composite deck.
It is important to note that manufacturers are aware of the price difference in materials, and they are working on materials and processes to make composite decking more price competitive.
For example:
TimberTech has started producing a material called TimberTech Edge Premier Collection. This material is cheaper than standard composite materials and closer to the cost of a wood deck.
Do You Have More Style Options With Wood Or Composite Decking?
Every human being has unique styles and preferences. When it comes to your deck, you want to make sure you can stay true to your style and not limit yourself because of restricted options.
Building a deck with wood is quite simple when it comes to the options you have:
You can choose from a variety of woods and stains. For example, you might choose:
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Pressure-treated pine
Then, you can customize the type of wood with pretty much any paint or stain color that you like.
There’s one small catch though:
When you paint or stain a deck you should expect to deep-clean and repaint or restain the deck every several years.
In contrast, composite decking is a “set it and forget it” approach to design and color.
Once you choose the color and decking style you want, you are finished - no painting or repainting necessary!
Thankfully, there is a vast number of composite decking style options you can choose from. Whether it’s a modern, rustic, traditional, or earthy feel you want, you’ll find a style to match.
Which Decking Requires Less Maintenance?
Have you ever brought a new pair of jeans home, only to see them start to wear out in a few short weeks? Or maybe you have to drive your vehicle on a dirt road the day after you washed it.
If so, you know the frustration of having an item that loses its “new” look in a hurry.
Unfortunately, wood decks are prone to be one of those things that starts to look shabby much sooner than you had hoped. For example, wood decks can be affected by all of the following:
- Hot or cold weather
- Insect infestations
- Rot
- Simple regular use
You’ll find yourself scrubbing up stains from food spills, and repainting your deck far more often than you would like.
On the other hand, capped composite decking is specifically designed to repel dirt, be easy to clean, and be impervious to mold, insects, and discoloration.
Beyond that, The engineering and vinyl wrap of capped composite decking means the boards don’t crack, split, warp, splinter, or experience other negatives common to wood decking.
Other than the occasional washing or cleaning with the soap-and-water method, you won’t need to worry about your composite deck.
Which Decking Material Is More Pleasant To Use?
Have you ever done the hot foot hustle dance? It happens when you unsuspectingly walk barefoot onto a deck only to find out it's hot enough to fry an egg on.
We’ve been there and done that. It’s no fun!
And that’s why it’s important to have a decking material that is actually pleasant for you to put your feet on - not just nice to look at.
When it comes to how hot the decking materials get, wood and composite decking are very competitive.
On an 86 degree day, treated pine decking climbs to somewhere between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. High-quality composite boards fall into a similar range.
However, composite decking doesn’t swell or sprinter like traditional wood does. This is especially important if you have children you can get splinters, or pets whose feet are sensitive.
So, while both decking materials can get uncomfortable warm on hot days, composite decking is generally a better product for personal comfort.
4 Pros Of Composite Decking
We’ve already compared wood decking and composite decking, and found that composite decks are very high-quality.
Now, let’s dig a little deeper and see why composite decking is considered the premier decking material that is available on the market.
Long lifespan
Composite decking saves you time and money on maintenance every single year. But the benefits go beyond that.
Composite decking also has a lifespan that extends longer than most decking products on the market.
But let’s put some real numbers to this.
A wooden deck, built with pressure-treated lumber lasts 10-15 years. On the other hand, composite decking lasts a minimum of 25-30 years. In fact, some manufacturers, like Trex, are so sure about their materials lasting 25 years that they back their products with a 25-year limited warranty!
Environmentally Friendly
Everyone has different views on the importance of issues like climate change and the measures we should take to protect the environment. That’s understandable.
However, it makes sense that we should choose to care for the earth, especially when given an easy opportunity to do so.
Thankfully, composite decking does give you an opportunity to make an easy, environmentally-friendly decision.
Composite decking is made from polyethylene (things like milk jugs, shampoo bottles, grocery store bags, and laundry detergent containers) combined with wood flour ( made with scrap from window trim, door frames, lumber, and cabinet pieces).
That means the making of composite decking is virtually waste-free, and the product contains no toxic chemicals. As a bonus, more trees don’t have to be harvested in order to make composite deck boards.
Long term savings
We’ve already mentioned that composite decks have a greater upfront price than some other options like pressure-treated wood.
However, after your initial investment, decks made with composite material save you a lot of money!
How does this work? Here are just a few ways composite decks save you money.
- Save time and money every single season when you don’t have to fix your deck.
- Save money on maintenance materials like paint, stain, screws, and nails.
- Save money by not needing to replace warped, split, or cracked boards.
- Save money by having a deck that lasts for years.
Unique Design
Everyone has a different house, yard, and landscaping - and that’s good! It gives you the opportunity to express your unique style in your home.
However, traditional lumber doesn’t give you much flexibility when it comes to the design and shape of your deck. In fact, you are limited to 2 basic shape options: square or rectangular.
Unlike traditional hardwood, composite decking is flexible.
Builders use a machine to heat the boards so they can bend. Instead of having a rectangular deck, a composite deck designer can create an oval or circle that matches your landscaping.
3 Cons Of Composite Decking
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that we wanted to give an honest and straightforward take on composite decking. Now, we want to stick to that!
Although composite decking is a high-quality material, not everything about it is perfect.
Let’s take a look at a few things you may want to consider before purchasing composite deck boards.
Not Real Wood
No one wants to be a fake, right?
Unfortunately, some brands of composite decking are obviously cheap and poor representations of real wood.
Plus, it’s hard to find something that looks as good as real, freshly stained, or painted wood.
On the positive side, high-quality composite decks look phenomenal - and some of them come very close to looking identical to real wood.
The key, in this case, is to do plenty of research, or ask a local builder to help you choose a composite decking material that will look great!
Harder To Replace Individual Boards
Installing a wooden deck is relatively simple - even for beginners. You simply have to drive screws through the face of the decking board and into the joists below.
However, most composite decking uses a hidden fastener system for installation.
While these systems are easy to install, they are harder to navigate if you have to replace a single board within the deck.
You Have To Do Some Comparison Shopping
Take a look at these two hamburgers. Which would you prefer?
The one on the left looks like something you’d love to sink your teeth into, while the one on the right leaves you wondering if the trash can might be a more suitable destination than your stomach!
Hamburgers don't have a lot to do with composite decking - but the photos do serve a point.
Not everything made within a specific product line is created equally.
Some composite decking is high quality, and better than anything else on the market. Other composite decking will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
It’s critical to recognize from the beginning that you will need to do some careful comparison shopping in order to make a wise investment for your deck.
The 3 Best Brands Of Composite Decking
Let’s make that comparison shopping a little easier for you!
These 3 brands of composite decking are reliable, beautiful, and durable. And those statements aren’t just fluff - they come from our years of experience building decks in the field.
Let’s check them out!
Trex
Trex is a well-known name in the composite world, and also one of the more affordable options available to consumers today. It’s relatively easy to find, and there are three series of composite decking with Transcend, Select and Enhance.
Trex composite decking is also backed by a 25 year stain and fade warranty that ensures the color will not dramatically fade or become discolored.
TimberTech
TimberTech is a fan favorite with consumers and contractors alike - and it’s no surprise! In fact, TimberTech was ranked #1 in quality by the 2019 BUILDER Brand Use Study.
Why is TimberTech so popular?
One of the major reasons is that they offer more design options than any other composite deck supplier. Beyond that, their products look great and are proven to last for a long time.
That’s probably why TimberTech composite deck boards are backed by a 30-year product warranty that covers the color as well as the integrity of the product.
Fiberon
Fiberon is right up there with Trex and TimberTech when it comes to the quality of boards they create.
What many consumers find especially attractive about Fiberon is that you can find it in most lumber yards or hardware supply stores.
And, Fiberon offers a 25-year warranty to cover staining, fading, and the physical integrity of the boards.
Is Composite Decking For You?
At the end of the day, you are left with one major question: Is composite decking the right choice for you?
At the most basic level, you need to define your priorities. Once you know what is most important to you, you can make an informed decision on which decking material is best for you.
Do you value maintenance-free living?
Most homeowners just get sick and tired of fixing this all the time! If you fall into that category, then your answer is clear - go with composite decking.
Are you on a limited budget right now?
If your goal is to save as much money as possible in the moment, pressure-treated wood is the best option for you.
But don’t forget:
If you are trying to make a decision that will save you money in the long term, composite decking is just as good of an option as treated wood.
What kind of look do you prefer?
If you simply love the look of real wood and don’t mind some annual work you could consider investing in a real wood deck like cedar and redwood.
If you prefer an updated, more modern look, composite decking fits that description the best.
Still not sure what you prefer? Get some composite deck inspiration.
After you’ve answered these 3 questions, you have to decide which question matters the most to you.
For example:
If you are working with a limited budget, but you care more about cutting down on home maintenance, you should choose composite decking over treated wood.
Once you’re finished deciding which question is most important, you should know what kind of decking material you want to use!
Conclusion
Home maintenance is exhausting - and beyond that, it can be frustrating. It seems like just when you think you finally have time to sit down and relax with your family, something else breaks!
It’s worth it to eliminate one piece of home maintenance by investing in composite decking.
If you are looking for a deck builder in South Carolina, contact DG Builders today.
We believe you should have the space and features you need to live, rest, and host in comfort - and we help you do that by offering high-quality porches, decks, patios, and more!
We also offer indoor living services like renovations, additions, and new home construction.
And the best part? Working with us is easy! Here’s all you have to do:
- Call us! We’ll discuss your dream space and give you a free estimate over the phone
- Onsite Design Consultation. Our licensed home builder will visit your home, get measurements, and start planning.
- Installation. Sign your proposal and let us take care of the rest. You’ll be loving your new space in no time!
Contact us to get an estimate today. We look forward to hearing from you!
