Composite Decking 101

Composite Wood For Decks

Of course, it has its pros and cons to consider before you commit. At Ridgeline Decks our goal is to create beautiful decks that will stand up to the harshest weather conditions and provide our customers with years of enjoyment. With that in mind, we believe that a well-constructed deck starts with using the highest quality materials. 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. Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. 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.

Have already recommended them to friends who were similarly happy with the service. Everyone was very professional, willing to listen and answer all of my questions. My deck faces south and west so chances of it getting really hot are 100%. I have to say my favorite part of my parents’ house is the deck. We’d often sit out there from early afternoon until late into the evening watching the sun go down over the lake. LazingBee / Getty ImagesLess durable woods, like Southern pine and Western fir, are treated with preservatives. This makes them more resistant to the elements, rot, and insects.

If you’re still not sure, talk to a decking professional who can guide you toward the best fit for your home. After all, the total project will add up to thousands of dollars. If you choose the right option, it could cost you far more in the long run if you need to replace or repair your deck.

Wood Decking

If you'd rather spend your time doing something else, composites are your choice. Has Exceptional Warranty Coverage — Trex is warranted not to rot, warp, crack or be damaged by termites. All Trex decking and railing products are covered by a 25-year limited residential warranty, plus an additional 25-year limited residential fade and stain warranty. Requires Minimal Maintenance — The reason many homeowners put up with materials that obviously look artificial is that they require minimal maintenance.

Products & Services

More durable than wood, composite decking stays out of the landfill longer. If you walk on a wood deck barefoot, you risk a splinter—but that is not the case when walking on a composite deck. Composite decking materials are composed primarily of hard plastic, and unlike wood, this material will not splinter or crack. In fact, composite decking was created to eliminate the problems that occur with regular wood decking, namely splintering. Splintering and cracking are primary reasons why wood decks need to be routinely sealed.

Unlike real wood, you can’t simply change the color by picking from a large selection of stains. For some homeowners with a clear vision of how they want their deck to look, this could be a deal-breaker. For most homeowners, the key benefit of composite wood is its lack of maintenance.

Putting Together An Outdoor Living Look

Comparing Composite Vs Wood Decking

From design to construction, National Lumber can help bring your project to life. To make the right decision, take a look at all the pros and cons and think about how you’ll use your deck.

• For this reason, it is always a good idea to maintain or update your deck when it starts to fall apart and/or look outdated.
• We all know that patios provide a wonderful space to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of spring, summer, fall and depending on where you live, winter.
• Often, people choose premium products like composite decking, which an attractive, low maintenance finish.
• This is a huge advantage to those who hate to spend time and money treating and maintaining their wood decks.

Advantages Of Trex® Decking Material

However, the payoff you get over time in decreased maintenance costs and increased leisure time provides compelling value. According to Popular Mechanics, basic pressure-treated lumber goes for about 80 cents per linear foot, while redwood or cedar runs up to three times that amount.

Every 10 square feet of composite decking contains nearly 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs and 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags. Affordability, durability, and easy maintenance are only a few reasons to consider composite decking over wood, and there are several more to keep in mind.

Many homeowners add a deck to their home to increase their outdoor living space, basically extending the home right outside their door. Choosing the right materials for this important endeavor, however, can be challenging, especially with the wide array of options available. If you want a deck that you don’t need to sand, stain, or paint, then composite is a fantastic choice. Your composite deck can last for decades so long as you clean it with soap and water. Trex decking proudly confirms that their composite fences won’t fade for up to 25 years!

You will realize ten years down the line that it is generally cheaper to have composite decking and not wood decking. There is no environmental impact needed to sustain the composite decks. The decks actually consist of recycled materials like plastic bags, wood scrap, and others. They can therefore give your house a good look and finish for years without any need for renovation. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question.

Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking Revealed

Durable – Composite decking looks like wood, but they differ in several ways. This material is extremely durable, it’s perfect for use even for families with little kids or pets.