Rise | We've Done the Research
Composite Decking: A Wood Alternative That Looks Like The Real Thing
Wood decks provide great places for families and friends to congregate for gatherings, meals and hanging around outside. Homeowners love natural wood's look and feel and how a patio can soften their homes' hard edges.
Walking from a door onto a raised deck gives a sense that a home has an outside room - a welcome addition during a pandemic when meeting people outside remains the safest approach for small gatherings.
Table of Contents
But composite decks work in a variety of settings beyond the backyards of homes. They can serve as flooring for three-season porches, decking around swimming pools, boat docks, and urban decks on rooftops.
Composite decks compete well against natural wood decks, which have less natural resistance to bugs and decay. Even pressure-treated wood decks discolor as they age, and they have toxins that you wouldn't want near pets and children. Also, they have a more limited life span than composite materials.
With many of the advantages of wood without the drawbacks, composite woods provide a viable solution for homeowners who want a long-lasting, good looking deck. Composite decking can last half a century, maintain color for years, and stand up against harsh weather conditions. Only minimal maintenance is required.
Homeowners looking for recycled products will like composite decking because 80% to 100% come from recycled materials. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors, allowing homeowners to mix and match by adding accent boards to create designs. Let's take a closer look at the upsides and downsides of composite decking.
What Is Composite Decking?
Manufacturers create composite decking in factories using molds. A process called "co-extrusion" brings together recycled and raw materials that get melted together by an extruder that pushes it into lumber shaped molds. Composite decking companies often point out they gather materials from sources near their factories.
What Materials Compose Composite Decking?
Generally, the ingredients include sawdust, wood chips, wood fiber, plastics, and other materials. There are three types of composite decking. Wood-plastic, a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers, can be found in Timbertech, Trex, BamDeck (which includes reclaimed bamboo fibers), and Fiberon's Veranda decking. Coated with a rugged polymer shell more rigid than wood plastic, the "capped composite" costs a bit more but lasts longer.
Capped polymer, made of polyvinyl chloride, has no wood fibers but incorporates a wood grain finish. Some plastic lumber comes from virgin plastic, a definite downside for environmentally-minded consumers. It tends to be more expensive than capped composites but has excellent durability. Top brands are Azek and Zuri Premium Decking.
How Long Does Composite Decking Last?
Composite decking lasts longer than wood. Wood decking lasts 10 to 20 years, and to make it fast longer requires periodic power washing, staining, sanding, and repair if hit by mold, rot, and termites. Composite decking manufacturers offer a limited 25-year guarantee but last as long as 50 years.
Can You Cut Composite Decking Lumber?
Absolutely. Composite pieces look, feel, act, and cut just like lumber. No special tools are required, but it is wise first to check the manufacturer's recommendations. Circular saws and miter saws work best for cutting composite decking. For the smoothest cuts, use Carbide-tipped saw blades. The broader the decking lumber, the more tooth count needed. What works for most composite decking is 20 tooth count for 6 ", 24 tooth count for 7.25", and 40 tooth count for 12". Cut 1/8" off pieces before other cuts to make sure you have a clean edge.
How Long Does It Take to Cut Composite Decking?
It all depends on the size of your composite deck. A 12' by 16' deck, with framing already installed, will take around four to five hours of cutting to prepare the wood for installation.
How Do You Prepare to Install Composite Decking?
First, install the frame to hold the decking. Structural framing, typically wood, should be treated lumber with a high hardness rating. Kiln-dried lumber works best for the structure. Before deck installation, you should get a tape measure, chalk, spacing tools, a carpenter square, and saws. Follow local building codes and, if needed, request an inspection after installation.
Should a Professional Contractor Install Composite Decking?
A do-it-yourself approach works if you have some experience with outdoor projects and the right tools to get it done. If you make a mistake on you will probably have to hire a contractor to fix it. On the other hand, you can save thousands of dollars on installation costs by doing it yourself. But contractors know the building codes, procure better prices on products, offer more design flourishes, and finish projects faster.
Frank Jossi
Based in St. Paul, Frank Jossi is a journalist, editor and content strategist. He covers clean energy in Minnesota for Midwest Energy News and writes frequently for Finance & Commerce. His work has appeared in more than 70 local, national and international publications.
