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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.
Is Composite Decking Eco-Friendly?
As highlighted earlier, composite decking – plastic or wood-plastic – often comes from recycled or waste materials. Chemicals help create the boards. The manufacturing process uses energy. But so does cutting down forests, transporting lumber to mills, and processing it. Trex, a leading composite decking manufacturer, said a standard 16' deck uses materials from 2,250 plastic bags. So, a 500 square foot patio recycles 140,000 plastic bags. Compared to lumber, the manufacture of Trex decking produces fewer toxic air pollutants, water contamination, smog, and greenhouse gases.
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.
How Do You Clean Composite Decking?
Sweeping decks with a broom should be a common practice for debris removal. Shoveling snow is okay and does not damage the decking. Spraying off the deck after spills and wear and tear works. For more thorough cleaning, use a pressure washer. Keep the pressure on low because composite decking is softer than lumber decking. Plenty of cleaning products exist for composite decks or use ordinary soap. Clean food and grease spills immediately to maintain the stain warranty.
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.
