DuraLife decking is an interesting company that caught our eye due to their unique shopping process. After a closer look at the brand, we decided it was time for a DuraLife decking review. While their catalog isn't as expensive as other brands, we think you'll be impressed by what they have to offer.
Manufacturers of flooring, decking, and other products often tout new features or technologies as a way to push their products. Kraus is no different, although their features and programs are well worth your time compared to some of their competition.
Polypro Construction
DuraLife boards are composite deck boards, but the company uses a unique mixture called PolyPro for their planks. It's a blend of Polypropylene and hardwood composite, which adds strength while addressing issues brought on by contraction and expansion. Their boards are highly resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and fading as well.
DuraLife Your Choice Program
The “Your Choice” program from DuraLife is a 3-step process designed to make things simple on consumers. You simply need to select a color in step one before choosing a profile in step two. In step three, you choose a railing system to finish off your deck.
This takes the guesswork out of things if you're new to the world of composite decking, and their system will guide you through the process the entire way. DuraLife also has a program that provides custom lengths in case you have a large or unique project.
DuraLife Decking Collections
At this time, DuraLife has two decking collections with DuraLife Hardwoods and DuraLife Landscapes. Both have the company's ColorLock system to keeping fading at bay, and there appears to be no difference in features or construction between the two.
Hardwoods Collection
The Hardwoods Collection features four colors with Golden Teak, Garapa Gray, Brazilian Cherry, and Tropical Walnut. These boards are constructed using a random dispersal process, which creates unique color variations from board to board.
Landscapes Collection
With the Landscapes Collection from DuraLife, you'll get to choose from for shades as well although they are a little less natural this time around. The earthy tones include Costs Grey, Pebble, Mahogany, and Slate. This collection of the best option when you want something simple and solid, not variegated colors or blended boards.
DuraLife Decking Profiles
There are two types of profiles available from DuraLife with Siesta and MVP. Siesta is their premium plank, as it's solid and sturdier with a grooved profile. MVP planks are grooved as well, but they are also scalloped which makes them lighter and more affordable. In addition to those boards, the company sells a perimeter and stair board along with a Squedge, or square edge railing cap board.
The Green Factor
One of the advantages of a composite decking system is the fact you're going Green by saving trees and using a composite product. The amount of recycled content used varies from one company to the next, but DuraLife uses up to 90% in their composite deck boards.
All the raw materials are sourced within 500 miles of the manufacturing facility, and no toxic chemicals or formaldehyde is used in their decking. LEEDS credits will not be a problem.
DuraLife Decking Cost and Availability
A quick online search led us to several reputable sources of DuraLife decking online. While we haven't seen it in our local Home Depot or Lowe’s, that doesn't mean you won't be able to track their products down locally.
On average, DuraLife decking prices average between $40 to $50 per 12-foot board, while the 16-foot planks are around $55 to $60. We couldn't find any information on their 20-foot composite deck boards, and you can only get the stair and railing boards in 16 or 20-foot lengths.
DuraLife Decking Pros, Cons and Ratings
While there's a lack of DuraLife reviews online, the overall response to their products had been positive. There are a few areas where they fall behind other composite decking manufacturers, but they are definitely worth a closer look if you like their selection or pricing.
Pros: Strong, capped composite boards. Full line of matching accessories and fair prices. 25-year stain and fade warranty.
Cons: A smaller collection of styles and colors.
Ratings:
Color and Style Options: 3
Stain Resistance: 4
UV Resistance: 4
Scratch Resistance: 4
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
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Some readers complained that they cound't find the local installers or overpaid the deck installation. Then we developed an online free estimate tool to help you get at least 3 local bids in 24 hours.
This tool is powered by our partner Networx which has been specializing in collecting, vetting and rating decking contractors for more than 20 years.
Comparing the 3 bids can help you get the reasonable installation cost and avoid getting ripped.
Feel free to leave a comment to share your reviews of DuraLife decking or installer below.
FAQs
Q: Is DuraLife decking considered a green or eco-friendly product?
A: Yes. DuraLife uses up to 90% recycled content by weight in their decking and can qualify for LEED credits.
Q: What is the best way to clean regular dirt, stains, or mold from DuraLife deck boards?
A: The company recommends using warm water with dish detergent that doesn’t contain bleach. Alcohol wipes can also be used for spot cleaning, but for heavy stains, you can use a suitable degreasing product like Krud Kutter.
Q: Is it possible to purchase matching fascia for DuraLife composite decking?
A: Yes, although it depends on the collection. At this time, the company currently has fascia to match its Siesta Hardwood collections and Siesta Solids collections.
Q: Are DuraLife deck boards capped on all four sides?
A: No, the bottom of DuraLife decking is not capped as the company found it didn’t dramatically affect the durability or performance of the plank.
Q: Can l sand light scratches from DuraLife?
A: No. If the scratches don’t fade naturally in time, you can use a heat gun to try and blend the affected area as long as you stay at least 3” away from the surface of the deck.
Q: Is it safe to power wash DuraLife decking?
A: While you can safely pressure wash some composite decking, DuraLife does not recommend power cleaning their deck boards with pressure unless you are merely rinsing or wetting them.
Q: What’s the best way to remove ice from my deck?
A: With snow or ice melting products, you’ll want to use rock salt or products deemed safe for concrete or pets as those won’t harm your deck. You should never chip at ice on decks, and if you do need to use a shovel, it should be plastic.
Q: How much with DuraLife fade?
A: While you can expect the elements to affect the sheen, DuraLife decking comes with a 25-year guarantee against color fading.
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