Composite decking has become increasingly popular among homeowners seeking durable and low-maintenance outdoor flooring options. This innovative material combines wood fibers with recycled plastics to create a resilient alternative to traditional wood decking.
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Composite decking comes in several varieties, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic qualities to suit different preferences and needs. From capped composites with enhanced protection to wood-plastic composites that closely mimic natural wood grain, the range of options allows homeowners to find the perfect fit for their outdoor living spaces.
1. Trex Transcend
Trex Transcend is a premium composite decking option known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. It features a high-performance shell that resists fading, staining, and scratching.
This decking material comes in a variety of colors and wood grain patterns, allowing homeowners to customize their outdoor spaces. Trex Transcend boasts deep, rich hues that mimic the look of natural wood.
The product is made from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and plastic film. This eco-friendly composition contributes to its sustainability and long-lasting nature.
Trex Transcend requires minimal maintenance, eliminating the need for annual painting, staining, or sealing. It resists mold and mildew growth, making it suitable for various climates.
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The decking boards are designed with a hidden fastening system, creating a smooth, seamless surface. This feature enhances both the appearance and safety of the deck.
Trex Transcend comes with a 25-year limited residential fade and stain warranty, providing homeowners with peace of mind regarding their investment. Its durability and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for residential and commercial applications.
2. Fiberon Paramount
Fiberon Paramount is a premium composite decking option known for its exceptional durability and aesthetics. This product line features a unique blend of materials that resist fading, staining, and mold growth.
Paramount decking boards are capped on all four sides with a protective polymer shell. This design enhances their resistance to moisture and surface damage, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
The boards come in a range of natural wood-like colors and textures. These options allow homeowners to achieve the look of real wood without the maintenance requirements of traditional lumber.
Fiberon Paramount offers excellent slip resistance, even when wet. This feature makes it a safe choice for pool areas and outdoor spaces prone to moisture.
The product’s composition includes recycled materials, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Fiberon Paramount decking is backed by a lifetime limited warranty, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
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Installation of Fiberon Paramount decking is straightforward, using hidden fasteners for a clean, seamless appearance. The boards are designed to be lightweight yet strong, making them easier to handle during the building process.
3. DuraLife Siesta
DuraLife Siesta is a popular choice among composite decking options. This product line offers a range of colors and textures to suit various outdoor aesthetics.
Siesta boards are manufactured using a combination of hardwood fibers and polypropylene plastic. This blend creates a durable and low-maintenance decking material.
The boards feature a capped surface that provides enhanced protection against stains, fading, and scratches. This capping also contributes to the product’s slip-resistant properties.
DuraLife Siesta is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and moisture exposure. The boards resist warping, cracking, and splintering.
Installation of Siesta decking is straightforward, utilizing a hidden fastener system for a clean, seamless appearance. This system also allows for easier board replacement if needed.
The product comes with a 25-year limited warranty, covering structural integrity and protection against staining and fading. This warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity.
DuraLife Siesta is available in both grooved and solid edge profiles, providing flexibility for different installation methods and design preferences.
4. TimberTech AZEK
TimberTech AZEK is a premium composite decking option known for its durability and aesthetics. This high-end product is made from synthetic materials, primarily PVC, which offers exceptional resistance to moisture, stains, and fading.
AZEK decking comes in a variety of colors and wood grain patterns, closely mimicking the appearance of natural wood. The boards feature a capped polymer shell that provides added protection against scratches and wear.
One of the key advantages of TimberTech AZEK is its low maintenance requirements. The boards resist mold, mildew, and algae growth, reducing the need for frequent cleaning or treatments.
The AZEK line offers excellent slip resistance, making it a safe choice for pool decks and areas prone to moisture. It also maintains a cooler surface temperature compared to some other composite decking options.
TimberTech AZEK is backed by a 50-year fade and stain warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity. While it comes at a higher price point than some alternatives, many homeowners find the durability and aesthetic appeal worth the investment.
5. MoistureShield Vision
MoistureShield Vision is a premium composite decking option known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. This product line offers a range of color choices, including variegated wood grain patterns that closely mimic the look of natural wood.
Vision decking features a protective cap on all four sides, enhancing its resistance to moisture, fading, and staining. This capping technology also helps prevent mold and mildew growth, ensuring the deck maintains its appearance over time.
One of Vision’s standout features is its CoolDeck technology. This innovation reduces heat absorption, making the deck surface more comfortable to walk on during hot summer days.
MoistureShield Vision is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic. It resists scratches, dents, and other forms of wear, making it suitable for high-use areas.
Installation of Vision decking is straightforward, with hidden fastener options available for a clean, seamless look. The product comes with a 50-year fade and stain warranty, providing homeowners with long-term peace of mind.
6. Deckorators Vault
Deckorators Vault is a premium composite decking option known for its exceptional strength and durability. This product features a unique capped composite core that provides superior resistance to moisture, fading, and staining.
Vault decking comes in a range of attractive colors inspired by natural wood tones. The boards have a subtle wood grain pattern that enhances their authentic appearance.
One of the standout features of Deckorators Vault is its Class A Flame Spread rating. This makes it an excellent choice for areas with strict fire safety requirements.
The product is backed by a 25-year structural, 25-year stain and fade, and 25-year removal and replacement limited warranty. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in Vault’s longevity and performance.
Deckorators Vault is designed to be low-maintenance, requiring only periodic cleaning to maintain its appearance. The boards are also scratch-resistant, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Installation of Vault decking is straightforward, with the option for both face-fastening and hidden fastener systems. This versatility allows for a clean, fastener-free surface if desired.
7. Fiberon Concordia
Fiberon Concordia is a premium composite decking line known for its high-quality construction and aesthetics. It features a multi-chromatic color palette that mimics the look of natural wood grain.
The Concordia series offers two distinct collections: Symmetry and Horizon. Both provide excellent durability and resistance to fading, staining, and scratching.
Symmetry boards have a low-gloss finish and feature subtle color blending for a more natural appearance. Horizon boards offer bold, dramatic color streaking for a more striking visual impact.
Fiberon Concordia decking is capped on all four sides with a protective polymer shell. This enhances its resistance to moisture, UV rays, and everyday wear and tear.
The boards are available in several popular colors, including earthy browns, warm grays, and rich reds. This variety allows homeowners to choose a shade that complements their outdoor space.
Fiberon Concordia decking comes with a 25-year warranty against staining and fading. It also features a ClassA fire rating for added safety and peace of mind.
8. AZEK Porch
AZEK Porch is a premium composite decking option designed specifically for porch applications. It offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for covered outdoor spaces.
This composite material mimics the look of traditional wood porch boards while providing superior performance. AZEK Porch boards are engineered to resist scratches, stains, and fading, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
The product comes in a range of natural wood-like colors, allowing homeowners to match their porch aesthetic to their home’s exterior. AZEK Porch boards feature a tongue-and-groove design for easy installation and a seamless appearance.
Unlike traditional wood, AZEK Porch requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t need painting, staining, or sealing, saving time and money on upkeep over the years.
AZEK Porch is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for homeowners. The product’s composition includes recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice for outdoor living spaces.
9. Cali Bamboo TruOrganics
Cali Bamboo TruOrganics is a unique composite decking option made from 60% recycled bamboo fibers and 40% recycled plastics. This innovative blend creates a durable and eco-friendly decking material.
TruOrganics decking features a realistic wood grain texture that closely mimics the look of natural hardwood. It comes in several attractive color options to suit various design preferences.
The bamboo fibers in TruOrganics provide exceptional strength and dimensional stability. This composite decking resists warping, cracking, and splintering better than traditional wood decking.
TruOrganics is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. It also holds up well against fading and staining, maintaining its appearance over time with minimal maintenance.
Cali Bamboo offers a 25-year residential warranty for TruOrganics decking, demonstrating confidence in its longevity. The product is designed for easy installation with a hidden fastener system.
TruOrganics decking is free from harmful chemicals and meets strict environmental standards. It provides a sustainable alternative for homeowners seeking eco-friendly building materials.
10. WearDeck
WearDeck is a high-performance composite decking material designed for durability and strength. It is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fiberglass, creating a robust and long-lasting product.
This composite decking option boasts exceptional resistance to moisture, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
WearDeck offers several color options to complement various architectural styles. The material maintains its appearance over time with minimal fading or staining.
One of the standout features of WearDeck is its impressive weight-bearing capacity. It can support heavier loads compared to many other composite decking materials on the market.
WearDeck is also known for its slip-resistant surface, making it a safer choice for areas prone to moisture or frequent use. The material requires little maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning to keep it looking its best.
While WearDeck may have a higher initial cost than some other decking options, its longevity and durability can provide value over time. It is often chosen for docks, marinas, and other waterfront applications due to its resilience in marine environments.
Types Of Composite Decking Materials
Composite decking comes in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and benefits. The main types differ in their composition, capping, and use of recycled materials.
Capped vs. Uncapped Composite Decking
Capped composite decking features a protective outer layer that enhances durability and aesthetics. This layer shields the inner core from moisture, stains, and fading. Capped boards often come in a wider range of colors and wood-grain patterns.
Uncapped composite decking lacks this protective shell. It’s generally more affordable but may be more susceptible to staining, fading, and moisture absorption. Some homeowners prefer its more natural wood-like appearance.
Capped composites typically last longer and require less maintenance. They’re ideal for high-traffic areas or regions with harsh weather conditions. Uncapped options suit budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a more traditional look.
Recycled Composite Decking
Recycled composite decking incorporates post-consumer plastics and reclaimed wood fibers. This eco-friendly option reduces landfill waste and the demand for virgin materials. Manufacturers often use milk jugs, shopping bags, and sawdust in their production.
The recycled content can vary from 30% to 100%, depending on the brand. Higher recycled content doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. Many top-performing composites boast high percentages of recycled materials.
These decking options often appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. They offer similar durability and low maintenance benefits as standard composites. Some brands even provide warranties comparable to their non-recycled counterparts.
Benefits Of Composite Decking
Composite decking offers numerous advantages for homeowners seeking a durable and attractive outdoor living space. Its unique composition and manufacturing process contribute to several key benefits.
Durability and Longevity
Composite decking materials are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist common problems that plague traditional wood decks. These boards are resistant to fading, staining, scratching, and mold growth.
Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t splinter, warp, or rot. This resilience translates to a longer lifespan, often lasting 25-30 years or more with proper care.
Composite decks maintain their appearance over time, retaining their color and texture even after years of exposure to sun, rain, and snow. This durability makes composite decking a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Composite decking significantly reduces the time and effort needed for upkeep compared to traditional wood decks. These materials don’t require annual staining, sealing, or painting to maintain their appearance and integrity.
Routine maintenance typically involves simple cleaning with soap and water or a gentle power wash. This ease of care frees up time for homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space rather than constantly working on it.
Composite decking resists insect infestations, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. It also doesn’t absorb moisture, preventing issues like swelling or cracking that often occur with wood decks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite decking offers various options to suit different needs and preferences. The following questions address key considerations when choosing and installing composite decking materials.
What factors determine the best type of composite decking to use?
Climate and sun exposure play crucial roles in selecting composite decking. Budget constraints and desired aesthetics also influence the choice. Durability requirements and maintenance preferences further narrow down options.
How do different brands of composite decking compare in quality and cost?
Trex Transcend offers premium quality at a higher price point. Fiberon Paramount provides excellent durability at a mid-range cost. DuraLife Siesta balances affordability with good performance.
What are the advantages of Fiberon composite decking over other brands?
Fiberon composite decking resists fading and staining effectively. It offers a wide range of color options and realistic wood grain patterns. Fiberon’s products come with comprehensive warranties.
How does one choose between solid and hollow composite decking boards?
Solid boards offer greater strength and a more wood-like appearance. Hollow boards are lighter and often more affordable. Climate and intended use should guide this decision.
What are the best composite decking options for high sun exposure areas?
TimberTech AZEK and MoistureShield Vision perform well in high-sun areas. These products resist fading and heat retention better than many alternatives. UV-resistant capping technology enhances their longevity.
Are there eco-friendly composite decking materials available on the market?
Many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly options. These products often contain recycled materials. Some brands use sustainable manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact.