Composite Decking

Ready To Start Building With Wood?

To cut through the numerous choices, it is helpful to figure out which wood decking you like best then compare that to your favorite composite. Thus, instead of having to put dozens of options head-to-head, your choice becomes simpler, whether it is cedar vs. composite, redwood vs. composite or treated lumber vs. composite. Wood decking has historically had an advantage over composites when it comes to summer weather, as composites can become uncomfortably hot in direct sun, give their density. Did you know feet can begin to blister at temperatures as low as 109 degrees Fahrenheit? Showing that 35% difference can be crucial, especially in the peak of summer heat.

Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and you’ll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long. It’s not like the old days where you had to simply choose between different species of wood. Today, there are still all of the wood options of yesterday, but now there are scores of different composite decking options. It's maintenance free if you let it weather grey/silver, but yes if you want to maintain the natural wood color you have to oil it.

Trex

• Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not.
• Dark-colored and dense composite decking boards can really heat up in the sun.
• Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb.
• Fiberon is a great product and has some great composite decking options in many colors, grain types etc.

Price estimates are per 100 square feet of decking board, and don't include the cost of other deck-building components. Synthetic decking materials must have a valid Evaluation Service Report to be considered approved for use by many local building departments. ESR reports are issued by a nonprofit code-compliance testing agency.

Learn More About Deck Materials

Both board options provide a strong and quality deck you can count on. Whatever style of color blending, wood grain, and/or finish you choose, your TimberTech deck will age beautifully and provide the look of traditional wood with minimal maintenance and repairs. A complex blend of colors ensures every board is unique, while a wire-brushed, low gloss finish gives these boards an exceptional traditional wood look.

Now, it wasn’t a really obvious sheen like vinyl has, but it was enough that people were thrown off by it. Unless it has been treated with a shellac or something similar, wood typically has a subtle flat or matte sheen to it, reflecting very little light. It looks and feels like a naturally grown product of the earth.

Wood Decking Options

Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. Sadly, most composite decking falls into that category. It has been improving slowly over the years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports from consumers and contractors are not promising.