Composite decking has become very popular in recent years. Constructors love non-wood decking material for its ease of installation, while homeowners prefer it over alternatives because it’s easier to maintain.

Top composite decking brands are also more resistant to weather and pests. Unfortunately, composite decking comes in dozens of choices, from 100% PVC decking to purely recycled plastic options and models that blend plastic with natural wood.

Therefore, choosing the best composite decking brand can be a little challenging.

We’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to help you pick the best composite deck board for your next project.

Best Composite Decking Brands

  • Timbertech Azek
  • Trex composite decking
  • Fiberon
  • MoistureShield decking
  • Cali Bamboo
  • Lumberock
  • Envision Composite Lumber
  • Certainteed

Composite Deck Manufacturers | Composite decking companies

The following are thirteen of the best composite deck brands. We highlight all the important reasons why the mentioned deck brand stands out, including composite deck material reviews where applicable.

1. Best best brand of composite decking: Trex composite decking

Trex is the best high-end composite decking. Everyone who knows about composite decking knows about Trex. Established in 1996, it was the first composite decking brand.

Therefore, it has a wide customer base. Indeed the company says it ships to more than 40 countries. So, you’re in good company if you opt for Trex.

However, fame isn’t Trex’s primary selling point. On the contrary, their rise to fame is a result of their commitment to quality and trust.

For example, Trex was the first company to recycle plastics that would have otherwise gone to landfills and use them to make strong eco-friendly composite decking boards that withstand weather elements better than traditional wood decking.

What’s Trex decking made of? Trex decking comprises two specific pieces; a composite core and shell/cap. The cap covers the top and both sides of the decking.

However, the bottom is left uncapped to allow the composite core to breathe. The open bottom also allows moisture to escape and eliminates surface separation. The composite core comprises 95% recycled plastics and sawdust.

The company offers three main composite decking solutions; Trex Transcend, Trex Select, and Trex Enhance. However, the Trex Enhance line has two solutions, Enhance Naturals and Enhance Basics.

PROS

  • Easy installation
  • The best plastic decking
  • Little maintenance needed
  • Makes the most realistic composite decking
  • Wide selection of colors and finishes
  • 25-year warranty

CONS

  • High initial cost
  • The fasteners are expensive



2. Timbertech Composite Decking – Trex alternatives

Timbertech is another top-rated composite decking brand. It’s often compared to Trex as they’re the two leading composite decking manufacturers.

The company entered the market in 1997 and introduced the first capped composite decking in 2008. From there, the company continues to provide homeowners with innovative composite decking materials that are durable and beautiful.

Timbertech offers three main composite decking product lines; AZEK, PRO, and EDGE. Timbertech AZEK is the company’s flagship product.

It’s a sophisticated, beautiful premium decking with real-wood aesthetics. AZEK Vintage collection decks stay cool on hot days and can last many years with good maintenance.

Meanwhile, Timbertech PRO and Timbertech Edge are more affordable alternatives. The PRO line is designed for elevated style and character.

It’s a high-quality composite decking material that surpasses leading competitors’ flagship products. It’s strong, reliable, and engineered to endure the rigors of everyday use.

On the other hand, Timbertech Edge is a budget composite decking. It’s attractive but attainable. Timbertech Edge composite decks are also high-value, low-maintenance decks.

They’re an excellent first step for deck owners ready to ditch wood for composite decking. Timbertech composite decks are fully capped with PVC coating warps, unlike Trex decks, covered on three sides.

In addition, the composite boards are backed by 25-50-year limited warranties. For instance, you get a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty with the AZEK.

PROS

  • Durable and strong composite boards
  • Available in a wide range of finishes
  • It makes some of the coolest composite decking planks
  • Capped on all four sides
  • The best value composite decking
  • Long, valuable warranties

CONS

  • Expensive
  • No bottom capping



3. Fiberon composite decking – best maintenance free decking

Fiberon has also been around since 1997. The company makes some of the best maintenance-free decking materials and the railing and fastening products to go with the decks. It also makes composite fencing products.

The products feature a solid PVC perma-tech outer shell bonded to a wood composite. The capping layer makes Fiberon composite decking boards fade and stain-resistant.

The company offers three main composite deck boards: Good, Better, and Best. However, it only has four wood/plastic composite boards; Concordia, Sanctuary, Good Life, and Armor Guard.

All four feature realistic wood grain textures and are resistant to fading. In addition, each comes in a choice of four main colors; gray, golden brown, classic brown, and reddish-brown.

The main difference between Fiberon and most composite deck companies is that its decking boards comprise 50% synthetic plastic PVC and 50% recycled sawdust/wood materials.

Trex decking composites, for instance, comprise 95% plastic. The composites are compression molded, and a surface capping is applied to three or all four sides.

You can install Fiberon’s composite decking planks with face-driven fasteners or a hidden fastener system. The ends are covered in matching fascia boards.

PROS

  • Affordable than most alternatives
  • It’s easy to DIY install
  • Easy maintenance with soap and water
  • 25-50-year product warranties

CONS

  • Good Life boards scratch easily
  • Wrapped boards get hot in the sun



4. MoistureShield decking

MoistureShield isn’t as popular as the first three composite brands. However, it is the only composite decking company that makes decking boards that you can install into the ground, on the ground, or underwater without structural performance issues.

This is made possible through their patented Solid Core technology. The Solid Core technology individually encapsulates each wood fiber in plastic to protect the deck material from water, insects, and environmental damage.

The impermeable barrier also fights damage from moisture, rot, ripping, cutting, and harmful elements. The result is a long-lasting, low-maintenance decking material that can last many years.

Selected MoistureShield decking boards also feature Cool Deck technology that keeps bare feet and paws comfortable in the hot summer. Cool Deck technology also makes deck boards slip-free and splinter-resistant.

MoistureShield offers four main composite decking product lines; Vision, Meridian, Elevate, and Vantage. MoistureShield Vision deck boards are the manufacturer’s best composite decking materials.

They feature a Diamond-Defence surface (instead of a traditional cap), Cool-Deck technology, and 95% recycled content. Above all, Vision boards come with a 50-year fade and stain warranty. The warranties are transferable.

PROS

  • Strong, durable, solid-core decks
  • Usable in/on the ground and underwater
  • The decks are workable like wood
  • Warranties are transferable

CONS

  • No warranty for Vantage decks
  • Limited range of choices



5. Cali Bamboo

Cali Bamboo is one of the most popular composite decking brands because of its highly environmentally friendly decking products.

Founded in 2004 and operating out of San Diego, the company makes two famous composite decking products; BamDeck and TruOrganics.

BamDeck is the older of the two product lines and carries extrusion-formed, hollow-core planks. The planks are made from 60% recycled bamboo and 40% recycled plastics, and the ends are covered with matching fascia boards.

However, it’s a very strong material. Studies show that it’s 3x stronger than standard composite decks. BamDeck also stands out as the first-ever wide Plank composite decking material. It’s easy to install and backed by a 15-year warranty.

Meanwhile, TruOrganics is made from 100% recycled wood fibers for a stronger composite decking material with greater protection against moisture, insects, rot, and chemicals.

In addition, it’s backed by a 25-year residential warranty. Depending on the core materials, the products cost between $15 and $75, with TruOrganics decks the most expensive.

Cali Bamboo offers nine different installation looks, three color choices, and four texture options, i.e., wood, grain, ridged, and flat.

PROS

  • 100% recycled materials
  • Strong and durable decks
  • Ultra-low maintenance
  • 15-25-year product warranties

CONS

  • BamDecks are hollow inside
  • Cali Bamboo decks are expensive



6. Duralife Decking

Duralife is a truly unique company. It all its raw materials within 500 miles of the main facility in Maine and ensures that every composite decking plank is made of 80%+ post-consumer and post-industrial material.

As a result, it produces some very affordable decking products, ranging from $15 to $35. DuraLife composite wood decks are made from a unique blend of polypropylene and recycled Canadian hardwood.

It come in various colors and non-repeating wood grain patterns for a natural appearance. Moreover, the decks have unrivaled strength, durability, and comfort.

They stay 18% cooler than traditional composite decking during the hot summer. Of course, the decks are also slip-resistant.

Indeed, thanks to the Cool Trac Advantage technology, DuraLife composite planks are 136% more slip-resistant when wet and 56% more slip-resistant when dry.

DuraLife composite decking boards feature SolarGuard, a co-extruded polypropylene outer shell for increased stain and fade resistance. The technology also increases resistance to daily spills and everyday wear and tear.

Above all, greater built-in resistance allows DuraLife decks to resist mold and mildew. A 25-year limited product performance warranty backs the decking planks.

PROS

  • Non-slip technology
  • An easy to install Step-Clip system
  • Made from 100% recycled materials
  • 25-year warranty

CONS

  • Few choices of deck styles
  • The board choices can be confusing



7. Lumberock

Lumberock premium decking is located outside Chicago. It’s a smaller company than the ones we’ve looked at so far. Therefore, it offers a smaller range of products.

However, the company goes to every length to offer value for money. The decks are designed to withstand harsh, wet environments, making them ideal for your dock, marina, boardwalk, or swimming pool project.

To achieve this, the company uses a closed molecular formula for all mineral plastic composite lumber to stop water absorption from within. However, it doesn’t use organic fills.

Therefore, you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew attacks. Similarly, bacteria, insects, and other organisms that thrive in exposed areas with lots of moisture cannot permeate the surface or interior of the boards.

The absence of organic matter also eliminates the possibility of water decomposition. As a result, Lumberock decks can withstand prolonged submersion in saltwater and fresh water. Moreover, the lifetime warranty covers these conditions.

Above all, Lumberock meets all ADA standards for non-slip resistance thanks to the embossed wood grain pattern. So, you can stroll barefoot along the deck without worrying about slipping, cracks, or splinters.

In addition, the UV-protective color additives make the decks even more comfortable by ensuring that constant sunshine exposure has few effects on recycled plastic lumber.

PROS

  • Strong, durable composite deck boards
  • ADA non-slip compliant
  • It’s a member of the US Green Building Council
  • Limited lifetime warranty

CONS

  • It’s not a household name
  • A small range of products



8. Envision Composite Lumber

Envision Outdoor Living Products is a Pennsylvania-based company that makes solid decking and other outdoor living solutions, including railings and fasteners.

Their decks are made through the famed compression-molded process, which involves applying heat and pressure to squeeze out air pockets. The result is dense and heavy decking boards with deeply textured surfaces.

The brand offers four decking product lines; Distinction, Inspiration, Expression, and Ridge Premium. Envision Distinction decks are the brand’s most valuable products.

These deck planks feature deep grains compressed into the board for natural random patterns that mimic real wood grain. You can opt for grooved edge boards or square edge boards.

Each option comes in four colors; grey wood, rustic walnut, shaded auburn, and spiced teak. Meanwhile, Inspiration, Expression, and Ridge Premium product lines are quality composite deck options available at a lower cost.

Inspiration decks are particularly handy. They come in softly blended hues and an organic grain pattern that evokes the emotion of reclaimed lumber and are available in three colors; Barnwood plank, tangled twine, and weathered wicker.

Envision decks can be screwed down or nailed through the top surface, though hidden fastener installations are common. Every purchase is backed by a 25-year limited residential and commercial warranty and an industry-leading 5-year full start period.

PROS

  • Pro-local company
  • Easy to nail down or screw
  • A significant range of choices
  • 25-year residential warranty

CONS

  • Ridge Premium decks are of low quality



9. Certainteed Ever-New

CertainTeed has just one composite decking product – the CertainTeed EverNew. However, it’s one of the best composite porch flooring products as it’s constructed from extremely durable vinyl.

As a result, the product can last many years. Better still, EverNew decks don’t need sanding or painting. The decks feature CertainTeed’s inorganic PermaTech surface technology.

PermaTech delivers a wide range of colors, from solid colors with natural-looking wood grain-embossed patterns to tropical colors with exotic hardwood characteristics.

The core material is a solid wood plastic composite designed for strength, durability, and rigidity. Meanwhile, the PermaTech technology provides a resistant surface material, keeping the deck planks stain, fade, and mold-free for the material’s entire life.

As a result, EverNew decks are not affected by tea, wine, coffee, mustard, barbecue causes, or other common spills. The best part is that EverNew decks are easy to install.

You need two fasteners at each end and only one faster per joist. Therefore, a professional installation requires 40% fewer fasteners and 30% less labor.

Also of note is that EverNew deck boards are grained on both sides. Therefore, you can use either side. Reversible deck boards significantly reduce wastage.

PROS

  • Non-porous vinyl surface
  • Easy to clean
  • Snap-in fill pieces hide fasteners
  • Safe, non-slip raised ridged treads

CONS

  • Limited style choices (only EverNew)
  • Few available colors (grey, almond and white composite decking)



10. Deckorators Composite Decking

The Deckorators brand offers two lines of composite decking; wood-plastic composite (WPC) decks and mineral-based composite (MBC) decks.

WPC decks are wood and plastic composites, while mineral-based composite decks are made from selected mineral components.

Of course, mineral-based composite decking products have grabbed the most attention recently. MBC decks are made from a blend of advanced plastic polymers and durable minerals.

The components are combined and then stretched (pull extruded) to produce a fiber-like structure that is lightweight but extremely strong.

The strength to weight ratio of MBC decks is unmatched, allowing the decking to remain in place for a long time without sagging or bowing. Lighter decking materials are easier to install.

Additionally, MBC decks are highly stable with zero thermal expansion. Stability refers to a material’s ability to resist expansion and contraction. Thus a stable deck is a highly weather-proof material.

Deckorators offers three main mineral-based composite deck products; Voyage decking, Vault decking, and Picture-Frame deck boards. However, WPC decks are an excellent alternative if you desire a composite material with wood.

WPC decks are strong, decay-resistant, and slip-resistant. They are also moisture and heat-resistant. Products in this line include Vista decking and Trailhead decking.

PROS

  • Choose from MBC and WPC decks
  • Choose from several product lines
  • Strong, durable, water-resistant decks
  • 25-year structural warranty
  • 25-year stain and fade warranty

CONS

  • The products can be confusing



11. Wolf Decking

Wolf Home Products was established in 1843 and Offers a wide range of outdoor living space solutions, from PVC decking to PVC porch floors and PVC railing. So, it’s a company with plenty of experience.

The company offers three main composite decking product lines; Wolf Pacific Collection, Wolf Island Collection, and Wolf Intrepid Collection. The first two are capped composite decks, while the last one is uncapped.

The capped composite decking boards are made from wood fiber and plastic, creating durable boards that don’t crack, warp, or swell like wood.

The boards also don’t require staining or treatment and naturally resist insects and the sun’s damaging UV rays. Products in both lines are capped with tough capstock for greater durability.

Meanwhile, the Wolf Intrepid Collection is a high-quality composite decking made with patented Strandex technology. Strandex enables decking materials to withstand harsh weather and heavy traffic for lasting beauty and durability.

It also spares you from tedious maintenance synonymous with wood decking. Although uncapped, Intrepid collection decks are strong, reversible boards with a wood grain pattern on one side and a brushed finish on the other.

They are also splinter-free, don’t split, and don’t crack or warp.

PROS

  • Impervious to moisture
  • Grooved boards accept hidden fasteners
  • Mold and mildew resistant
  • The boards don’t rot, split, or warp
  • Backed by a 25-year warranty

CONS

  • Some boards are slippery



12. UltraDeck Composite Decking

Ultradeck is another household name in the decking industry, though the company also makes railing components and fasteners.

Their decks are made from wood and plastic polymer composition, consisting of over 50% real wood. Ultradeck deck boards are affordable, durable, safe, and low-maintenance.

The company makes six different products or seven if you split the fusion product line. At the top of the chain is the Ultradeck Inspire line of products.

Ultradeck Inspire deck boards feature highly defined, long-lasting color blends and surface texture. The edges are color-wrapped to ensure a consistent appearance between deck boards.

The boards are designed for top-of-the-line non-slip performance. They are also fade-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. In addition, a 15% thicker surface layer makes the decks extremely durable.

The five other product lines are Ultradeck Fusion, Ultradeck Triumph, Ultradeck Rustic, Ultradeck QuickCap, and Ultradeck Natural. The Ultradeck Fusion line includes two products, Fusion and Fusion 2.0.

Unfortunately, the last three product lines, Rustic, QuickCap, and Natural, fade into a lighter color within 30 to 60 days.

Also noteworthy is that the last three products are backed by a 10-year warranty, while the first three product lines come with 25-year warranties. Finally, some of the boards are reversible, while others aren’t.

PROS

  • Choose from multiple product lines
  • Bold, modern, solid colors
  • Board-to-board color variation resembles real wood
  • Enjoy up to 25-year warranties

CONS

  • Some of the deck planks fade after 30-60 days
  • Some product lines are only available in two finishes



13. Armadillo decking – American man-made deck material

Finally, Armadillo deckings are great alternatives to Trex decking. Although it’s not the biggest name in the industry, Armadillo makes beautiful, durable decking boards that you can rely on for many years.

Moreover, it’s an American company that uses locally sourced raw materials. The brand offers two main composite decking product lines; Amardillo Lifestyle and Armadillo Essential.

Armadillo Lifestyle decking boards are the ultimate choice for low-maintenance, high-performance, and long-lasting decks.

They are wrapped on all four sides with a polythene protective shell, creating a durable natural wood grain-like surface that resists fading, weathering, and stains.

The boards also keep away mold and mildew. Lifestyle boards are available in seven colors, ranging from campfire to white sand.

Smoke, sunset, foothills, walnut, and bronco are available colors. Meanwhile, the Armadillo Essential line targets shoppers looking for a high-class decking product at an affordable budget.

It offers many Lifestyle deck qualities but at a price that appeals to budget-conscious homeowners. The only significant downside is that Essential decks are only available in two colors; coyote and tortoise.

PROS

  • Resist warping and swelling
  • Resist splitting and cracking
  • Rot, decay, and insect resistant
  • Affordable (from $48)
  • 1-year warranty

CONS

  • Risk of fading
  • Slipping risks



Buying Guide: Different Types of Composite Decking

So, now you know several excellent composite decking brands. However, you need to pick the best brand and product. The following guide should help.

What is Composite Decking?

A composite is any material that combines a base material with other materials. The two “composite” materials are held together using a bonding agent.

Therefore, composite decking is a decking product that combines at least two materials. In most cases, wood forms the base material, and plastic or PVC is the other component.

However, a few composite decks combine plastics/PVC with selected mineral products. So, you need to understand that composite decking isn’t equivalent to plastic or PVC.

Composite decks are made in different ways. For instance, while the majority are molded, others are pressed. Several brands also offer hollow composite decks with end caps.

The different manufacturing processes affect the composite deck boards’ strength, durability, and cost.

Composite Decking Materials

Standard composite deck boards combine several raw materials to provide a durable, wood-like decking material. Let’s look at the main ingredients;

  • Waste wood: Many manufacturers only use recycled wood for making composite decking boards. Common sources of recycled wood include recycled furniture, sawdust, wood chips, and wood waste.
  • Recycled plastic: Most composite decking options use recycled rather than new plastic as raw materials. Common sources of recycled plastic include polythene in milk containers and shopping bags. The plastic materials are shredded before mixing with sawdust.
  • Pigments: Pigments create colors that are critical in enhancing decking material aesthetics. Common sources of pigment are chemical compounds and natural sources.
  • Ultraviolet inhibitors: UV inhibitors are added during manufacturing to make composite decking boards more resistant to fading. Remember that direct UV exposure oxidizes color pigments, resulting in color loss. UV inhibitors “inhibit” this process, ensuring that the boards retain their colors for a long period. UV inhibitors are available over the counter.
  • Borate preservatives: Borates are boron-oxygen compounds with a wide range of applications. However, in composite decking manufacture, they are primarily needed to prevent termites from eating the wood.

Composite Decking Comparison

Unsurprisingly, composite decking compares well against solid wood decking and PVC/plastic decking.

Synthetic Decking Brands vs Real Wood Decking

Natural-wood decking products are still the most preferred choice among consumers. However, synthetic deck material is quickly catching up. The following are the pros and cons of synthetic wood decking compared to natural wood decking;

Pros of non-wood deck material

  • Less maintenance: Unfortunately, wood decking requires significant maintenance and cleaning. For instance, you must stain between deck often for maximum durability. Synthetic wooden decks are much easier to clean and maintain.
  • Wide range of styles and colors: Wood decking is only available in natural wood colors unless you paint your composite deck. The texture and grain patterns are also standard. Composite decking offers a wider range of choices for maximum aesthetic value.
  • You can use recycled materials: Most composite decking products are made from 90%+ recycled wood and plastic, thus more environment-friendly. On the other hand, most wood decks are made from freshly sawn lumber.
  • More durable: While hardwood natural wood decks are also highly durable, composite decking materials are even more durable. They are longer-lasting, rot-proof, and fade-resistant.

Related: Best paint colors for old decks.

Cons

  • A pricey alternative to wood: Unfortunately, the increased durability comes at a cost. Composite decking is 15% to 20% more expensive than solid wood pine decking.
  • They aren’t natural: No matter how much manufacturers try to make composite decking look like natural wood, they aren’t. Therefore, anyone looking for a natural deck would still consider real wood decking.

Composite Decking vs PVC Decking

The main difference between PVC/plastic deckings and composite decking is that PVC/plastic decks are 100% PVC/plastic, while composite decking boards blend plastic/PVC and other materials. But are composite decks better?

Pros

  • Aesthetics: The main advantage of composite decking over all-plastic decking is aesthetics. Composite decks are more wood-like, therefore, more attractive among consumers.
  • Made from recycled materials: As we’ve seen, composite decking materials are made from recycled wood products and recycled plastics. Therefore, they are more environment-friendly. By comparison, all-plastic decks are made from new plastic, thus contributing to environmental degradation. 

Cons

  • Durability: The best PVC decking materials are longer-lasting, more stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and more resistant to mold and mildew than composite decking planks. They also resist splitting and splintering more.

Related: How to stain a deck with a roller

Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Composite Decking

Unfortunately, shopping for a composite decking material can be tiring and even confusing. The following are eleven key considerations to help you pick the right and modern composite decking brand;

1. Deck area conditions

One of the first factors to consider is the condition of the deck area. For example, how much sunshine does it get? Or is it heavily shaded? Do a few tree branches hang over the deck, thus making maintenance a little more demanding? Asking these questions will help you choose a better decking material.

2. Size of the project

How big or small is the deck area? Get a measuring tape and measure the dimensions. Then calculate the area to find out. Knowing the deck’s area (ideally in square feet) will help you determine how much decking material you need.

3. Deck traction

Composite decks are often more slippery than wooden and even plastic alternatives. So, you want to make sure that you’re getting a safe, slip-resistant composite deck.

Additionally, make sure the material is easy to walk on and easy to use for mobility-impaired users.

4. Durability

Durability covers many things. First, a durable deck lasts many years. So, it must be strong and resistant to tear and wear. Secondly, durable decks retain their aesthetic qualities for as long as possible.

Therefore, it must be fade-resistant and stain-resistant. Above all, find deck planks that don’t lose traction too soon.

5. Color and style

Composite decking boards come in a wide range of styles and choices. So, it’s always best to shop around. As you do, consider the types of wood grains, wood tones, and variegation.

Repetitive grains are monotonous and unappealing after a few weeks. So, find something highly variegated.

6. Capped or standard?

Standard composite decks are normal planks, similar to solid boards. They are good, sturdy, and easy to install. However, they aren’t as strong as capped composite decking.

Capped deck planks are shielded by a hard layer of PVC, further protecting the inner core from physical damage and rot.

7. Workability

Composite decking boards are highly workable. They bend, saw, screw, and shape without cracking or splintering. The only challenge is load-bearing capacity. So, choose a strong board and think about materials for the underlayment structure.

8. Color and style

Decks are about style and elegance just as much as they’re about function. In other words, many people want a deck that’s both practical and beautiful – not one or the other.

So, consider things like color, texture, and naturalness. For instance, do you prefer flat smooth planks or grooved options? What about the wood grain? Do you like the style?

9. Does it meet the local code?

Often, you need to demonstrate to officials that your proposed deck meets all relevant codes and standards. An easy way to get around this requirement is to ensure your deck planks meet Intertek’s Code Compliance Research Reports (CCRR).

Fortunately, many agencies accept CCRR at face value. Alternatively, make sure it complies with the Canadian Construction Material Center (CCMC).

10. Price (per square foot)

Price is a major consideration too. How much are you willing to spend, and which products fall within your budget?

Additionally, do you plan a professional installation or DIY? Professional installation is your best option but costs more. Finally, don’t forget to budget for fasteners too.

11. Warranty

Finally, we recommend that you find a product with a worthy warranty. First, avoid non-warrantied products. Secondly, make sure the warranty is at least 10+ years.

Then check its specifics. What does it cover? For instance, does it cover fading? What about stains?

Composite Deck Maintenance Tips

Composite decking is designed to resist water, rot, fading, and other weather-occasioned degradations. However, proper maintenance is still critical to prolonging the deck’s life. The following are a few maintenance tips to consider;

  • Redirect downspouts: Never let rainwater from the roof splash directly onto the decking. Instead, point the downspouts elsewhere to prevent excess deck soaking.
  • Avoid standing water: Standing water is just as bad as running rainwater. So, besides redirecting the downspouts, mop standing water quickly to prevent soaking.
  • Ventilate the deck underside: Enabling air circulation under the deck facilitates faster drying. So, make sure the deck has at least six inches of unobstructed airflow beneath it.
  • Redirect dryer vents: Ensure the dryer vent doesn’t release heat near your vent, as heating can cause expansion and promote organic decay. Remember that dryer vents also release moisture.
  • Use woven rugs: Rugs or welcome mats with a rubber backing can trap moisture, thus accelerating composite deck degradation. So, only use woven rugs as they are more breathable. (Check out our article on “Will an outdoor rug ruin a wood deck?” for additional tips on protecting your deck.)
  • Ensure Regular Maintenance: The buildup of debris and dirt on the deck can cause decay and standing water on the deck surface. Such buildup can also cause markings and permanently stain the deck. So, consider the following;
    • Unclog gaps in the board: Remove the leaves, twigs, and pebbles trapped between the deck planks using a spatula or putty knife.
    • Sweep regularly: Sweeping helps remove debris that would otherwise build up on the deck. So, sweep regularly, especially in autumn and spring.
    • Remove dirt and salt: Dirt and salts from your flower pots and other sources can mix with water to form acids which can eat up the deck planks. So, sweep the area regularly and wash with mild soap every week. You can even scrub the deck gently with a soft brush.
    • Remove stains: Grease, oils, and other stains can deface your deck and accelerate wear. Wash them out with mild detergent and scrub the stained areas gently with a soft brush.

FAQs 

What is the best composite decking material? 

The best composite decking brands are Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and CaliBamboo. These are established brands with a big reputation. Moreover, they use the best composite deck material to meet the needs of every consumer. However, MoistureShield, DuraLife, and Lumberock are other excellent alternatives.

What’s the best place to buy composite decking?

The best place to buy composite decking planks is online. Amazon would be a good place to start. Of course, you can also check the websites of popular composite decking manufacturers. Alternatively, check with your local home improvement store.

Are there cheaper Trex decking alternatives? 

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a cheaper alternative to Trex. However, don’t hesitate to check out Fiberon. The two (Trex and Fiberon) have some of the most affordable composite decking planks. The other two top brands, TimberTech and CaliBamboo, are typically expensive.

Can I paint my composite deck?

Yes, you can paint a composite deck. However, it’s not a good idea. Composite decks are designed to provide a durable, stain-resistant, non-slip surface. Painting may compromise these qualities. Nevertheless, if you must paint, begin by applying an acrylic primer for wood and then paint with acrylic paint.

Read also: Deck screws for treated wood.

Best Brands of Composite Decking Summary

Composite decks are the perfect alternative to natural wood decks. Though they can’t replicate the naturalness of wood, composite decks are strong, durable, and available in endless styles and colors.

They are also more resistant to rot, pests, and moisture than wood and easier to maintain. And now you know the best 13 composite decking brands and their top product lines.

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