The Problems With Composite Decking

Winner: Trex

There are pros and cons to both materials and plenty of options to choose from at the home improvement store. Whether you plan to DIY the deck yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to do your research before investing in any type of composite or wood products for your project. In this article we’ll take look at composite decking vs. wood to help you save time and money and make the best decision. In 2014, we noticed a change to the Trex decking installation instructions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find a paint that will adhere to the plastic-capped composite decking, but you will almost certainly void your warranty by doing so. Nonetheless, if you’re slipping on your synthetic wood deck, voiding the warranty is the least of your worries.

Synthetic wood continues to grow in popularity, especially for use on backyard decks and other outdoor structures. Also known as composite lumber or synthetic decking, synthetic wood is typically made of wood shavings that are bound together by a glue and pressure, much like pressed wood. These planks are then sheathed in plastic or a compound containing a combination of plastic, resin and wood fiber. The quality of the sheathing often determines how much or little moisture the synthetic wood board will absorb and thus how susceptible it might be to slip and fall conditions. If you have a little more time on your hands, you can apply various treatments to your decking timber to help prevent the surface from becoming slippery. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

We’ve seen recent Trex installation instructions that suggest applying paint to any of their composite decking will shorten or even eliminate the warranty. Composite decking made with high quality and style by our experienced .

And there are things you can do to increase the surface traction. SlipDoctors’ Floor Grip is an effective roll-on anti-slip coating ideal for slippery composite decking surfaces. This clear, water-based urethane sealer was designed for creating an anti-slip coating on vinyl, vinyl composition tile , interior wood, cork, laminate, linoleum surfaces, and more. Floor Grip will increase traction dramatically and is a great solution for human feet and dog paws to prevent slipping. What are Veranda Composite Decking and Railing made of? Our composite decking products consist of wood and plastic with a rich, realistic woodgrain. The downside is that plastic lumber doesn't look much like wood.

Comparatively, traditional wood decks have an average lifespan of years with routine annual maintenance depending on the quality of wood used and the effects of different climates. Composite decking has come a long way since first introduced the 90s. Both TimberTech and Trex have led the way with constant innovation and growth. If you plan on choosing a low maintenance, weather and scratch-resistant composite for your decking project, you really can’t go wrong with either brand. We offer both products and install them both on homes year round.

To ensure safety, manufacturers of plastic and composite decking have started submitting products to slip-resistance tests set up by ASTM International. So far, however, a nationwide safety standard has not been established. “If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite,” says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. "Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance," he says. "If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite," says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck. The recycled plastic in the product takes waste away from the ocean or having it enter our food supply. You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. As long as you spray down the material with some water and a mold cleaner twice per year, you’ll be able to maintain the quality of your deck – even if it develops mold or mildew over time. Manmade deck material products include composites, PVC and vinyl from .

• You’ve probably already noted the difference in cost between composite decking and natural wood; composite materials are more expensive per linear foot.
• But here’s where it’s key to look at the whole picture.
• If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction.
• Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties.

Plus, plastic decking can be thinner and lighter than wood or composite decking. While it’s always up for debate in terms of what is the best type of composite decking, one of most popular choices for decking boards are capped composite boards. Capped composite decking boards consist of a mixture of wood and plastic that comprise their core. These boards are then “capped” coated with a sturdy polymer coating. This protective synthetic shell helps protect the wood fibers inside the composite from mold, mildew, rot, and the elements. Today’s composite materials perform better than the original versions, which were more prone to damage from exposure to the elements, and could also be easily scarred from wear and tear. But thanks to new formulations and additions – such as special capstock protecting the board – composite materials are now many times more resilient.

This disadvantage is the reason why most homeowners opt for the standard installation even if they want a clean look. If you live in an environment where it rains frequently, then choosing composite decking with a non-slip texture could be an investment worth making. Homeowners that plan to install their deck somewhere next to a pool on their property will want to make use of this advantage as well. You’ll still get boards that look like natural wood and install on a pressure-treated frame, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of slipping and falling if your feet are wet. This advantage helps in the winter too if you plan to use your deck as part of your standard entryway. You don’t need any special tools to complete the installation of composite decking either.

Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction. Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.