| Our unique Northwest weather presents a challenge | | | | emerged in the early 1990s as an answer to some of |
| for homeowners, particularly when it comes to | | | | the typical complaints about traditional wood decking. |
| outdoor structures such as decks. Choosing the right | | | | It was initially developed to be both durable and |
| decking material for your climate makes a big | | | | environmentally friendly. Early composite decks were |
| difference in determining the lifespan and | | | | made from recycled milk jugs and discarded shipping |
| attractiveness of your deck, which is why many | | | | pallets. Today, while some companies now use virgin |
| homeowners are turning to composite decking for a | | | | plastic and wood or a blend of virgin products and |
| solution. | | | | recycled materials, others continue to offer decking |
| Composite decking material is made from a | | | | made from 100 percent post-consumer content. |
| combination of wood fibers encased in plastic. The | | | | Appearance: People often choose composite decks |
| result is a deck that's more durable and easier to | | | | for their uniform color. Whereas a traditional wood |
| maintain than many other types. Composite decking | | | | deck will fade if it isn't stained and sealed properly, a |
| is often made from recycled materials, which, | | | | composite deck is treated with colorant and can be |
| combined with its long life, has made it an increasingly | | | | molded to have a wood-grain look. Manufacturers can |
| popular choice among homeowners. | | | | also add preservatives and UV stabilizers, which help |
| Here's a rundown of what composite decks have to | | | | maintain your deck's appearance. |
| offer and how to choose the best composite | | | | Construction: Composite decking materials are built |
| decking for your home: | | | | either solid or hollow. Solid decking more closely |
| Benefits of composite decking | | | | mimics the look of wood and has greater durability |
| Weather resistance: The plastic in composite decking | | | | and strength than hollow composite boards. |
| makes it less susceptible to changes in temperature, | | | | Warranty: Many manufacturers will offer a full |
| which would normally cause the wood to expand and | | | | warranty against insect damage, splintering and |
| contract. This reduces wear and tear on your deck | | | | splitting. These warranties can range from 10 to 20 |
| and prevents warping. The synthetic material | | | | years. It's best to choose a deck package with a |
| encasement also protects the wood from rot and | | | | strong warranty to ensure the long life of your deck. |
| decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. | | | | Wood versus plastic: While all composite decking is a |
| Durability: Decks made from composite materials last | | | | blend of wood and plastic, the amount can vary |
| two to three times longer than those made from | | | | between brands, from 50 percent wood and 50 |
| solid wood. They also continue looking good much | | | | percent plastic all the way up to nearly 70 percent |
| longer and with much less work. Although they initially | | | | wood. The higher the wood content, the more |
| cost more than solid wood, they make up the price | | | | susceptible your deck can become to problems such |
| difference over time by eliminating the need for | | | | as mold, rot and insect damage. |
| expensive maintenance and replacement of rotting or | | | | Installation: Deck packages can vary, from full |
| splitting boards. | | | | installation to largely do-it-yourself projects. |
| Maintenance: Unlike traditional wood, composite | | | | Composite decks require good drainage and airflow, |
| decking does not split, is resistant to insects, and | | | | and they differ from wood decks in gapping, or the |
| does not require paint, stain, or a sealer. The best | | | | amount of space between planks, so be sure to |
| way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it | | | | follow the manufacturer's specifications when installing |
| swept, hose it off at least twice a year, and attend | | | | your deck. |
| to stains promptly with household cleaners or | | | | Because it's a manufactured product, composite |
| commercially available composite deck cleaners. | | | | decking is constantly being tested and improved |
| Comfort: Because composite deck material does not | | | | upon. Advancements are frequently made to improve |
| splinter, it is safe and comfortable for bare feet and | | | | the realistic wood look and to keep colors bright and |
| kids. | | | | even. Ask your builder for the latest information |
| What to look for in a composite deck | | | | about composite decking. |
| Environmental impact: Composite decking first | | | | |