Best Decking Buying Guide
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If you’re OK with a limited palette of colors; a simple, repetitive grain pattern; and a smooth or combed finish, you’ll find plenty of low maintenance, lower-cost products that meet your needs. Composite lumber decking usually comes in 12-, 16- and 20-ft. Composite decking manufacturers have also found ways to offer more cost-competitive options, such as Trex’s new lower-cost board, to fit a wider range of budgets. Now, it’s possible for a homeowner or commercial contractor to build with composite decking materials and realize the same long-term benefits without breaking the bank. 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.
Appearance Of Real Wood Vs Composite Decking
Scratching is a different story, and you can test this very easily at home. Take a sample piece of each board and run your keys on top of the boards. In our experience, Trex Transcend is the most durable product on the market. It resists scratching far better than any of the other options. This is not a big concern for many of our clients, but for others, it’s a deal breaker. If a scratch in your hardwood flooring drives you crazy, chances are that scratches in your new deck will also drive you crazy so make sure you consider this when choosing your capped wood composite.
Repair Or Replace: Is It Time For A New Deck?
How do you cool down composite decking?
If you're choosing plastic and composite decking materials, opt for light and cool shades. It will significantly reduce the temperature during hot seasons. Of course, it also applies to the outside furniture. If you have couches, chairs, and pillows, consider changing their covers to a lighter one.
Composite lumber decking is a great low-maintenance alternative to wood. The composite decking industry endured some growing pains early on, but materials continue to improve and the number of quality products on the market increases each year. Now there are more than 50 composite decking products available. 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.
Engineering Whats Next In Outdoor Living®
Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl†capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good. It’s 100 percent PVC and it’s equipped with an ASA capstock as well. Even though it’s the PVC and ASA, it’s what’s in the mix of the product. They have a nice wood grain texture but not as pronounced but still nice.
They’re available in a variety of colors and each features a wood-grain texture that—from a distance—looks like natural wood. Although many homeowners think composites do a better job of mimicking real wood than does PVC.
- Although many homeowners think composites do a better job of mimicking real wood than does PVC.
- They’re available in a variety of colors and each features a wood-grain texture that—from a distance—looks like natural wood.
- But PVC decking is much lighter than composite decking, so it’s easier to carry and lift into place.
- And it’s worth mentioning that most composite decking and plastic decking manufacturers also offer a line of matching handrails, balusters, and fascias.
- Uniquely, one side of the board is produced to look like distressed hardwood and the other side has the appearance of a tropical hardwood.
When compared with wood, composite, and plastic lumber, aluminum decking is three to four times lighter, yet two to three times stronger. It can be cut with the same saws and carbide-tipped blades used to cut wood. And don’t worry about your deck looking like high-school bleachers. Most aluminum decking comes in a variety of wood-grain finishes and colors. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb.
5 Great Deck Materials - Popular Mechanics
The Materials for Source Making a Modern Deck try here
They now offer a full line of products from composite decking and railings to lighting and outdoor furniture. Composite decking comes in wide variety of colors, textures, and wood grain looks, so homeowners can find the right product for just about any decking project. Choose from natural looking wood colors like teak and walnut, or go with a stained gray or silver look. Grooved and smooth boards are also available, as are a variety of reversible options that feature a simple brushed texture on one side and a realistic wood grain texture on the other. Manufactured or composite decking has come light years since the gray, one-dimensional boards of the ’80s. Composite and PVC decking are popular because they’re virtually maintenance free. Both types are extremely weather-resistant, easy to clean, and neither will ever splinter, warp, cup, or rot.
Do composite decks scratch?
Composite decking is an excellent alternative for timber. However, with the materials used, composite decking boards are not indestructible. They may be prone to some scratching but can be manageable. Many composite deck boards have a core and a cap which make them moisture resistant.
Get started on your new deck dreams by browsing our products today, or contact us for more information. Composite decking material uses a combination of plastic and wood fibers. The newer technologies come in a multitude of colors, grain patterns and thicknesses.
Decking
Whats The Difference Between Hollow And Solid Core Boards?
MoistureShield is the only manufactured decking that can be regularly submerged with no degradation. EverGrain is compression molded, for a realistic, and long-lasting wood grain texture.