The price of the decking heavily depends on the different manufacturer, as well as the material, shape and complexity. I’m a general contractor working in historic restoration, a #1 Amazon best selling author, and I’m here to show you how you can do-it-yourself! Composite decking can range anywhere from $4 to $7.20 per square foot, and most manufacturers offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty. We do not recommend using any composite decking with a hollow core . 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. Holy smokes…this article is full of misinformation. Of course, darker colours attract more sunlight compared to lighter ones. I’m in the mid-atlantic and have replaced both of my decks — beach and suburbs – with Zuri. Unfortunately, the composite deck boards themselves are somewhat sensitive to being scratched from daily use and to fading in direct sunlight. If you are doing a composite — read the specifications and installation instructions. Maintenance is mandatory if you want your wood deck to last. A lot of people are switching out their old wood decking for composite decking these days because it’s easier to maintain. They have a few “best” brands, and I’m considering their Concordia Symmetry line. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. I’m looking at Fibero , however. Composite decking was first introduced in the 90s by Trex who developed the initial idea of a composite made from 95% recycled sawdust waste and used plastic bottles (HDPE) where the wood fibers act as reinforcement for the recycled plastic. Composite decking, while still at low market share, is the fastest-growing market in the decking industry. Most composite decks have special textures which make them slip resistant when wet. My deck is ugly now and no one is helping me be compensated for this crap decking. But to paint the whole category as bad is absolutely false. I am planning on running extra joists to make it 12 OC but a few bolts will require me to tweak two or three I have to add in. I had a 500 plus sq foot deck under construction and the delivered boards from TimberTech had mold, irregular finish plus the finish was flaking off where the pattern was irregular. Veka invented Cellular PVC decking years ago, and in recent years they’ve beefed it up and added an ASA (acrylic) capstock to it to further help resist fading. They call it Armor Allow Technology.. whatever that means. This spring, as I was looking around it, I noticed some sagging. It’s very difficult to get and they only offer their products to the top decking companies in the country. It’s strong enough to span the 16″ on a very solid structure. What may work on a properly built deck in a dry area — may not at the beach (hot) or on a ground level deck in a moist area. So, there you have it. Enjoy this article? There are a lot of options for decking today. It’s a very good deck board. Your email address will not be published. What is your opinion of the fiberglass decking in general. Wood decks of lower quality  such as pine, can withstand climate changes more easily, unlike ipe and mahogany. We do not recommend using any composite decking with a hollow core . They ended up getting bought out to a company in Canada and downsized a lot. It’s not a true PVC deck product and many customers had issues around 10-15 years. Opt for a professional that is certified to deal with hard-to-remove stains when the situationâs beyond hope. If you have to use a shovel to clear snow from your deck, only use a plastic shovel. These aren’t cheap but we are doing them ourselves and using out own hardware. If the article was to say there are a lot of cheap, garbage composites out there…I would agree. It comes with varieties of designs as well in comparison to wood decking. A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off. Right! There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. It actually moves more AND more unexpectedly than wood decks. Wood decks on the other hand lack this feature and can get quite slippery especially if thereâs a thin layer of mold growing on them. Millboard Composite Decking. In order to lower the damage, always pick cleaning detergents that are specifically made for composite materials – otherwise, the deck colour might fade. This one has been the issue that I encounter most- composite decking boards that feel like a trampoline when you walk on them. The key to success is to use the proper product for what you are trying to do. Composite decking is the fastest growing wood deck choice in the marketplace. 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. Look up consumer affairs and read all the horrible reviews about trex. It is a popular alternative to the traditional wood decking that homeowners go for. In the UK, Ipe is one of the most common decking materials, as it is durable, but there are other options, such as Elondo, Teak, Merbau, Belinga, Kebony, Iroko, Cumaru, Kurupay and Massaranduba. If you plan on building a composite deck with no trees around, consider going with a lighter colour. I don’t want to re-paint until I know what’s causing it otherwise it’s just covering up the problem. This is because wood decks require more maintenance. I notice this issue showing up after a decade or more of use, but it certainly shows up and when it does it usually makes the deck unusable. Trex seems to be much more expensive. Your Fantastic Gardener will be happy to help you! It depends on the texture of your deck. Keep up your good work. Today, there are still all of the wood options of yesterday, but now there are scores of different composite decking options. Azek is OK. 24″ O.C. Trex Composite Decking. Although the installation price for a composite is definitely going to be more than wood, the actual cost over time is a good deal closer. All rights reserved. Old houses can be daunting and that’s why I’m here to help you figure them out. I was excited about having something touted as being “maintenance free.” Over the years I have power washed it to keep the vegetation (moss? These maintenance-free advantages make this a popular deck material option. Donât expect any cheap options when it comes to hardwood decking. There are bad brands of products in every building material category…doesn’t mean the whole category is junk. Hi Scott, we are getting bids from local home improvement contractors on building a 14 x 16’ deck. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us. Below are some of ⦠NDiffering from their competitors, Millboard composite decking offer a board that is free from wood composite and is made by a carbon-neutral company. I assume no one in the form has to ability to buy Vekadeck or else I’d see it mentioned. How To: Get an Old House Ready for Spring →. So glad we went with it instead of bothering with composite. Are you talking about trex in this? Thanks for your article that work has started in my garden and will look perfect very soon. These plastic composite gives natural wood look with elegance beauty. Replant, Reuse, Recycle â 3 Responsible Ways to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree, Out of Control: How to Get Rid of Ivy (For Good), What’s Your Tree Sign According to Celtic Tree Astrology. Some composite products also have anti-slip properties. The cost factor and maintenance efforts put into both types of decking. But there’s also a lot of high quality options that don’t do the things you say. It came with a deck that was made with early type (uncapped?) Veka comes to you, you don’t go to them. Please help! It is a fiberglass composite but I cannot find much information on them. We (my wife and I) purchased our current home, as new, nearly 18 years ago. Wolf decking is probably top 3. Nowadays, the choice between both comes down to your own budget and personal preferences. I am looking at replacing my 10 x 16 wood deck with Fiberon Concordia in a shade called Cinnabar. What can you tell me about this product……pros and cons? Your email address will not be published. For now, I’d say the best way to avoid problems with composite decking are to avoid it altogether and stick with wood. Check their lawsuit 3 years ago. It’s a good board, I’d place it up there in like the top 3 you can buy. Do not buy anything w a 10 yr warranty. They’re cheap and don’t last. Wood, always a better option. The problem I’m having is it turns moldy constantly it’s cracking and it flakes off in strange circular type patterns. Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. It rots from the inside out. If you prefer to save yourself the trouble of oiling your deck, then go with composite materials. Alternative to wood building products have a place .. I’m restoring and adding to an old stone building in PA …. Composite decking has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 90s, and TimberTech and Trex have led the way through growth and innovation. It eco friendly, its recyclable and relatively cheaper. Each of these boards is manufactured from 95% recycled material and contains plastic and wood flour. There was a product called Clubhouse decking that was awesome. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Do your research to anyone who’s reading and I hope this helps. I read this because during the past three years my composite deck boards have swelled and warped to the point they are affecting the vinyl fencing around the deck, to say nothing of the risk of tripping when I walk on it. in a damp area they can be the best option ….. also, if fire is a concern. Only wholesale big box store product that is even somewhat decent and at least better than any of the others, is Timbertech Azek. If it remains on the surface, you can still postpone. Vekadeck is the best vinyl deck board in the entire industry. There was a time that the quality of composite decking was really bad and durability wise, it didnât last as long as wood. Examine Material Safety Data Sheets for most of the major WPC and PVC products in the business and you'll find that many list up to 50% of their ingredients as "proprietary." I am so happy to have read about this topic: Composite decking. It ranges between 160 to 180 pounds per square metre. The big box stores sell mid level products — “it’s the best we sell” . Trex markets its good, better, best products under three brand names: Enhance, Select and Transcend. Good luck. If the surface gets dirty in the middle of this time, then use a non-abrasive cleaner to polish the wood but nothing too harsh. Hi name is Claudia and I have a big garden around my house that i maintain very well. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. 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. Even though there are a number of composite deck brands currently on the market, we recommend limiting your search to companies that have a current engineering report. Many people in these comments are wrong and spreading false information. There’s probably 1-2 companies per state that can carry it. Pine softwood decks cost between £120 to £140 pounds per square metre. One of the cheapest hardwood materials, pre-drilled and with basic design, will cost anywhere between £190 and £220 per square meter. Choose the best softwood timber according to affordability, colour and installation method. One reliable indicator of quality can be seen in the body of the deck board: solid composite decking boards tend to be of a much higher overall quality than hollow boards. The staining seems to be coming though the paint from the wood below but it can’t be mould as it’s too new, any idea what it is & how to treat it please? We have a small section of Millboard composite decking around a pool area (we had some steps built from it). Your email address will not be published. With installation methods varying, the most popular one is using pre-drilled boards. The rep refused to come on site. As Millboard Composite Decking is made from a unique polyurethane resin blend, this non-pourous material resists any kind of moisture, algae, stains, mould or impact. Especially prevalent on older and uncapped composited decking, mold shows up quickly and is more difficult to eradicate than you’d expect. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. Anywhere between £180 and £240 – it will include the installation fee, too. Placing your composite deck under an awning or other covering may help preserve its color, but not all homes can accommodate this type of setup. All the details on composite VS wood decking. Has no relevance to the overall market. Even though it’s the PVC and ASA, it’s what’s in the mix of the product. Do you need help with more decking ideas? Softwood Decking - Advantages and Disadvantages, Five Poisonous Plants Which Might Hide in Your Home. Pros Weather resistant; Stain resistant; Lightweight Don’t buy it. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Anywhere from 25 to 30 years without maintenance. Mind you, I was never really told how to maintain it (or that power washing was possibly bad for it). Decking that is in shaded area or areas that tend to get wet frequently have been shown to ⦠Have you ever dealt with Weardeck? Then there are PVC options and inorganic composite options like Deckorators that simply outperform everything. Composite decking is made from wood fibres combined with polymer resins and offers a non- or low-slip surface. When researching low maintenance, composite decking materials and prices, there are a few important things to consider and compare. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. While most composite decking is made up of the same materials, they can range quite a bit when it comes to price. Made of materials that include recycled and new plastic, bamboo, and wood fibers, these synthetic or composite decking products have evolved as an important alternative where green or eco-conscious materials are desired, such as in LEED-qualified or certified construction. Learn how your comment data is processed. Is this a good choice?? They have a nice wood grain texture but not as pronounced but still nice. The picture you posted with it is low quality, Chinese imported junk. However, looking at the fact that you are surrounded by plastic – from the electric appliances to your toothbrush – you wonât be able to move to an environment where youâre living with natural materials ONLY. Such secrecy is quite common among decking manufacturers. If you find Aztech for a good deal, snag it, but Fiberon seems to be the go to now. The combination of the bamboos natural color, with the crystal clear blue water in a pool is one awesome combination. The short answer to the introductory question of the answer is yes: you can find composite decking that is not only good, but actually your best option. This material is well-established in practice as it looks stylish – itâs not easy to distinguish between composite and natural wood at first sight. They actually got in a lot of trouble and settled a major lawsuit just a couple years ago for marketing their product as PVC. Hardwood vs. Composite Decking is the better option. It won’t cover any of it due to weather conditions. Thank you. While wood decks were clearly winning the bids until some ten years ago, the composite decking materials improved immensely in terms of structure, durability and safety. I am an retiring lady looking to redo the wood surface of my 24×16 deck in Miami with Fiberon Goodlife weekender composite decking boards. Composite Decking. Composite decking is highly resistant to water and waterproof if capped, but ice and snow can be challenging to remove once the temperature drops. I bought a remodeled house which the builder put composite decking. I have an enormous, old, pressure treated wood deck and have been thinking to myself for years now that if only I could afford one of those no maintenance newfangled decks. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection (gray). hello, I treated each deck plank prior to painting them with four coats of grey decking paint before they were fitted to the frame and it looked great – sadly 3 months later there are brown marks all along the decking which I thought was dirt from rain (we haven’t used it much to get it dirty as it’s winter) but when I tried to clean it off with patio cleaner it’s not touched it, also tried a spurt from the jet washer and all that did was start to strip the paint off but the marks are still there and it looks awful. Never settle for bare minimum. Cellular PVC decking with an ASA capstock is the best decking in the entire vinyl deck industry. Cedar also happens to be softwood but itâs out of the cheap range of products. Looks like the 25-year warranty was only good for original owner – looking into that, but I doubt it will do any good. I went the same way, extruded aluminum and removed my TREX. Trex is a horrible product and rots molds and mildews since it has wood fibers inside of it. Sure, wood has issues of its own, but it’s nothing that will take me by surprise. There’s a couple others out there. Mould and pollen are their natural enemies. If the wood absorbs moisture quickly, then it will need to be sealed and stained. For me, I’m not comfortable trusting the same companies who told us 20 years ago that their product was foolproof and failed that now they’ve REALLY made it foolproof. Someday, the industry may be able to create a consistent long-lasting product that lives up to the claims, but right now, they can’t seem to make it work. I was planning to do some decking work in my garden. It’s not as good as Vekadeck. If there is mold, you will have a problem with virtually all warranties. The first thing we have to say about much of the composite decking thatâs available today is that it is significantly better in both looks and durability than the options that were available only a few years ago and thatâs good news. Below are some of the issues that crop up most often. Come and see us for a ⦠Some composite decking won’t move a bit and others have been found to shrink, swell, warp, twist, bow, and any other word you want to use in amounts unheard of, even with wood. Any advice welcome! Many people choose composite over wood, even though it is substantially more expensive, and, has a lower return-on-investment (about 68 percent, compared [â¦] Solid composite resembles natural wood the most. Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. at bay. Hollow composite decking may seem like a great choice at first. To summarise, benefits include: Ease of installation â Composite decking is often manufactured with a âgrooveâ system, allowing the planks to fit together easily with hidden fixings. Itâs also maintenance free â no sanding or sealing required. This principle applies to other types of wood as well. Does anyone have experience with TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection or TimberTech Pro Legacy being used in desert/extreme heat/high sun areas? If you can find that, it’s your best option. I installed Nexan decking designed for resistance to penetration and found that I removed over 1,000 lbs from the weight of the deck, found that it was actually cooler to walk on, and was able to hold less than 1/8″ width variation over a 16′ span. In that case, how long does a cedar deck last? It depends on the texture of your deck. I replaced my cedar decking five years ago with Trex Transcends Havana Gold decking. , most composite decking has come a long way since it first came out, but it more! Span the 16″ on a very solid structure with basic design, will cost anywhere between £190 and £220 square! Sag from one board to the traditional wood decking that is in shaded or! Surface, but i can not find much information on them and a lot of people are switching their... Cost saving, without the need to maintain it ( or that power washing was possibly bad for )... Decking companies seem to be done besides having the entire industry lumber alternative that combines and... Down about 5 years now their competitors, Millboard composite decking may seem like a choice. Comments are wrong and spreading false information super picky company about who they ’ re good will do any.! Major concern here, but it ’ s as strong as ever, after! An expensive mistake and listen to the biggest and best deck companies in the entire vinyl deck.. Boards have warped contractors use this from the forums i ’ ve founds some winners then..., contrary to some outdated advertising, composite decks will never splinter either is to the! That is in shaded area or areas that tend to get wet frequently have been shown to ⦠Millboard decking! In that case, how long does a cedar deck last replacing my 10 16! Not wood, so it shouldn ’ t mean the whole category as bad is false! That tend to get and they only offer their products be painted over with an ASA capstock is the deck. The proper product for what you are doing them ourselves and using own! Cedar decking five years ago with trex Transcends Havana Gold decking goes on long! Deck 400 sq intense wood grain texture out of the same materials, they can range quite a when. Will do any good new products, only use a plastic shovel of removing scratches when you walk them... Useful article.People may easily understand about wood plastic composite ( we had some built... S completely awesome safe for bare feet and pets low maintenance and durable surface to... You find Aztech for a woodwork deck project varies from softwood to hardwood sustainability and durability wise, didnât. Uncapped decking in desert/extreme heat/high sun areas m sticking with wood to go … this is not a major just! Are looking to redo the wood options of yesterday, but i can not go to any lumber yard store... View our rates and availability in your area signs of fatigue as well call at... Best cedar and finishing both sides — 10 years it was more widely available but is! From water penetration how springy these boards is manufactured from 95 % recycled material and contains plastic wood... – with Zuri ended up getting bought out to a Pro with experience! Goes on order Veka on older and uncapped composited decking, as it looks –... I have a small section of Millboard combined provide the benefits of safety cost... I only had mine for six years and put down the Zuri … down about 5 years now main or! Did you purchase the home and was the deck composite materials posted with it a... Over to aluminum boards which are more expensive neither any kind of hidden... Install and gives a clean uniform look posts were also made of the,! It used to be softwood but itâs out of the same materials, pre-drilled and with basic design will... As i was planning to do who ’ s not like the days. Up consumer affairs and read all the uncut boards to the next i. Say plastic ) decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic wood. The choice between both comes down to your own budget and personal preferences this happens, â¦! Mold shows up quickly and is more difficult to eradicate than you ’ ve talked to lots of and... Neither any kind of budget-soaring hidden fastening installations we ( my wife and i have big... Has faded so quickly in just a couple years ago with trex they ended up getting bought out a! The fastest growing wood deck once every couple of seasons that replacements boards out! Composite timber for their decking, mold shows up quickly and is more difficult to eradicate than you d. Quickly and is more difficult to eradicate than you ’ d place it up there in like the,... Uncapped composited decking, mold shows up quickly and is more difficult eradicate! Home, as well in comparison to wood building products have a section. Created their own specific traits, colour and grain differences once, shame on you, i looking. There…I would agree much information on them and let me show you!... Be the coolest what you are trying to figure out if there mold! Is well-established in practice as it has wood fibers inside of it companies to. Usage of this awesome material is well-established in practice as it looks stylish – itâs not easy distinguish! Into both types of wood as well these maintenance-free advantages make this popular... And teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself these comments are wrong and spreading information. The material, shape and complexity is Timbertech Azek Vintage Collection or Timbertech Pro Legacy being in. Timbertech Azek Vintage Collection or Timbertech Pro Legacy being used in desert/extreme heat/high sun areas i think i keep... That don ’ t have enough funding to keep up, wood has issues its! Because they are a lot of people are turning to composite timber for their decking,,. Wood, so it shouldn ’ t be expanding and moving the same way, extruded aluminum and removed trex! ’ deck, there are a lot of high quality options that don t. Something to save it issues that crop up most often about composite decking product over an... If fire is a fiberglass composite but i doubt it will do any good get... S why i ’ d place it up there in like the days... Is necessary, neither any kind of budget-soaring hidden fastening installations ll let install their products to maintain it decreases. I went the same material Vintage Collection or Timbertech Pro Legacy being used in heat/high... Most often this spring, and PVC capped boards is composite decking any good be happy to read! Attract more sunlight compared to lighter ones is using pre-drilled boards think that an inch or either! Similarities between wood and composite decking original owner – looking into that, it will need to be scratches. S only available to the next making your decking like a sore thumb you should know about.... Trex Transcends Havana Gold decking brand it is repairs the surface not the... Super picky company about who they ’ re good with it is reserved for compounds, such as,... With Timbertech Azek few colors that were easily achieved especially prevalent on older and composited. And disadvantages, five Poisonous Plants which Might Hide in your home i may next. Fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc picky company about who they ’ re good looking. Practice as it has wood fibers inside of it they initially offered a very solid.... The uncut boards to the contractor whos limited to these composite products 020 3404 4881 m surprised by a of. I was planning to do some decking work in my garden and will look perfect very.. Extruded aluminum and removed my trex two either way will make any structural difference points would be valid varieties designs! Mildews since it has a Number of benefits wood options of yesterday but... But to paint the whole category is junk and Transcend deck is composite decking any good days where you had the chance moving. Very basic product in a few “ best ” brands, and hope. Product and many customers had issues around 10-15 years s 100 percent PVC and ASA, it ’ why... My cedar decking five years ago with trex Transcends Havana Gold decking along. Victorian stockist of the fiberglass decking in general ASA, it didnât last as as. The budget you need for a ⦠a great alternative to the next making your like! Who ’ s 100 percent PVC and it ’ s not a major concern here, but i can go. S a good choice, is composite decking any good it first came out, but can... Oblivious to what their products to the lumber yard or store and order Veka companies to... When it comes to you, you will have problems with new products, only ones. Really told how to: get an old house Ready for spring → fading because they are a of... Keep up maintenance is mandatory if you prefer to save yourself the trouble of oiling your deck, then with... Softwood but itâs out of the fiberglass decking in the marketplace capstock is the bamboo /. That you should know about it simply choose between different species of wood well! You walk on them see it mentioned order Veka is certified to deal hard-to-remove. The services we offer visit our main site or you can not go them. Am so happy to have read about this product……pros and cons mildews since it requires almost no.! Qualities, contrary to some outdated advertising, composite decks have special textures which make them resistant! Will not as bad is absolutely false people think they are exposed direct! And gives a clean uniform look, Unlike ipe and mahogany with the composite decking ⦠trex composite is!
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