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We all dream of the kickoff to summer, but we may not want to think about outdoor chores such as wood deck maintenance. Perhaps this could be the year to make the switch from wood to composite decking. Composite wood decking is made of recycled materials that are “capped” or sealed with a plastic coating on three or four sides of the board to increase durability. Although the initial cost of composite decking may be more than wood, these synthetic deck boards may be worth a look.
A composite deck can have a long lifespan and often requires less maintenance than wood. It doesn’t require painting or staining, and it offers excellent weather and stain resistance. Composite decking material is also available at a variety of price points and comes in a wide range of colors that can mimic many kinds of wood, making those exotic woods within reach. Many also have hidden fasteners to give your finished deck a sleek, modern look.
It’s important to determine what qualities you most value in your deck when deciding which composite decking is right for you. The length of time you plan to stay in your home, the local climate, and whether you plan on hiring a pro or are set on a DIY deck project can all affect which brand you choose. Here are some of the best composite decking brands on the market.
1. Trex
Price Range: $ to $$$
Our Top Picks: Transcend for $6 to $7 per linear foot, Select for $4 to $5 per linear foot, or Enhance for $2 to $3 per linear foot.
In business since 1996, Trex was formerly a division of Mobil Corporation and went public in 1999. It is the largest company in the composite decking industry. Headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, Trex operates worldwide with over $1.2 billion in annual sales.
Trex decking is made of up to 95 percent reclaimed sawdust and recycled plastic capped on three sides with the bottom uncapped to allow for drainage. The boards resist staining, fading, scratches, termites, and mold. Across the brand, there are 22 colors available in five product series: Signature, Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance. Certain series such as Transcend are also available with a heat-mitigating technology to make boards cooler to the touch when exposed to the sun. The Select series is thinner, making it lighter and easier for a DIYer to install, but it is not compatible with boards from the Transcend or Enhance series. The company offers 25-, 35- and 50-year limited warranties depending on the product line.
Shop Trex composite decking at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
2. TimberTech
Price Range: $$ to $$$
Our Top Picks: Prime+ Collection for $2 to $3.50 per linear foot, or Legacy Collection for $7 to $8 per linear foot.
Founded in 1997, TimberTech is a branch of the AZEK Company, headquartered in Chicago. Its composite decking is made of up to 85 percent recycled content including wood dust, PVC pipe, plastic bags, and other waste that was destined for landfills. The four TimberTech Pro lines of composite boards are capped with a polymer material on all four sides for extra moisture protection, and the three TimberTech Edge lines are capped on the top and sides.
The company carries seven lines with a total of 23 colors. The boards are resistant to staining, fading, warping, and moisture. In addition to its composite decking options, TimberTech also manufactures a PVC line of decking (essentially plastic decking) that’s lighter weight and designed to be cooler to the touch than composite wood decking.
Shop TimberTech composite decking at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
3. MoistureShield
Price Range: $$ to $$$
Our Top Picks: Vision for $5.50 to $6 per linear foot or Vantage for $3.50 to $4 per linear foot.
MoistureShield, founded in 1988 as Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT), is a division of OldCastle APG, an outdoor living products manufacturer. MoistureShield’s composite decking board is made of up to 95 percent recycled material and can even be installed underwater, making it a great choice for pool decks. MoistureShield’s Solid Core, made up of wood fibers individually encapsulated in plastic, makes these boards exceptionally moisture-resistant.
Together with wood composite caps, these boards also resist damage due to pests and other natural elements. MoistureShield is also noted to have a higher slip resistance than other composite decking. Certain colors of the brand’s Vision and Meridian lines are also designed to reduce heat absorption by 35 percent using the company’s Cool Deck technology to make them cooler under bare toes. The company offers four collections and 18 colors.
Shop MoistureShield composite decking at Lowe’s or MoistureShield.
4. Fiberon
Price Range: $ to $$
Our Top Picks: Good Life for $3 to $3.50 per linear foot or ArmorGuard Designers Choice for $2 per linear foot.
Founded in 1997, Fiberon manufactures composite decking in North Carolina and Idaho with up to 95 percent recycled material. Fiberon was the first to introduce a 25-year limited stain and fade warranty that is now standard across the industry. More extensive warranties are available on select collections, including fire-rated products that reduce fire damage and spread for some options in the Sanctuary and Good Life decking collections.
Fiberon offers six wood-composite collections in 21 colors in addition to ArmorGuard and Veranda, which are available exclusively at The Home Depot. Depending on the collection, the boards are capped on either three or four sides. Several collections have flat bottoms, which lend to the natural wood feel and contribute to the aesthetics of second-story decks.
Shop Fiberon composite decking at The Home Depot or Fiberon.
5. NewTechWood
Price Range: $ to $$$.
Our Top Picks: UltraShield Magellan for $6 to $7.50 per linear foot or UltraShield Cortes for $6 to $8 per linear foot.
Established in 2004, NewTechWood manufactures UltraShield decking composite made of recycled wood fibers and plastic; the decking boards are capped on four sides. UltraShield Naturale, the company’s sole decking line, comes in six standard colors or 13 custom colors (which require a lead time of 6 months). UltraShield Naturale boards come in four profiles: solid, grooved, hollow, or hybrid. Magellan is grooved, and Cortes is solid.
Shop NewTechWood composite decking at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
How We Chose the Best Composite Decking Brands
We chose these brands based on several criteria including performance, price, and availability. We researched each brand’s offerings, looking at the variety of colors and finishes available, unique design features that could improve durability, and the different ways the decking could be used. To assess performance, we scoured user reviews, paying attention to factors such as resistance to fading, stains, fire, insects, and water as well as traction and how warm the boards become when exposed to the sun. We then rated brands using product information and user reviews, while also keeping in mind how climate, location, and different uses may affect performance.
FAQs
With proper upkeep, a composite deck can last 25 to 30 years.
Composite deck boards can be installed over a sound wood substructure, but not on top of wood deck boards. The wood substructure must be inspected for any damage to ensure structural integrity.
The average cost of a composite deck is about $5,450, but several factors affect that amount. The size of the deck, the location, the shape, and the type of composite board decking (the price of which varies quite a bit) all impact cost.
Most composite deck boards are designed with texture to mimic the appearance of wood, but this texture also provides great traction. Boards designed with little texture or that have become worn down over years of use may become slippery.