COMPOSITE  DECKING
Composite decking is gaining Popularity among homeowners.

 "Composite” means that the decking is comprised of plastic and various wood molded together to produce a deck board.  For plastic,  Polyethylene is the most used ingredient while vinyl is sometimes used too.  How these are mixed in what ratios can affect the performance of the deck board.

 There are more than 40 manufactures of composite decking and more to come. All manufactures claim the following benefits for composite decking: 

• Resists heating and fading.

• Will not rot or deteriorate in any weather

• Contains no toxic chemicals or preservatives (some may)

• Low maintenance, never requiring staining,  or sealing

• Slip-resistant when wet

•  Appealing colors and some with wood grain textures

• Supporting Rails, Balusters ,posts,  compliments your deck

• Will not sliver or splinter   

So who are the main players in producing Composite Decking?
Trex,  Elk, Epoch Evergrain, Geodeck (which has tongue & groove joints), Nexwood, Tendura (also T&G joints), TimberTech, Veranda, and many others.

Growth rate in the US for composite Decking is expected to increase by  21% on a yearly basis.  Its safe to say that Composite decking is  gaining in popularity.

So Homeowner’s are becoming more familiar with manufacturing of composites.  They boost low maintenance although it will require regular cleaning. 

Can it be called the Perfect system?  Not so.   Composite decking has some drawbacks.

During the initial 3 months you can expect  Composite decking to  weather by 10%  which is normal considering that composite decks have wood fibers.

 Buying Tip: When viewing or comparing decks, make sure to look at decks (perhaps in your neighborhood) that have been exposed to the sun for at least a year. You will have a better idea in deciding if you like that deck material or not. 

Keep in mind that at  Home Depot in their painting department you'll find a  paint chart that provides pre matched paint colors  for existing composite decks, such as trex and others.  Why?  Because Composites will fade some in time, are subject to mold and can be stained (ie dropped catsup, mustard) .  To bring back these decks to pristine appearance may require future painting of the deck.  Painting by deck you say??  After all wasn’t that the main reason you purchased the deck, to avoid painting it? 

So weigh carefully all pros and cons of composite decking.  Also because composite decking is weaker than wood, it still needs to be held up by Pressure treated wood joist and beams to avoid sagging or drooping and pay attention to the joist spacing required by the manufacturer. Composite deck Pro's and Con's

Another Important Composite Decking Consideration

In the Forest Products Journal. Scientist findings on Composite decking tested can and does rot if they’re not treated with a preservative.

An Recent example of rotting and recall:

CPSC, Kadant Composites Inc. Announce Recall of Certain GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials Hazard: When the decking or railing material is exposed to hot temperatures and sunlight, it can prematurely degrade. The degraded material could break, posing a fall hazard to consumers

Recently many  Composites now boast that they are using preservatives on the surface or in the material to protect the deck board from furthur rotting.  This means it contains some kind of chemical now.  This may not be an  agreeable situation for you especially if you want to avoid any type of chemicals in the building of your deck.  Also this preservative process has increased the cost of Composite decking to the point that it’s close to or the same as buying eon plastic decking another alternative- beautiful wood grain and matching rails.

Installing  a new deck is a large investment to a home.

Please do your research. Read brochures from various manufactures.  Look for the  specifications, take note of the strength, expansion, water absorption, durability, and density.  Get what you want . 

Make sure it is a deck of low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, fade resistant , good quality,, and doesn’t warp or splinter.

Be sure to follow manufacturer’s installation instruction to a -T-.  If not this can create problems such as bending boards and deck replacements.  So follow the directions carefully.

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