2020 Composite Decking Prices

Redwood decking can be comparable to wood-composite materials, and exotic hardwoods can be much more expensive. Pressure-treated wood is also the cheapest material for the non-decking components, such as stairs, guards, and rails. The classic and still the most popular deck material, wood decking is usually pressure-treated softwood, such as hemlock, fir, or pine. More expensive wood decking types include redwood andexotic hardwoods, such as teak or ipe. These premium woods typically are not pressure-treated but must be finished (as does pressure-treated wood) to keep it from weathering to a dull gray color. With a variety of options available to homeowners considering building a deck, wood does not have to be your first or only choice.

Wolf® Decking

In addition, it comes with all of the same drawbacks as wood-composite. You may wish to purchase PVC decking if you want a lighter-weight material that is easier to handle than wood-composite. Like wood-composite, PVC decking does not rot and never needs to be finished. Some homeowners simply like the look of PVC more than with the other materials. Also called plastic orsynthetic decking, this is made of cellular polyvinyl chloride , the same material that is used for plastic fencing.

What To Know About Deck Railing Height

The first difference that you’ll probably notice is that wood is typically the least expensive, composite the second and cellular PVC the most expensive. When it comes to fade resistance, PVC is the hands-down winner. However, it’s worth noting that although composite fades faster, the fade is more natural, giving the material a beautiful, more wood-like appearance than PVC. In terms of withstanding the elements, composite has the upper hand because they expand and contract less than PVC. This makes composite decking the better material when extreme temperatures is concerned. PVC technology has taken significant strides, and they look more like wood now more than ever.

Timbertech Pro Vs Azek: Which Decking Is Best For You?

wide, which means they aren't wide enough to fully cover both the deck boards and a 2x12 joist. Visualizers like this are super handy, but nothing beats a trip to the supplier to check out samples of the actual products. Feel the texture of the materials and if there's a display, take off your shoes and walk around on it.

When you’re ready to get started on your decking project give Care Free Homes a buzz! We’ve been serving the community for over 40 years, offer financing options, outstanding warranties, and quality craftsmanship. Decks give homeowners an amazing space outdoors to relax and entertain! With different decking materials being introduced over the years it can be complicated to choose which is right for you and your home.

Most of the composite, plastic, and aluminum decking we tested kept its original color better than unfinished wood. Building a deck with composite boards over a wood substructure is highly common. Decking material needs to screw into joists for maximum support and durability. All artificial decking needs less maintenance than wood, but composite tops the list.

Do You Know How To Avoid Staining A Deck? Build It From Something Other Than Wood Like Pvc Decking Boards

Each decking manufacturer has a recommended fastening system. Also select a fastening system that doesn't require removing half the deck in order to replace one damaged board in the middle. Another way to hide the ends is to install a border/perimeter board around the outside edges of the deck . This method can really dress up your deck, especially if you choose an accent color for this board. The downside of a perimeter board is that it requires extra framing underneath. Composite decking can last over 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. If you're building a deck, dock or seawall anywhere near water, come talk to us.

It is slightly more durable than plastic, which decreases the need for repairs or replacement. Composite decking is rising in popularity for its durability, low maintenance needs and style. At $4 to $13 per square foot, this material has a more consistent pricing than wood, which can vary from $4 to $30 per square foot.

Trex Decking can withstand and hold up to the elements better than PVC. Your deck is exposed all year long to sun, rain, snow, and wind. While PVC can eventually have discoloration from rugs, planters, and furniture Trex decking will not. Signs of an unsafe deck may not be obvious so safety checks are critical when deciding to repair or replace.

Composite blend can be routed on the edges, ripped down the board, and even bent easily to fit almost any space. You can’t do these to PVC boards, and although the material can be bent, doing so is more labor-intensive, as it requires the use of special tools. ft. deck, you can expect to spend around $4K–$6K in materials for Capped Composite and $5K–$8K on Capped Polymer decking.

And while most Capped Composites have a 25-year warranty against any termites or rot, some Capped Polymer brands like Azek boast a lifetime warranty against termites and rot. Yes, Capped Polymer decking is more expensive, but it offers greater longevity than Capped Composite when it comes to scratching and overall durability. On the other hand, Capped Polymer – made with 100% PVC – decking contains no wood fibers at all. Installation requires a little more skill than Capped Composite, but it’s more resistant to staining, fading, and scratching over time. PVC decking typically has a better fade resistance than composite decking. However, it is important to note that composite decking is designed to weather to a natural shade within the first six months.

Both vinyl decking and composites are available throughout North America from several manufacturers – offering builders and DIYers a range of brand choices. Both decking types come in many different colors and do not require painting, staining or sealing, as wood decking does. Manufacturers produce composites by mixing plastics and wood fiber and extruding the material into boards. The wood fiber provides strength, while the plastic helps protect the wood from moisture. Composites can be made from either recycled or virgin ingredients.

• Cellular’s tend to be lighter and easier to handle, strong and tidy and less likely to scratch or stain.
• Another trend in high end composites and some cellular PVC decking boards are co-extrusions or a bonded outer layers .
• Cellular decking materials are gaining popularity and now even many of the composite manufactures also produce a cellular board.
• But most are susceptible to chalking and definitely look less natural or more man-made.
• For the most part, composite decking is more expensive than wood.

Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. Run-of-the-mill boards start at $4 per square foot, while the premium products that closely resemble tropical wood run up to $7.20 per square foot. If you want the sleek simplicity of a painted-wood look, opt for the PVC decking of the TimberTech AZEK Harvest Collection. Like all collections in the TimberTech AZEK line, the Harvest Collection features moisture-, fade-, stain-, and weathering-resistant capped polymer deck boards. Now available in both standard and wide-width in Brownstone and Slate Gray. To learn more, read a more in-depth composite decking comparison.

Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, marina, or golf course, you can trust that we have the most knowledge, the best products, and the highest level of service in the southeast. Capped decking offers extra protection in the form of a hard outer shell. It’s bonded to the core material during the manufacturing process. In addition to increasing the overall durability and performance of your deck, many caps have UV-inhibitors built in as well.