Wood And Composite Decking Pros And Cons

Winner: Trex

You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water. That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. Composite decking vs. wood, which is better for your deck project?

Most manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty for the stain and against fading when you choose this option. If you use real wood for your decking material, then you’ll need to sand and stain it periodically to preserve it.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

We advise that Floor Grip be used with a Bonding Agent. SlipDoctors’ Bonding Agent is exclusively designed to maximize the adhesion of coatings and paints on those hard-to-coat surfaces. According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks. Building a deck with plastic or composite materials is very similar to using wood, with a few notable exceptions. Plastics tend to shrink and swell lengthwise as temperatures fall and rise . For that reason, manufacturers specify gaps where board ends meet, or they provide a variety of attachment options to accommodate expansion and contraction. Plastics and composites also lose some rigidity and can be vulnerable to sagging when temperatures soar.

When you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. The best choice you can make with your composite decking is to choose an item that comes with a fade and stain warranty. If you don’t have this option, then you have every right to question the longevity of the boards that you purchase. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question.

Comparatively, traditional wood decks have an average lifespan of years with routine annual maintenance depending on the quality of wood used and the effects of different climates. Composite decking has come a long way since first introduced the 90s. Both TimberTech and Trex have led the way with constant innovation and growth. If you plan on choosing a low maintenance, weather and scratch-resistant composite for your decking project, you really can’t go wrong with either brand. We offer both products and install them both on homes year round.

Even when wet, wood deck surfaces typically present less risk for slipping than composite deck boards -- unless they become dirty and neglected. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva has his own method of fastening nonwood deck boards — both solid and hollow — that achieves the same clean look. He secures each plank with dabs of marine-grade polyurethane adhesive placed wherever the decking crosses a joist . He randomly nails or screws the boards in place while the glue sets. "I was pleasantly surprised the first time I worked with this material," he says. "You don't have to worry about the splinters or dust you get with wood. Plus, you won't ever have to replace the boards."

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

If your deck seems to be slippery too often, then the problem might be what it is or isn’t coated with. Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a regular wood stain. While this might look great, it’s not the best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood. TimberTech AZEK products are high-quality, premium lines, perhaps the best of all the composite decking manufacturers, with a limited warranty of 50 years. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro (with 30-year warranties) and TimberTech Edge (25-year warranties).

• The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot.
• "If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite," says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.
• "Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance," he says.
• One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet.
• “If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite,” says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.

The process is exactly the same as it would be for a standard wood product. Once you have the frame built and attached to the primary structure, you just start laying the boards down horizontally, vertically, or diagonally based on your overall preference. While early composite decks were very sensitive to temperature and did get notoriously hot, any new composite decking will be much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards. Composite decking has been around since the early ’90s.

An anti-slip decking oil, on the other hand, will not crack or peel and is easy to replenish when needed. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. This option can be a little pricey, especially if you have a very large decking area, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you don’t want to change the appearance of your decking too much. Once you have chosen and installed the composite decking that seems alright, just do the minimum maintenance to keep it non-slip. Wash it with soap and water from time to time to scrub the surface off of dead leaves, dirt, and debris.

Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction. Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.