With maintenance factored in, composite decking costs less over its lifetime than wood does! Modern composite decking is the best solution for lovers of outdoor living. But do you know the differences so that you can make the best decision for your family?
It seems like each year a new player enters the game in the low maintenance, highly durable, engineered composite decking market. inevitably, one or more may drop out, and the major players are always working on research and development to advance their products and expand their market share. It can become terribly confusing when planning your own ideal outdoor oasis.
It is true. A quality composite deck can cost two to three times more than a pressure treated wood deck. However, it will last two to three times longer, require no seasonal staining or sealing, be splinter free, mold resistant, scratch resistant, fade resistant, and stain resistant. The hard-cold truth is, a wood deck will never look better than the day it’s installed. After that, it’s a vigorous downhill splitting, cracking, warping, twisting, mold-ridden, wine stained, maintenance-intense, splintering, nose dive. With maintenance factored in, composite decking actually costs less over its lifetime than does wood!
If it fits your budget, style, and color preferences; a quality composite deck is a home run. Here’s a breakdown of the features and benefits of our top six composite decking recommendations, in no particular order.
Trex Transcend Decking
Surface = High
performance proprietary engineered weather resistant shell
Core = Reclaimed wood & recycled
plastics (95% recycled product)
Warranty = 25-Year Limited Residential Fade & Stain Warranty
The world’s #1 decking brand, engineered with unrivaled fade, stain, scratch and mold resistance. A 95% recycled board (that’s almost the whole thing) makes you feel about the great outdoors. Recognized as the "Greenest Decking" brand in Green Builder Media's Reader's Choice Awards for the seventh straight year. Transcend decking’s deep wood-grain pattern and luxury colors create a premium, ageless look that leave other composites in the dust. No sanding. No staining. No painting. No kidding (Not to mention simple soap-and-water cleanup). Transcend decking maintains its vibrant color and luxurious finish–come scorching sun or red-wine spill–thanks to its unyielding, three-side shell protection.
Azek Decking
Surface = Alloy
Armour Technology
Core = Polymer (no wood fibers)
Warranty = Limited 30-year fade
& stain, limited lifetime against material defects, termite & rot
damage
With an enhanced real-wood look and strength backed by Alloy Armour Technology™, AZEK’s capped polymer decking materials are top of the line in quality and beauty. AZEK’s teams of scientists and designers have engineered high-performance decking materials that withstand the test of time and nature with unparalleled beauty. With AZEK, you’ll be able to forget the drudgery of staining your deck for protection.
TimberTech Decking
Core = Plastic and Wood Fibers
Warranty = Limited 30-year fade & stain, material defects, termite & rot damage
Made of plastic and wood fibers and coated with a composite cap, this decking is more resistant to the elements than traditional wood, and provides added durability, mold and mildew resistance, and a splinter-free surface. A practical choice for discerning homeowners, it comes in a variety of colors and grains, retaining the look and feel of traditional hardwood without the annual sealing and staining needed for protection.
Fiberon Decking
Core = Recycled wood and plastics
Warranty = 25-year limited stain and fade and performance warranties
A high-performance, eco-friendly wood alternative, Fiberon decking offers the warmth and appeal of natural hardwoods without all the time and expense of maintenance. Choose from a wide range of colors, finishes and options to fit your style and budget.
Zuri Premium Decking
Core = PVC
Warranty = 25-year Color Fastness Warranty: Color shifting will not exceed five units on the Hunter color scale.
Zuri® Premium Decking by Royal® goes beyond wood decking by combining the aesthetics of exotic timber while holding its beauty far longer than any wood could. Which means you get to create a thoroughly distinguished outdoor environment.
Wolf Serenity Decking
Core = High quality polymer resins
Warranty = Warranted against staining and fading for 25 years
Great-Looking. Long-Lasting. Wolf Serenity Decking with ColorWatch™ Technology is low-maintenance, durable, and available in several styles and popular colors. Rich colors inspired by natural woods. The Tropical Hardwoods Collection features Wolf Serenity Decking in bold, rich colors. Wolf Serenity Decking will not split or rot, does not need to be stained or treated, and is extremely easy to maintain.