Composite decking is readily available at big box home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as local lumberyards throughout the U.S. As you plan your dream deck, one of the key choices you face is what type of decking to use.

• The Hulk hidden fastener system has screws that are 40 mm long and will go into a two-by-four without the hitting the concrete beneath.
• As part of their manufacture, composite deck boards are treated with preservatives that help ward off rot, mold, and mildew.
• Planks are dyed in a host of a colors and imprinted with a range of textures, most of which convincingly resemble genuine wood grain.
• This hidden fastener system gives your deck a sleeker, more sophisticated look while also leaving the boards caps intact and better able to resist moisture.
• It’s a fully capped board for protection from moisture above and below and uses a combination of recycled plastic and bamboo flour for strength and water-resistance.
• One composite deck system with these features is Infinity by Fortress Building Products.

Facts About Composite Decking

So, when it comes time to resurfacing or replacing an existing deck with composite decking, keep in mind that some additional framing may be necessary. The good news for homeowners is that unlike most composites, DuraLife'shardwood composite decking products can be installed between 20”O.C. Another joist protection option is to install composite decking with the Step-Clip hidden-fastening system. Step-Clip offers the dual benefit of moisture repellency and speedier installation.

Composite Decking: Does It Really Stack Up?

Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards?

This water-resistant decking also resists mold and stains but doesn’t require sealing or painting. See our Deck Planning and Materials Guide to learn about different types of decking. Because of its plastic content, composite decking neither splinters nor rots, and it resists mold and mildew.

Be sure to follow your composite decking manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, and keep the following tips in mind. In this guide, we’ll go over the proper joist spacing for composite decking as well as some common installation mistakes you should avoid. After weighing the options, you’ve decided you want to use composite material to build your deck. Composite decking, which is made from a combination of wood and plastic, lasts longer than traditional wood because it’s less prone to rotting, splintering, and insect damage. But to truly get the most out of your new composite deck, you have to start with a strong frame.

The plastic used in most composite decking is polyethylene , a soft and not very tough plastic. As will the tougher plastics like PVC and polypropylene.

Using a hidden deck fastener system in a composite deck means that your deck will be free from screw heads showing. These hidden fastener systems create a beautiful, smooth surface and an easy transition from the inside of your home to your outdoor living space. The cost of composite decking materials falls in the middle.

Before choosing a color for your composite decking, ask to see samples of weathered boards, if possible. Though variations exist, composite decking is generally made from a mix of wood scraps—called wood flour—and plastic particles. Although some manufacturers rely on virgin wood and plastics, others make extensive use of recycled materials. In 2010, Trex reused 3.1 billion plastic grocery bags, while TimberTech says that each year its products incorporate 107 million pounds of post-industrial and post-consumer waste materials. Once all the old deck boards were out of the way, I had the green light for the composites. The first new board went down beneath the hand rail and flush with the outside edge of the deck.

The Hulk hidden fastener system has screws that are 40 mm long and will go into a two-by-four without the hitting the concrete beneath. This hidden fastener system gives your deck a sleeker, more sophisticated look while also leaving the boards caps intact and better able to resist moisture. It’s just one example of the thoughtful engineering that Fortress Building Products puts into its whole line, from decks to railings to fences.

The Best Decking For Winter Weather

Consider Deck's Environment

Attitudes have changed, realities have changed, and most importantly – composite decking has changed. Natural wood versus composite ultimately faded into the back ground and the conversation over how to make composites better took center stage. To this day, the “right” option depends on the individual. However, even decades after the introduction and evolution of composite decking, myths persist and J&W Lumber would like to fix that. In the early days of composite decking, there was both excitement and skepticism.

The quicker water dries, the less time it has to refreeze. Locate a flat surfaceon which you want to install your deck.