Composite Decking Choices

There are now numerous choices for composite decking and lumber and, frankly, I think people are a little confused and maybe even misinformed. The growth of composite deck brands has been outrageous over the last few years and sales of composite lumber as a whole is expected to exceed $3 Billion in 2008 so I want to clear up a little of the confusion and bring some of the leading composites to light.

First, some of the negatives of composite decking materials are:

• Composite decking is typically NOT structural. This may not be true for all brands. This will become apparent if there is any kind of failure in your deck's substructure because the deck's surface will bow and bend with the underlying failures.
  
• Composite gets dirty easily. Stains, scratches, and mold usually form and show easily on most composite decking.
  
• Does not look like wood. While this is a matter of preference, just be honest about it. If you want composite - great - but please do not try to pretend that anyone will be fooled into thinking your composite decking is, or even looks similar to, wood (EVER).
  

Trex - Trex is made from reclaimed wood and plastic, comes in multiple colors and finishes, can be bent slightly to create contours in your deck, and can be installed using traditional screws.
ChoiceDek - ChoiceDek is a Weyerhauser product made from recycled wood and polyethylene and is only available at Lowe's. It comes in 4 colors, two finishes, and is very similar to Trex in that is can be bent slightly and installed using regular screws.
Correct Deck - Correct Deck is made from wood and polypropylene, comes in many colors, and can be installed using regular screws or with special hidden hardware so no screws show from the top.
TimberTech - Timbertech is made from "reclaimed wood fibers and pure plastic resins," comes in a variety of colors, and must be installed with their special hardware - meaning no screws show from the top but that you have to buy the special hardware. Timbertech also has a composite fence product.
EverGrain - Evergran is made from plastic and wood. It is available in many colors and can be installed using regular screws and hardware.
GeoDeck - GeoDeck is made of plastic and recycled plastic and blended with a mixture of "purified cellulose fibers and other minerals." It requires special hardware for installation and is available in three colors. GeoDeck's biggest claim is that their decking will not fade.
WeatherBest - WeatherBest is a Louisiana Pacific product made from wood flour and high density polyethylene. It is available in multiple colors and installs with regular screws.
Veranda - Veranda composite decking made by Universal Forest Products from a mixture of wood and plastic, comes in a variety of colors, and can be installed using regular deck screws. Veranda composite deck boards have two textures - one face is smooth and the other is wood-grain.
Eon - Eon Decking is "the only 100% plastic" decking product - whether you like that or not. Eon comes in 4 colors, has a wood-grain finish and looks like plastic (at least to me). Eon requires the use of the Eon fastener system for proper installation.

Tips for Composite Decking Installation and Care

• Pre-drill for all screws.


• Build a better/stronger substructure than you would for a regular wood deck.


• Keep the surface clean. Composites offer lower maintenance costs if you keep them clean - free of dirt, oils, a free standing water.