At Grand Decks, one of the most common questions we hear from our Portland area customers is, “What’s the best composite decking material?” While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, we understand it can be overwhelming with so many brands to choose from, each varying in price and quality. It’s important to consider composite decking reviews to find the right fit for your home, budget, and style. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top options and share our insights based on years of experience, helping you make the best choice for a deck that’s built to last.
What is Composite Decking and Why Is It The Preferred Choice?
Composite decking is a modern solution that combines the best of both worlds: the natural look of wood and the durability of plastic. These decking boards are typically made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, which helps improve their strength, appearance, and longevity. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite deck boards perform better by eliminating many of the imperfections found in natural materials, like warping and splintering.
Not only does composite decking provide a stunning look for your outdoor space, but it also requires significantly less maintenance. Say goodbye to the endless power-washing, sanding, and staining that come with wood decks. With composite, you can enjoy your deck without the extra hassle of upkeep.
What’s Composite Decking Made Of?
Composite deck boards are often made from a blend of recycled and reclaimed materials, such as polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and wood fibers or rice hulls. These materials are mixed together with chemical additives to create a durable, low-maintenance product.
Some composite decking products are made with as much as 95% recycled content, which is an excellent choice for those looking to be more environmentally conscious. However, whether or not the composite contains recycled materials doesn’t necessarily affect its performance. Most manufacturers have perfected their processing methods, ensuring that composite deck boardsprovides the same level of durability, no matter the recycled content.
Is Composite Decking Worth the Money?
When it comes to adding a deck to your home, it’s important to think about the value you’re getting, not just the upfront cost. While composite deck material might cost more at first than wood, the difference isn’t as big as it used to be, especially since the cost of wood has gone up in recent years. Here’s why composite decking can actually save you money in the long run:
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Wood decks need a lot of upkeep. You’ll need to power wash, sand, and stain them regularly. Plus, if any wooden boards get damaged or rot, they need to be repaired or replaced. This can cost a lot of time and money.
- Less Work for You: Composite decks are easy to maintain. You only need to wash them occasionally with mild soap and water. That’s it! No sanding or staining is required.
- Long-Term Value: Composite deck boards last longer and come with warranties that can last for decades. So while it may cost more upfront, it’s less expensive to maintain and will last much longer than a wood deck.
When you add up all the extra costs of owning a wood deck, maintenance, repairs, and replacements, the total cost over time adds up. In the end, a composite deck can be more affordable than wood.
How Easy is Composite Decking to Install?
Not all DIY projects are created equal, but building a deck with composite boards is easier than you might think. Here’s what you need to know before you get started:
- Simple to Install: Composite decking is user-friendly. You can use special clips that hide the fasteners (so you don’t see the screws), giving your deck a neat, clean look. No fancy tools needed—just basic ones like a drill and a saw. If you prefer, you can also use color-matching screws to make it look like wood. As long as you follow the instructions (like keeping the right space between boards), installing composite decking is as easy as using nails or screws.
- Cuts Just Like Wood: You can cut composite deck boards are just like wood, and it comes in standard sizes: 5/4” x 6” boards (which are actually 1” x 5.5”) and lengths of 12′, 16′, or 20′. To install, just lay them across the beams and make sure they’re spaced correctly.
- Extra Features: Want to make your deck look even better? Many companies offer matching railings, trim boards, and low-voltage lights to complete your look. It’s all designed to fit together easily, making your deck even more awesome.
Why Hiring Professionals is the Better Choice (But Hey, If You Want to DIY…)
Building a deck might seem like a fun weekend project. After all, how hard can it be, right? Before grabbing that hammer and getting started, consider a few things. Sure, DIYing a deck can save you some money up front, but it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
Here’s why hiring professionals like Grand Decks is the smarter choice:
- Experience Matters: Deck building isn’t as simple as slapping down some boards and calling it a day. A lot of things can go wrong, like improper spacing, structural issues, or even poor drainage. Professionals like us have the know-how to avoid these pitfalls and build a deck that’s safe, solid, and built to last.
- Quality and Safety: There’s nothing worse than investing time and money into a project only to have it fall apart later. Our team uses top-quality materials and follows strict building codes, ensuring your deck looks great and is built to stand the test of time. Plus, safety is always a priority, and that’s something you might overlook with DIY.
- Less Stress: Let’s be honest: do you really want to spend your weekends working on a project that may take longer than expected? Between choosing materials, gathering tools, and fixing mistakes, DIYing a deck can quickly become more trouble than it’s worth. Hiring professionals means no stress and more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
- Long-Term Value: A professionally built deck adds more value to your home. And with warranties on our work, you’re getting a long-lasting investment that’ll give you peace of mind. On the other hand, a DIY deck might not hold up over time, which means extra costs down the road.
So, while we could let you tackle your deck project solo, think about it: Do you really want to deal with the headaches, mistakes, and extra time? Or do you want a beautiful, professionally built deck that’ll last for years?
If you’re ready to skip the stress and get a deck that’s done right, contact Grand Decks today. Let us handle the heavy lifting (literally), so you can relax and enjoy your new outdoor space.
3 Best Features of Composite Decking Material (In Our Opinion)
We could say all day how great composite decking is over traditional wood decking, but if you really need to know why we love working with composite, here’s our top 3 reasons:
1. Durability and Resistance to Weather
One of the biggest benefits of composite decking material is its resistance to harsh weather conditions, which is especially important in the Portland area. Unlike wood, composite boards don’t warp, crack, or splinter, even in extreme temperatures. This makes them perfect for all types of climates, including wet or humid areas where wood may degrade faster. You’ll get a deck that lasts through rain, snow, or sun without the fear of rot or insect damage.
2. Eco-Friendly Option
Another important thing to consider is that composite decking is often made from recycled materials, which is an eco-friendly option. If you want to be environmentally conscious, choosing composite decking means less waste in landfills and a smaller carbon footprint than traditional wood decking. Plus, with many brands offering up to 95% recycled content, you can feel good about your choice for the planet.
3. Variety of Styles and Colors
Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so you’re not limited to just one look. Whether you prefer natural wood tones or a more contemporary look, a composite option matches your style. This versatility makes finding the perfect decking material that fits your outdoor space and home design easier.
Top Composite Deck Brands to Know
Composite decking has come a long way since Trex first invented it in the mid-1990s. It’s now a go-to option for homeowners who want the beauty of wood with less maintenance. Since then, several brands have entered the market, each offering unique features, like realistic grain patterns, durable materials, and various colors to fit any outdoor style. Let’s take a look at some of the top brands to know when shopping for composite decking:
- Trex: As the first company to blend plastic and wood flour to create composite deck boards, Trex has been the leader in the industry for over 30 years. Their Transcend line is their most popular, and it is known for its durability and beauty. Plus, Trex offers decking at multiple price points, so you can find something that fits your budget. They also offer a full range of fascia, railings, and deck lighting to complete your outdoor space.
- TimberTech: Now part of Azek Building Products, TimberTech is another top name in composite decking. TimberTech offers strong, reliable decking that’s designed to last, and their acquisition of Azek has made them a powerhouse with both PVC and composite decking options under one roof.
Ready to Build Your Dream Composite Deck?
At Grand Decks, we specialize in creating beautiful, durable composite decks that require minimal maintenance and last for years. Whether you’re looking to update your outdoor space or start fresh, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on the composite deck you’ve always wanted. Let’s make your dream deck a reality!
