If you’ve long dreamed of building the perfect deck to enjoy your place at the lake or in the woods, you’ve probably considered whether natural wood or one of the new composite decking materials is right for you.
It’s tough to beat the beauty of a quality, natural wood deck, but maintaining that lustrous appearance takes regular maintenance, such as sanding and re-staining. For those looking for a low- or no-maintenance option, composite decking is your best bet.
“Some of the composites now have a 50-year warranty against staining or fading,” said Eric Burckhardt, who owns and operates Cook Building Center. But even the base-level composite products have at least a 20- 25-year warranty, noted Burckhardt.
Composite wood products have come a long ways and the higher end products have the variability in coloration and patterning that makes them hard to distinguish from real wood.
Each type of composite decking has its advantages and disadvantages and there is significant variation when it comes to price. According to Burckhardt, the cost of composite decking boards can run from $3 to $11 per linear foot. “Just like with everything, there is good, better, and best,” he said.
The brands sold at Cook Building Center, which include TimberTech, Fiberon, and Trex, all come with advantages and disadvantages. All three brands are designed to resist moisture, fading, and warping, even when subjected to the challenges of a northeastern Minnesota winter.
The quality of the product often comes down to the percentage of PVC in the boards. PVC provides the resistance to scratching and weathering and can enhance the appearance. Base-level products include a thin layer of PVC on top, while mid-level products are wrapped top to bottom in a layer of PVC. The highest quality products are solid PVC, said Burckhardt, which helps to maximize their longevity.
TimberTech stands out for its premium aesthetic and durability, notes Burckhardt. The company offers a variety of high-end finishes that closely resemble natural wood. TimberTech also comes with the best fire rating, which is another advantage over natural wood. Given the increasing prevalence of wildfire in the region in recent years, some of the premium products offered by TimberTech can provide greater resistance to fire spread than other composite materials and much greater resistance than most natural wood. While its high-end appearance and fire resistance is appealing, the upfront cost can be a major consideration depending on your budget.
Fiberon, on the other hand, is known for its affordability while still offering a wide range of colors and textures. It has a reputation for being an excellent mid-range option, providing good durability without the premium price tag of TimberTech.
Trex, one of the best-known base-level brands, gets a plus for its sustainability. Made from 95 percent recycled materials, it can probably lay claim to the most eco-friendly of the choices as well as the least expensive. But the boards tend to be thinner, which might require more support from the deck’s structure, and they are limited to a solid color that looks more artificial.
All three brands require minimal maintenance compared to wood. An occasional cleaning with soap and water is generally enough to keep the decks looking great.
Fiberon, while more affordable, had fewer premium options, and some users have reported that it can be slightly less resistant to scratching compared to TimberTech.
Some user have reported that Trex decking, while durable, can get very hot if the deck is exposed to long periods of sunshine during summer months. If that’s the case in your situation, consider lighter colored deck boards, which reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat.
Winter can bring other challenges. While all three brands are designed to withstand extreme weather, composite decking in general can become slippery when covered in snow and ice, which means you’ll need to be diligent about shoveling and using non-damaging de-icers to maintain traction. If you’re considering your deck for a summer cabin, that’s probably not an issue.
Customer choice
The argument for composite decking ultimately comes down to its durability and the savings on maintenance. Aesthetics are clearly a major factor as well, notes Burckhardt, who said his customers tend to opt for the highest-quality options. “The people who really see their deck as an investment are usually going with the best products,” he said.