A Homeowner's Guide To Composite Decking | Family Handyman

By Ally Childress

Updated on Sep. 30, 2024

Composite decking has been evolving for nearly 30 years. If you're considering it for your deck project, here's an overview of what's available.

After Trex introduced composite decking in the mid-’90s, it was kind of like Kleenex — the company’s name became synonymous with the product. And why not? They were the only game in town, and the idea was solid: taking waste wood byproducts and reimagining and reforming them into sturdy, attractive decking that outperforms wood. Today, dozens of companies are giving Trex a run for its money through innovation and process improvement.

In the last 30 years, the composite decking industry has exploded, so you’d be forgiven for needing help navigating the crowded field. Ahead, we talked to two decking experts to arm you with information, whether you’re DIYing your deck or hiring a pro. If you’re considering a new deck or you want to revitalize an existing one, here’s what you need to know about composite decking.

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“Composite decking is a type of outdoor flooring material, and a popular alternative to wood decking,” according to Corey Buescher, a virtual handyperson expert at Frontdoor, an app that connects homeowners with experienced technicians (including decking experts like Buescher). “It is also known as wood-plastic composite (WPC) and is made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials.”

Composite decking is generally a composition of wood flour (a byproduct of wood processing) and plastic mixed together, says Mike Reeder, brand president of Archadeck Outdoor Living, who ran a decking company for 15 years. Early composite decking stopped there, but “a lot of new technology involves sealing the outer perimeter with plastic to ensure the weather doesn’t penetrate the surface, and there are others that are made entirely of plastic,” Reeder says. Outer perimeter sealing is also called “capping.”

Buescher says the plastic components of WPC “can be either recycled or virgin polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The plastic binds the wood fibers together, adding strength and moisture resistance.” Other additives include colorants and stabilizers to enhance the performance, appearance and longevity of your deck, plus reduce mold and mildew.

Ever since Trex started the composite decking revolution, companies like TimberTech/Azek, Fiberon, Deckorators, Fortress, Lumberock and others have each made their mark by putting their own unique spin on the product. Cali Bamboo, for example, manufactures composite boards using bamboo fibers instead of wood, and other companies use colors, textures and other distinguishing features to stand out.

No matter the materials and look, “most manufacturers use the good, better, best method to differentiate pricing,” Reeder says.

Companies may have their own terminology to describe the three levels of decking available. You can also choose between solid and hollow composite decking.

“Solid boards are typically stronger and can handle more weight and impact,” Buescher says, while hollow ones are lighter and easier to work with. Hollow decking is often less expensive than solid boards due to reduced materials, but solid boards tend to look more like real wood.

Because it’s a synthetic product, you don’t have to worry about warping, knots, splits or other defects when working with composite decking. Even better, you never have to treat for termites or carpenter ants because composite decking isn’t susceptible to insect damage. Here are some other benefits of composite decking:

Composite decking is manufactured with recycled materials, but it isn’t necessarily a green building product. Some manufacturers have committed to reclaiming or repurposing old boards, but many end up in landfills. And because the plastic and wood are bound together, the breakdown is slow. Other composite decking drawbacks include:

Composite decking installs just like wood, but Reeder and Buescher stress that it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. It will tell you the right fasteners and tools to use, the required span of the joists and spacing requirements. Here are some specific pro tips: