COMPOSITE DECKING
BEAUTY MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Coastal environments are brutal on decks and docks, but modern technology knows how to outsmart the elements. Composite decking has come light years since the gray, one-dimensional boards of the ’80s. With realistic wood-grain texture, bullet-proof shells, and colors to match almost any home, today’s decking options offer homeowners a lasting investment that looks terrific and requires almost no maintenance. Not sure where to start? Don’t sweat it. Decks & Docks has been selling composite decking material for more than 20 years, and we know these products in and out. Give us a call or stop by one of our 14 locations. We’ll talk you through options and find the perfect fit for your budget, taste, and project. If you enjoy geeking out on this stuff and want to brush up first, click on the decking comparison chart and get started planning your perfect new outdoor space.
Capped Composite Decking – The Original, Improved
Artificial decking started with composite in the late ’80s. Made of recycled plastic and repurposed wood, it was a revolutionary idea, with some well-reported flaws. Fast-forward a couple of decades and the composite decking market has come light years – with new brands, new ideas, and new technology that meet modern demands for durable and attractive decking and dock material. Capped composite has the same wood and plastic interior as original composite, but is wrapped in a super tough shell cap. More than a protectant against mildew and rot, the cap allows boards to have wood-grain textures and a range of colors to match any style. Invest once, enjoy for decades. Yep, decades. Decks & Docks only carries capped composite decking brands that guarantee a minimum of 25 years without fading or staining.
BIGGEST PLUS: Cost-effective, proven durability
Capped Pvc – Looks Great, Feels Great
Looks like wood, but cooler. As in, actually cooler. PVC decking has a similar tough shell as capped composite, but because there is no wood content, it retains far less heat than other decking options – a great choice for a pool deck or boat dock. Texture and color options mimic natural wood varieties and stains: oak, hickory, mahogany, cedar, redwood, and even ipe. Maintenance is a breeze – periodic hosing off and mild cleaner will keep your deck or dock looking great for decades.
BIGGEST PLUS: Lightweight, best for bare feet
Plastic – Hi-tech For Long Life
OK, so “plastic” doesn’t have a great ring to it. How about High-Density Polyethylene? HDPE? Whatever you call it, this decking has a wood-grain texture, a broad range of attractive colors, and looks great on a deck or a dock. Lumberock sources material from recycled milk jugs and soda bottles, and boards come in the broadest range of sizes and colors of any decking we carry. Our reinforced HDPE brand, WEARDECK™, is virgin HDPE reinforced with Owens Corning Advantax® Fiberglas™ technology for remarkable strength with minimal thermal expansion and contraction. WEARDECK™ is heat reflective and structural with 5/4 inch boards that can span 24 inches on center, without bend or give.
BIGGEST PLUS: Board strength, no wood content
Composite – Proven Design
These guys took all the good ideas from the originators of composite decking and kicked it up a notch. Similar insides as capped composite (recycled plastic and wood), but no cap. The result is a solid piece of contiguous material, for easy drainage, affordability, and a natural look. Depending on the brand, composition and uses vary. MoistureShield is the only marine-grade composite decking that can be regularly submerged with no degradation. EverGrain is compression molded, for a realistic, and long-lasting wood grain texture.
BIGGEST PLUS: Natural look
Composite Decking Comparison Chart
Capped Composite
- Combo of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood materials – (0-95% recycled depending on brand)
- Outer cap is a proprietary plastic shell
- UV inhibitors, scratch resistance
- Warranty – 25 year fade and stain
- Vivid colors, and consistent colors
- Dramatic, deep woodgrain detail
- Minimal maintenance
- Available in 1x and 2x (Trex Only)
- Scratch resistant
- $$$
Capped Composite Decking Brands
CAPPED PVC
- 100% PVC with a higher density cap
- UV inhibitors, scratch resistance
- Can submerge in water
- Lightweight
- Very easy to fabricate, work with colored throughout
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Resistant to heat
- No organic content means no promotion of mold growth
- $$$
CAPPED PVC DECKING BRANDS
HDPE
- High-density polyethylene (WearDeck)
- Fiber Glass-Reinforced (WearDeck)
- High-density polyethylene (LumbeRock)
- Monolithic – no cap, not co-extruded
- Recycled (LumbeRock) – HDPE
- Lifetime warranty on structure
- Available in 1/2x, 1x and 2x
- Heat-Reflective (WearDeck)
- Minimal Thermal Expansion & Contraction (WearDeck)
- Weather Resistant
- Structural-2×8 and 2×10 can be used as stringers (WearDeck)
- $$$
HDPE DECKING BRANDS
Composite
- 50% HDPE – recycled
- 50% Wood (Typically oak flooring scraps)
- Monolithic – no cap
- Resists rot and splintering
- Inexpensive
- 99% recycled material
- Available in 1x and 2x
- $$$
Composite Decking Brands
SHOP COMPOSITE DECKING
FROM TOP BRANDS
Decks & Docks is your one-stop shop for all of your decking and boat dock needs. From lumber to tools and hardware, we carry everything you need to get the job done right. When it comes to decking, you have options. Whether you’re looking to craft a gorgeous backyard retreat from wood, composite, or PVC decking, Decks & Docks has top-of-the-line options to help bring your vision to life. If you’re not sure what type of decking you should get, don’t worry. Our team is happy to help you determine which type of decking will work best for your project. Stop by one of our locations or contact us online to learn more.
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