Adding or replacing a deck? Look beyond wood
Five advantages that make a clear-cut case for composites
The decking industry projects that nearly 40 million decks in North America are more than 20 years old – and likely showing their age. If one of those decks is yours, you may want to think twice before choosing wood for your next deck. In the time since these decks were built, the industry has seen tremendous advancements in engineering and the rapid rise of wood alternatives that outperform, outlast and “out-deck” their wood predecessors.
Long the go-to material for building decks, porches and other outdoor living spaces, wood is increasingly being replaced by high-performance composite decking as the material of choice among professional contractors and homeowners alike. Designed to deliver incredible durability, easy maintenance and lasting beauty, composite decking offers all the beauty of wood without the hassles of continuous upkeep.
“Today’s homeowners want to spend their time enjoying their outdoor living spaces – rather than maintaining them,” said Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking available locally at A.D. Moyer Lumber. “High-performance composite decking, like Trex, stands up to weather and day-to-day wear, and resists fading, stains, mold and scratching far better than wood. It’s also made from recycled content, which makes it an ideal choice for today’s eco-conscious consumers.”
Here are five key advantages that composite decking has over wood:
Superior Durability: Traditional wood decks can be beautiful, but unfortunately they don’t stay that way for very long. Wet springs, blistering summers and frigid winters can quickly take their toll, leaving some wood decks faded, splintered and warped. Wood also attracts insects, which can cause extensive structural damage. Over time, this rotting and splitting can pose safety hazards ranging from splinters to deterioration and deck collapse.
Composite decking is designed for maximum durability. It resists fading, staining, scratching and mold and won’t rot, crack or warp, regardless of harsh weather conditions or daily wear and tear. It’s insect-proof and splinterfree, making it safer and more comfortable for families with kids and pets.
Low Maintenance: Any wood deck – be it pressuretreated lumber, ipe, redwood or cedar – requires extensive upkeep to maintain and protect. Seasonal sanding and sealing are a must to fend off the natural rotting and splitting that come with wood. Wood also fades easily, showing every spill and scuff it endures, so regular painting or staining is needed to maintain aesthetics.
Composite decking is ready whenever you want to use it. You never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-andwater cleaning is all that’s needed to maintain superior stability and beauty for decades. Trex decking even comes with a 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty, ensuring that it will continue to look and perform as well over time as the first day it was installed.
Aesthetics: Featuring high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colors, today’s composite decking looks and feels more natural than ever before. Color options range from deep earth tones to spicy reds and pristine greys, including tropically-inspired boards that feature the distinct streaked look of exotic hardwoods. In addition to the range of decking looks available, homeowners also can find a wide selection of composite accessories, such as railings, stairs, gates, pergolas and furniture, to complement and enhance the beauty and safety of their decks while creating a truly customized outdoor space.
Sustainability: Composite decking provides the look and feel of real wood, but without the environmental impact. The entire Trex decking portfolio, for example, is manufactured using more than 95 percent recycled content, including reclaimed industrial wood scraps and recycled plastic from common items such as shopping bags, newspaper sleeves and shrink wrap. In fact, Trex keeps more than 400 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap out of landfills each year and has never felled a tree in the making of its products.
Building with wood, on the other hand, contributes directly to deforestation, wiping out trees that local wildlife depend on for food and shelter.
Value: Many people are surprised to learn that wood decking can be more expensive than composite in the long run. Although the initial cost of pressuretreated lumber is less, when you factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance required with a wood deck, a composite deck can end up paying for itself in well under 10 years. There also is the added time and cost involved in repairing and replacing wood deck boards that will inevitably warp and splinter over time – even if they are well-maintained.
“Considering all of the undeniable advantages that composite decking offers, the question really is, why would anyone build a deck with wood anymore,” said Zambanini.
“Today’s homeowners want to spend their time enjoying their outdoor living spaces – rather than maintaining them.” — Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex