A Custom Deck Builder Company gives insight into various Composite Deck Materials

Composites are a combination of wood fiber and plastic resin which usually has a wood grain look without being made from pure wood. Composites are more costly than wood and not as strong as wood so they require closer spacing. Composites also cannot be refinished like wood can. However, there are many benefits to using a composite material. Composites are very durable and require low maintenance. They are also moisture, pest, and rot resistant unlike wood. Finally, some can be stainable and they won’t split or warp like wood can under environmental pressure or changes.

TREX

Tony with Professional Remodeling Group from Northern Virginia begins with Trex, one of the leading brands in composite decking. Trex composite decks are created from recycled wood and plastic fibers. These recycled materials are high quality and environmentally friendly. The plastic in Trex allows the wood to be moisture, insect, and rot resistant, while the wood protects the plastic from UV damage and provides a natural look to the material.

Some of the advantages to Trex include: the excellent traction even when wet, availability in a wide range of colors, and the fact that Trex will never need to be sanded, stained, or painted.

Tony Ishairzay also mentions that TimberTech, the manufacturer of Trex, offers a 25 year limited warranty which may transfer to a second homeowner, thereby creating a useful selling feature on your home.

EVERGRAIN

Tony with Professional Remodeling Group from Northern Virginia explains the difference between Evergrain by TAMKO and Trex, in that Evergrain is the only premium composite decking material made with the compression molding process. Compression-molding gives the material a deep wood grain texture that is much more durable than a material which is etched into the surface. Therefore, the product looks like real wood while encompassing the benefits of a composite.

Again, Evergrain doesn’t require painting or staining because it is made from plastic and wood fiber, not to mention that Evergrain is extremely easy to install. Finally, as added incentive TAMKO also offers a 25-year limited warranty against rotting, splintering, and termite damage.

FIBERON

Fiberon is another composite decking material, which is easy to install with less flaws than real wood. It is designed to install with screws or fasteners (choice is up to you!) and gives long lasting results.

Fiberon is made of a combination of polymer resins and finely ground wood flour, with a UV inhibitor and anti-oxidant additives to protect the boards from external and environmental elements. This means that your deck will never crack or deteriorate, and again will never need to be stained or sealed.

Finally, Fiberon offers a 20-year limited warranty.

AZEK

AZEK Deck prides itself on being the leading brand of stain resistant decking. It is also different than both traditional wood and composite decking. AZEK Deck is made with cellular PVC unlike other composite materials. This means that the formulation doesn’t contain any wood fibers making it especially resistant to mold, mildew and stains.
Some of the benefits associated with AZEK Decking is that it is stain resistant, scratch resistant, split resistant, mold and mildew resistant, impervious to moisture and insects and has a lifetime limited warranty with company inspection.

Tony also emphasizes, that choosing the right deck materials for your home should rely on durability and maintenance of materials over and above costs. Although the use of composite materials may be more expensive than traditional wood initially, the long-term benefits of low maintenance, strength, durability, and added value makes the initial investment worthwhile.