Vinyl Decking Vs Composite

The most common size is about1.25 inches thick, 5.25 inches wideand varying lengths. The cost to build a 144-square-foot composite deck averages about$5,200. The prices can range from$3,600 to $7,700between$25 and $54 per square foot. By comparison, a 144-square-foot wood deck ranges from$5,000 to $7,200, or$35 to $50 per square foot. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge.

Wolf® Decking

Despite the fact, they still can’t match the look of wood-plastic composite deck blends. Each PVC plank looks the same, down to the grain patterns and color streaks. Meanwhile, quality composite decking such as Timbertech decking perfectly captures the innate beauty of wood, with authentic wood-grain embossing and natural colors. While both products practically come with the same advantages, each has its own set of qualities that make one the better choice for your backyard. Below, you’ll see why more people choose composite decking for their home addition project.

What To Know About Deck Railing Height

TimberTech, like many of the leading composite manufacturers, has mastered the art of composites with wood graining and details that closely resemble the look of real wood. In the case of this high- quality composites it is like real wood, but even better.

Timbertech Pro Vs Azek: Which Decking Is Best For You?

wide, which means they aren't wide enough to fully cover both the deck boards and a 2x12 joist. Visualizers like this are super handy, but nothing beats a trip to the supplier to check out samples of the actual products. Feel the texture of the materials and if there's a display, take off your shoes and walk around on it.

Based on their price point, though, wood decks can be the best decking material for some homeowners. Choose wood-composite decking when you want a low-maintenance material. Some composites can also resemble exotic wood species, giving you the best of both worlds. If you have children or just like walking barefoot, wood-composite ensures that you will avoid splinters. But the best benefit of wood-composite decking is that it is guaranteed not to rot or split, and it never needs a stain or other protective finish. When planning an outdoor deck, perhaps the biggest decision you face is which material to use for the decking. While most decks use pressure-treated wood lumber for the understructure (posts, beams, joists, etc.), the decking can be a completely different material—or not.

Most of the composite, plastic, and aluminum decking we tested kept its original color better than unfinished wood. Building a deck with composite boards over a wood substructure is highly common. Decking material needs to screw into joists for maximum support and durability. All artificial decking needs less maintenance than wood, but composite tops the list.

Simply glue together three sides, slide them over the post, glue and clamp the last side in place, and then never worry about painting or staining again. Order it at home centers and lumberyards that carry Azek products. Composite is resistant to rot, mold, and termites, which can take their toll on wood decking materials. Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

Understanding the pros and cons of manufactured decking can help you decide which material is best for your needs. PVC often has a more aggressive texture than composites -- and that can be a plus or a minus, depending on your preference. Lastly, both product types offer multi-tonal or “streaked” products that are designed to resemble real wood.

Planning Guide: Decks

In addition to selecting the color of deck boards, you'll also have to decide on the color of the fascia boards, railings, spindles, hardware, posts and caps. And those aren't easy decisions, especially when all you have to go on is a brochure with tiny color swatches. For more information on decking products, ideas and techniques, search for “decks” at the top of this page.

When you’re planning your deck, besides deciding the color, style and size, you’ll need to pick the material it will be made of. Generally, your choices will be wood, composite, and cellular PVC decking.

Materials made entirely of plastic can stretch and bend over time, shortening their lifespan. The cost of decking materials ranges from$15 to $36 per square foot. Promote sustainability as capped polymer boards are environmentally-friendly products made from up to 54% recycled material.

It is lightweight and has the same density as white pine, a softwood. Some PVC decking is "capped," meaning that a protective shell is added to the surface that also gives it a wood-like look. Wood-composite decking is a mixture of high-density polyethylene and wood particles, along with preservatives and binders. Wood-composite can be eco-friendly when it is made with leftover sawdust from furniture manufacturing and plastics recycled from milk jugs and detergent bottles. Pressure-treated wood is hands-down the cheapest way to floor your deck.

• However, it can lead to a bit more “bounce” than composites once installed.
• PVC and composites alike should be intermittently swept or hosed off to remove dirt and debris.
• Both expand and contract with temperature changes and manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed carefully.
• Both PVCand composite decking require less maintenance than wood.
• That includes unclogging gaps in boards, and cleaning up spills to prevent staining.
• PVC and composites also both often have “hidden” fastening options that reduce the outward appearance of the installed decking for a more polished look.

Now that you know what each decking material holds in store for you, hopefully, you have now decided which type of decking to install. If you’re still unsure, you may want to talk to a decking professional such as Creative Fences and Decks to learn what you need to know.

The most affordable line in the TimberTech family, Edge features a scalloped underside, reducing the amount of material per board. Less expensive doesn’t mean ‘cheap’ though, this product is still more resistant to the elements than traditional wood decking.