It used to be much easier to decide how to construct a deck.
Did you want to make it out of wood - or wood?
Nowadays, there's a vast array of decking options available, and some of it doesn't even have a trace of wood in it. And that's is called composite decking.
There are three types of composite decking material:
polyethylene-based, polypropylene-based and nonwood plastics.
Oil-based polyethylene and polypropylene composite decking contain some wood. The industry seems to be moving away from polyethylene-based composites to focus on the polypropylene-based product (which is typically stronger and less susceptible to expansion and compression) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based product.
These plastics have no wood content, do not stain or absorb water. Technology is enabling manufacturers to give all these composites a look and feel that approximates real wood.
A variety of factors come into play when you're choosing the material for your composite deck, such as cost, availability of color and a hidden fastener system. The color and desired textures of the deck, where the deck is located and how the deck will be used will help narrow down which the best product. Take a look at our Deck/Decking Articles to know a little more.
Some of the big manufacturers are AZEK Deck, TimberTech, GAF Decking Systems, Trex, between others.
Click on the logos below and learn more about AZEK Deck, which is a PVC based decking and about GAF Decking Systems, a polyethylene based decking. These are two manufactures we work the most.
