Published September 22, 2005

According to home improvement surveys, the addition of a beautiful wooden deck consistently rates as one of the top improvements in terms of desirability and return on investment. Of course, building a traditional wood deck usually involves a lot of sawing, sanding and staining. And then there’s the costly and time-consuming upkeep to consider.

Some consumers just don’t want the hassle.
Instead they’re eschewing natural wood in favor of composite decking - a synthetic building material that imitates wood in grain and color, and to some untrained eyes even looks a lot like the real thing.
These decking materials, which have been on the market for about a decade but have only become mainstream in recent years, are made from wood fibers and recycled plastic, such as discarded supermarket bags.

Manufacturers claim these products will not rot or deteriorate due to harsh weather; contain no toxic chemicals or preservatives (which have traditionally been used in pressure-treated lumber); are low-maintenance (never requiring staining or sealing); resist heating and fading; are easy to install; don’t sliver or splinter; and will still give the improvement investment that homeowners want.

“Composite decking is becoming a popular alternative,”says Sean Wall, an area sales manager with Friedman’s Home Improvement of Sonoma, which stocks Trex and Bella Rosso brands of composite decking. “The sales for this type of building material are growing and it currently has about a 20 percent share of the market.”
Although Wall says composite decking is not indestructible or “perfect,” it still has a lot going for it.

“The material is resistant to water damage; insects can’t destroy it; it’s not apt to crack and rot; and it doesn’t splinter,” he explains.

But it’s the maintenance, or rather lack of it, that’s perhaps the primary selling feature of composite decking. Unlike wood, you will never have to sand, seal, paint or stain it.
Although composite decking costs more than natural wood, benefits are reaped later on.
“It’s a trade-off,” says Wall. “Composite decking is more of an initial investment, but labor-wise it can end up saving you time and money down the road.”
Environmentally, the product makes sense.

“The best thing about composite decking is that it’s environmentally friendly,” says Friedman’s Steve Sprague, who works in outside sales. “It was originally made from recycled bags from the grocery store and sawdust – that’s how it all started.”
He says composite decking products are selling well, although locally. Sonoma homeowners still often view traditional hardwood as being the more “upscale and luxurious” option. However, he adds that for some people the relatively more synthetic look of composite decking simply doesn’t matter as they paint their decks anyway.
One advantage to composite decking, according to Sprague, is the range of products available in terms of colors, textures and even intricate pattern possibilities.

“If you want to make a deck that’s more personalized, this is the material to use,” he says.
There are many brands of faux wood on the market. Today’s composite decking comes in a wide variety of colors and texture patterns, and many manufacturers are offering complete composite decking systems that include rails, posts, and balustrades.

One of the downsides is cost. Homeowners might think that synthetic materials are less-expensive than wood, but it’s not true. The cost per linear foot of composite decking material runs between 25 percent and 30 percent higher than for hardwood, according to Sprague.
Although maintenance is lower compared to wood, composite decking materials are not completely maintenance-free. The deck will still need sweeping, hosing and cleaning, such as a power wash at the beginning of each summer season. Manufacturers’ instructions for regular cleaning must be followed to maintain the best appearance and to avoid any mold or mildew buildup. Certain substances, such as grease from the barbecue, or acidic substances, such as wine, can stain certain composites. So it’s also important that spills be cleaned up quickly and thoroughly.

Some brands offer colors that have a weathered appearance or that have a hue they claim will remain more vibrant, but it’s worth noting that all composite material is expected to fade and weather somewhat over time.

Since the product is so new on the market it’s hard to tell how long a deck made from composite material will last, says Sprague. But he adds that manufacturers are talking 20 to 25 years or more for durability.

Currently there are around 50 manufacturers of composite decking. Trex, WeatherBest, Bella Rosso and GeoDeck are a few examples. The best thing to do is shop around and check out all the options, including colors and care and maintenance specifications for each manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to check older decks to see how they have weathered, especially during sun exposure. Manufacturers’ brochures and website are a good place to start, and begin planning a project for next season.

“Just start looking around,” says Sprague. “Do some research and let your imagination go from there.”