Designing and building a new deck is a process you should undertake slowly while you consider how you can customize it to suit your family’s needs. It’s a project that will change the architecture of your property and an outdoor living space investment that you, as a homeowner, can benefit from for decades.
As such, choosing the right materials is essential. Several stand out for the quality and durability of their composite decking, with Trex taking the top spot. Read on to discover the reasoning behind our recommendations for the best composite deck materials so you can make the right wood deck choice for your home.
Read on to learn about 8 of the best composite decking ideas.
What Is the Best Composite Decking Brand?
Trex Decking
Trex composite decking is an eco-friendly decking option that recycles plastic film, grocery bags, hardwood sawdust and other used materials to make its Trex Select decking boards. Trex boards are solid, and you have the option of adding a coating that makes the composite decking boards resistant to water and damage. Some let you install them in a way that hides the fastenings, while other styles have visible screws for visual interest. They come in a wide range of colors and styles so you can match your deck to your home’s architecture.
A Trex deck is an eco-friendly and attractive decking option that’s durable and easy to maintain. Trex composite decking is a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly and low-maintenance deck replacement.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish new patio space or are simply looking to replace an old, worn-out wood deck, a Trex deck is a great choice. Trex composite decking is also water-resistant and easy to clean, so you can enjoy your deck for years to come.
As well as decking, you can get deck framing elements, fencing, outdoor lighting, trim, outdoor furniture and pergolas, among other house products. Trex has a complete selection of outdoor Trex composite decking products and lumber. The company offers a 25-year limited warranty with every product, and we think they’re the number one material on the market.
Lumberock
Lumberock deck boards are made from a mixture of plastic and mineral materials, with no organic materials at all. While they’re resistant to water and salt damage, they’re available in a limited range of styles, and their products aren’t widely stocked.
TimberTech (AZEK)
These decking boards are 100% PVC, but the company has placed a focus on making its product look as natural and realistic as possible. Unlike wood, their products moisture-resistant and will not fade, scratch or stain, so you get the natural beauty of wood engineered to last for decades. You can choose from visible screws or hidden fasteners. AZEK is one of the largest suppliers of decking in the United States, and they are among the most expensive options.
CertainTeed EverNew
These lightweight composite decking boards are usually hollow and installed with hidden fasteners. They’re made from 100% plastic or PVC mixed with wood flour and only come in three different colors. If you’re searching for deck ideas keep in mind that CertainTeed is better known for railing products than for its decking.
Cali-Bamboo
Most BamDeck is made from 40% recycled plastics and 60% recycled bamboo, giving it a unique look and finish. There is a line called TruOrganics that features planks made entirely from recycled wood. They come in three different colors and hold up well against various weather conditions.
Fiberon
Fiberon is a large company that makes solid PVC decking boards, railing products and fencing. Its boards feature a composite wood and plastic core and have a PVC coating. They come in a variety of styles, including options that have more of a natural wood decking look, and you can choose whether the fastenings are visible or not.
Dura-Life
Dura-Life planks are made from a mixture of hardwood flooring, recycled plastic, real wood and plastic. They’re resistant to stain and damage and come in a range of colors, with four natural-look options and four solid landscape colors. You can choose one color or mix up colors for a two tone effect.
Envision Composite Lumber
Envision uses heat and pressure to remove all air bubbles from its composite decking boards, resulting in a heavy, hard-wearing product. Its decking is made entirely from plastic, and it has a premium product line with an additional protective coating. For those seeking to create a wooden frame look be mindful that the boards come in a limited variety of wood tones and gray shades.
Types of Composite Decking Material
Once you’ve selected which brand you like the sound of most, there are the finer details to take care of. The best composite deck boards are a combination of plastic and recycled materials, making it extremely safe and hard-wearing. There are further variations within the category including:
Watertight
This type of composite decking board has a scalloped underside so that when they’re fit together, they’re almost 100% watertight. If you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall, this could be the best choice.
Paperboard
Paperboard is light and stiff with a hollow center. It’s a mixture of plastic and recycled paper, which is said to be more fade-resistant than wood fiber.
Weathered wood
Weathered wood boards look like aged cypress wood, giving them an elegant finish. They’re usually reversible and made from solid wood. Wood decks made from weathered wood have a classic natural look,
Embossed grain
This is another type of decking designed to look elegant and natural. The wood grain effect is imprinted deeper because it’s pressed rather than cut.
Plastic-wrapped
These decking boards are finished using resin. This gives the composite flooring excellent protection against scratches, stains and fading.
Two-faced
One side of a two-faced board is smooth, while the other has a wood effect imprint. This provides an optional two tone effect.
Textured grain
Textured grain features a rustic-cut wood grain that hides general wear and tear.
All-plastic composite alternative
If you’re looking for something with low maintenance, that is highly scratch-resistant and isn’t susceptible to water damage and mildew, all-plastic decks are available as well. The downside is that they tend to only be available in a limited color palette and don’t always look like natural wood decks.
Why Is Trex Decking the Best Choice?
When it came to deciding which brand has the best composite deck material for your house, there were a few key factors we took into consideration. Sustainability is becoming a bigger priority for customers and businesses alike, so the decking materials must be as eco-friendly as possible. Trex composite decking is by far the most conscientious choice when it comes to recycling, with around 600 million pounds of recycled materials purchased and used each year.
The value-to-quality ratio is integral, and Trex composite decking boards are durable, long-lasting and affordable compared to other brands offering similar quality. Its product line offers a wide range of colors and styles — giving you a chance to fine-tune your deck design to suit your vision of the perfect deck.
Many homeowners choose to spruce up their new front or back decks with potted plants, flower planters, or built in benches.
If you’re looking for ways to make your deck more stylish and functional, consider these additional ideas:
- Add a top rail: A top rail is a great way to add style and function to your deck. It can provide an additional place to hang plants a vintage lantern, a personalised sign, or it can simply help to frame the space and keep people from falling off. Not only does a rail contribute to the look of the deck, it’s also an added safety feature.
- Add planters or flower boxes: Whether you prefer potted plants or built-in flower boxes, adding greenery to your deck is a great way to create a more inviting space that blends seamlessly into your backyard. See Trex’s line of trex cube planters for the best plant and flower garden containers.
- Add seating or dining furniture: If you entertain often, it’s important to have adequate seating on your deck. You can choose from a variety of outdoor furniture pieces, including chairs, loveseats, benches, and tables.
- Add a fire pit: A fire pit or a propane fire table is a great way to add ambiance and warmth to your deck. It’s also a great gathering place for friends and family while you drink your spiced rum and tell stories.
- Add a pergola or trellis: If you want to create a more private space on your deck, consider adding a pergola or trellis. This will provide some much-needed shade on hot days, and it can also serve as a place to hang plants or lanterns.
- Add a hot tub or spa: If you’re looking for a truly luxurious outdoor experience, consider adding a hot tub or spa to your deck. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy, but you’ll also have the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day. Just make sure to add a non slip part in the deck location.
Start Building Your Dream Deck Today
At Prince Williams Home Improvement, we’re professional deck builders in Alexandria, Virginia and the surrounding area. As a top installer of Trex composite decking throughout Virginia, we use a wide range of Trex products, and our team would be delighted to answer any questions or queries you might have about deck ideas or building a Trex deck. Call us at 800-799-7944 today to speak with one of our advisers.
