Should You Invest In Composite Decking?

As summer approaches, you can almost smell the smoky fragrance of the barbecue and hear the kids' laughter as they play hide-and-seek at dusk. Afternoon sun bathing and late night star gazing beckon...

But then you remember. Your deck was getting pretty worn by the end of last autumn and, before you can enjoy the best of what summer has to offer, you'll need to repair it—or perhaps build a new one entirely.

Your old deck was constructed from wood, but annual staining was a pain. Not to mention beetles, mould, and the occasional splinter. You've been thinking about trying composite decking instead.  But you require some more information before making a final decision.

Composite decking is a great product that holds its own, but whether or not it will be the right choice for you depends on your personal needs, preferences, and budget. In this post we'll provide an overview of composite decking and highlight two of the superior brands carried by STAR Building Materials.

At STAR Building Materials, we offer an extensive selection of decking options. One of our professional and experienced team members would be happy to answer any remaining questions you still have after reading the information below.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a synthetic decking option that comes in a wide range of colours and styles. It often closely resembles natural lumber and is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a similar but lower maintenance alternative to wood decking.

Pros of Composite Decking

• Low maintenance (can be cleaned with soap and water)
• No painting or staining required
• Doesn't splinter
• Slip resistant
• Comes in a wide range of colours and styles
• Resists moisture and insect damage
• Resembles wood decking but is less likely to warp with temperature changes
• Environmentally friendly choice

Cons of Composite Decking

• More expensive than standard wood products
• Heavier than standard wood products

STAR Composite Decking Options

At STAR Building Materials, we carry and offer two brands of composite decking, which we’ve selected based on their high quality and affordability:

Trex

Beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain, Trex high performance composite decking products are designed to outperform the competition. Trex products come in a wide variety of colours and styles and are an eco-friendly decking option made from an innovative blend of 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed sawdust.  STAR carries a wide range of Trex decking products and can make custom orders to meet your specifications.  

Moistureshield

Moistureshield manufactures the only wood composite deck boards that can be installed in direct contact with the ground or even in water. The brand’s proprietary Solid Core technology creates an impermeable barrier that adds extra protection against moisture, rot, insects, and more.  With capped and uncapped options available in a wide variety of colours and styles, Moistureshield composite decking products are an ideal choice for homeowners looking to take their deck to the next level.  

Composite Decking Unpacked

Before you invest in materials for a deck that you plan to enjoy for many summers to come, you want to be certain that you’ve considered every angle.  Below, we break down the realities of composite decking in a little more detail:

Cost

Composite decking is more expensive than pressure treated lumber, which has historically been the most popular decking option.  That being said, it lasts longer than wood decking, provides superior traction, and requires less maintenance.  Compared to other synthetic decking materials, such as PVC or vinyl, composite decking is more affordably priced.  It all comes down to your budget and preferences.  

Lifespan

While traditional lumber decking lasts between 10 and 15 years, a composite deck has an average lifespan between 30 and 50 years.  Of course, the longevity of a deck is impacted by many factors including usage, climate, sun exposure, maintenance, and the initial quality of the building materials.  Broadly speaking, however, it’s fair to estimate that a composite deck will have approximately twice the lifespan of a wooden deck maintained under similar conditions.  

Maintenance

Composite decking benefits from regular sweeping and the removal of grime from cracks and gaps.  In addition, washing it with mild soap and water followed by a rinse with the hose should keep it in good condition throughout its lifetime.  This simple maintenance routine contrasts starkly with the maintenance required for wood decking, which can include staining, sealing, and applying special cleaning solutions to keep mould and mildew at bay.  In addition, wood deck boards may warp, split, splinter or rot–issues that are much less prevalent in composite decks.  

Appearance

When it comes to aesthetics, it's really all about preference. Composite decking comes in a wide range of colours, textures, and styles.  Some composite decking closely mimics natural lumber, with realistic grains and hues.  In other cases, it can be more stylized.  There’s no right or wrong when it comes to personal taste; it’s just a matter of finding the right product for you!  

Environment

If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority for you, composite decking may be the perfect choice. Composite boards often contain a high recycled material content and reduce reliance on forestry products.  Of course, every composite decking product is different, so it’s always important to read product information carefully before purchase to ensure that it meets your sustainability goals.  

Conclusion

To conclude, composite decking has a lot going for it.  It’s durable, long-lasting, low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and affordable. It comes in a wide variety of styles and is straightforward to install.  

That being said, composite decking isn’t necessarily the right option for everyone.  When investing in a deck, it’s important to consider your own tastes and preferences, needs, and budget before making a final decision.  

If you’re seeking composite decking or other decking products in Winnipeg, STAR Building Materials has got you covered. For further questions about decking products or to browse our extensive inventory, don't hesitate to contact us by phone or visit us in person today!