Composite [kuhm-poz-it] 1.a mixture of different components 2. a structural material that gains it strength from complementary materials 

in this case wood fibers presumably from woodshops and recycled plastics grocery sacks, stretch film, milk jugs etc. somewhere around 50/50, 50% wood 50%plastic.

1992 Mobil oil buys Trex decking  technology (called Rivenite) ,at this time Mobil oil is largest US plastics operation and owns hefty, they are looking to clean up their image and begin recycling projects. They coin the phrase composite, or composite decking, and through aggressive marketing sell us all on the idea. Before long composite is a household word and we are happy to spend twice as much as before for a rather drab porous gray concrete looking decking that does not produce splinters. Since then many changes and improvements, much competition from other products, and even higher prices (whatever happened to recycled products being cheaper then new?) the raw materials are free aren't they?

Wow, it is hard to believe how many composite decking products have flooded the market since Trex introduced us to composites some 14 years ago.  some have come and gone, others have partially or completely changed their appearance, warranty and slogans.  Trex probably still out sells them all (due to fantastic marketing more then product innovation) and to be fair their new boards are much improved over their first releases. However, do you research, other products have some nice features. We are concerned that some of these composite companies may suffer longevity problems.

Below we will tough briefly on some of the different composites, features, strengths and weaknesses. We will continue to update this information as we learn more on the products. At this time we still feel Ipe (Ironwood) the best buy for the dollar and the all around best outdoor material period. But we understand that Ipe is not for everyone and will be happy to quote and or build you a composite deck.

Quick note: the trend it seems if for higher grade composites, and well that leads to less and less recycled material if any at all.

Trex accents: Wood grain pattern on one side, board is squarer and stiffer, they now claim it will span 16".( we still keep it to 12") Their warranty has been increased to 25 year. Cleaning and staining:  they now have a convenient web page devoted to help you maintain your deck. http://www.trex.com/Universal/product_info/workingwithtrex/careandcleaning.asp . Trex, like most composites will scratch fairly easily and there is no way to sand these scratches out, surface graining helps to hide these scratches. The wood fibers will fade with sun exposure and give mildew and mold  some foothold (please keep your composite deck clean) . Like other composites the plastic in Trex will absorb quite a bit of heat under direct sunlight and may be uncomfortable to naked feet. Accents is available in 4 solid colors designed to look natural as they age and fade. Overall, a widely available well received solid composite decking that will never give you a splinter. We feel there are better buys but are happy to build you a Trex accents deck.  http://www.trex.com/accents/

      Madeira           Saddle             Woodland brown    Winchester grey

Trex has also added a deep grain product similar to Evergrain ,Trex contours, that makes 5 different composite lines from them, hard to keep up.

Evergrain: Epoch Evergrain is a very high end quality composite decking. Unlike other extruded composites Evergain is produced using a compression molding process which give it a very convincing deep wood like grain, far superior to others combed graining. Evergain is a very stiff square quality composite board. capable of 16" joist spans but we still stick to 12", has less shrinkage and requires smaller spacing due to less water absorption then other composites. We feel it is a bit tougher then Trex and the much deeper grain is likely to hide scratches better .The factory offers a 25 year warranty. It is maybe slightly more expensive then Trex but we feel the better choice, and our composite recommendation. Most of our composite decks have been built using Epoch Evergrain. Evergrain is available currently in 4 colors to match any house. http://www.evergrain.com/create/decking/colorsClassic.jsp

 More colors with color blends or highlights are set to be available soon.

Veranda: Veranda is the composite decking sold exclusively at Home Depot. Veranda has a new wood grain finish and is a bit cheaper then the average composite. Veranda carries only a 15 year warranty and we worry that it may not be around for a long time, Home Depot used to carry Fiberon another low end composite, not sure why they made the switch. Veranda seems decent for the price but certainly not the best product on the market. Veranda is said to be available in four colors but only stocked in one color.

Correct Deck: Although we have not built a correct Deck deck, it is readily available and priced competitively with other high end composites. It has a deep embossed grain, and several color choices. We have heard mixed reviews and will continue to investigate.

Procell: Now AZEK? A cellular PVC vinyl decking board, not really a true composite, as it is all PVC but it usually grouped with the composites. Harder surface and embossed grain, probably more mildew and scratch resistant but perhaps more slippery and hotter in direct sun. Making a lot of noise in the field we will keep tabs on this product. Quick update, we did a couple procell decks, good product in some applications.  http://www.azek.com/viewProduct.php?id=5