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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 oak pallets etc. and recycled plastics grocery
sacks, stretch film, milk jugs etc. somewhere around 50/50, 50%
wood 50%plastic. |
 Composite
history: 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 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 for a rather drab gray decking that does not give
us splinters. Since then many changes and improvements in
appearance and performance, a host of grain simulations and
formulas, competition
from other manufactures', and even higher prices
(whatever
happened to recycled products being cheaper then new?) the
raw materials are free aren't they? of course it takes fossil fuels to
make these materials., what does this do to the green movement?
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We have done
the research & testing, & work with several of the high end
composite offerings
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 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. we are a Trex deck
contractor
http://www.trex.com/accents/
*Entry level basic composite*
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 Evergrain:
Tamko
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.We have been building evergrain
composite decks fro several years and have been very pleased
with the product. We are your Evergrain composite
deck company.
*Builders Choice*
http://www.evergrain.com/create/decking/colorsClassic.jsp
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Azek,
formally Procell: 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. We've built a number of
Azek decks, great product ,although
does look more man made then some, lightweight and strong, fastens very
easily and snuggly. Comes in several pastel shades of colors which can
fit many needs.
*Builders Choice*
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  Sensibuilt:
Another cellular PVC high end decking board this one comes is 4
very vibrant glossy colors and a fusion bonded surface said to
resist chalking and scratching. Comes with a limited guarantee
against color fading. *Similar
to Azek* |
Truemarc
offers a brand new PVC using rice hull filler with perhaps the
most appealing colors and exotic wood choices. We are impressed with the look of this new product and are busy
testing the material. Available in 7 colors to simulate many of
the exotics including Teak, Ipe, Mahogany, Meranti, also
available in grey, oak and chestnut. Dark colors
subject to extreme fading/chaulking |
 Fiberon
now owns sensibuilt and also makes a composite decking in every
sector, Most recently adding their Tropical hardwood grain
horizon line which simulates the look of exotics like Ipe and
rosewood. Although very expensive
(more then real ipe) it is a beautiful looking simulated exotic
composite core with coated surface. Fiberon has extended their
stain and fade warranty to 20 years (this seems ambitious)
*Worth considering* |
 Veranda:
Veranda is the composite decking sold exclusively at Home Depot
manufactured by the Fiberon company. 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, 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. If on a strict budget then this might be your choice but
there are certainly better composites available.
*Low End budget composite* |
