Composite Decking
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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, 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 in appearance and
performance, a host of grain simulations and formulas, much 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 beaucoup of
fossil fuels to make these materials., what does this do to the
green materials movement?
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Wow, it is hard to believe how many composite decking products have
flooded the market since Trex introduced us to composites some 16 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. check out our site outlining nearly every man-made or
composite decking available
http://www.deckspecialists.com/composite_deckmaterials.htm
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.
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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/
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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.
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.
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  Correct Deck:
Although we have not built a correct Deck deck, it is readily
available and priced inline with other high end composites. It has a deep
embossed grain, and several color bold choices. This product has a
co-extruded outer layer or skin with anti microbial properties.
Made from polypropylene rather then HDPE it may be a
harder board. We are testing the
product, as there are concerns with the outer layer chipping or
scratching, the company does sell a matching touch up kit and
mentions using a heat gun for scuffs. The bold glossy colors are
liked by some while too much for others, we are not opposed to
working with the product as it seems to be a high end composite. |
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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. |
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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. |
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 Timbertech:
Timbertech had a wealth of decking products, covering the full
spectrum of composite materials. From high end expensive
co-extruded cellular PVC boards to low end basic value priced
composites. Timbertech has a decking board aimed at ever y corner
of the market. We are not opposed to working with Timbertech
products. |
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 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. |
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We are known for our Ipe decks,
but as the demand for Ipe has grown Ipe prices have risen, we know that
Ipe is not for everyone. There are many quality composite decking
products competing with the high end Ipe decking materials. We
will still favor Ipe for our high end decks but we realize that the new
breed of quality composites have found their place in today's deck
marketplace. We are happy to build you a composite deck!
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