Everyone wants a beautiful deck but perhaps not the maintenance that often comes with it. Fortunately, most wood types have easy upkeep, though nothing quite beats the low-maintenance appeal of composite decking. With composite decking (versus softwood or hardwood decking), there’s no need to ever restain it. Mostly, all it takes is a good rinse with mild detergent to keep it looking its best.
Many composite decking materials also come with a manufacturer’s warranty which helps to secure your investment. Plus, it’s often deemed the most affordable decking option by saving you money in the long run since it won’t have to be replaced. If you like the look of real wood but want to keep maintenance to a minimum, here are several types of composite decking materials to choose from:
- Trex – Trex Decking offers the widest range of options depending on the color and affordability you want for your project. All options provide carefree maintenance with premium colors to customize the look of your deck. And both the Transcend and Enhance Trex Decking varieties use 95% recycled board so you can also feel good about going green.
- Azek – Azek Decking is a PVC product, which is cooler on the feet and lighter to carry. In addition to the selection of lighter, natural-looking colors, these features make a significant difference, especially for those who live inland and want to keep their decks as cool as possible.
- TimberTech – TimberTech Decking is another popular composite material. As with other options, it’s low-maintenance without the need for staining or sanding to achieve the desired look. Also, the TimberTech boards are uniquely protected with a fully-engineered capping technology to lock out moisture while locking in the fade-resistant color to promote decking beauty that lasts.
- Fiberon – For a dramatic look, the deep colors and wood grain patterns of Fiberon decking offer stunning, multichromatic colors and subtle streaking to portray the look and feel of natural hardwood. Yet, it provides the same low-maintenance and durability other composites have.
- Deckorators – Touted by the manufacturer as one of the strongest composites with its fiber-like, mineral-based core. It’s also one of the few options that is approved for ground level and rooftop installation with their sleeper system.
Personalizing Your Deck Design and Décor
There are several variations of deck designs and décor to create a customized look that feels cool and comfortable. For example, a picture frame deck design, with a rail running along the perimeter, is an extremely popular choice that also helps to keep composite materials in place. With this design, you can get extra creative by using a different color for the border than the deck itself.
Additionally, stair lighting, deck dots, and mix-and-matching different sizes and colors of boards are all ways to build a deck that fits your home’s special aesthetic. Once you have the foundation of your deck in place, there’s no shortage of ways to enhance it and create the type of backyard sanctuary you envision.
When it comes to making the most out of your outdoor space, a composite deck is an easy, low-maintenance solution. To help you get started with your next project, stop by your local J&W Lumber store, and one of our specialists will be happy to assist.