The Perks of Composite Decking

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers

Are you building or replacing a deck? Make sure to consider your composite options! Far from the plain synthetic boards of the past, today’s composite decking wows visually and performance-wise. There are plenty of stylish products available, so make sure to invest in a great choice from all angles. Here’s how quality composite decks stand out above the rest!

Lasting Beauty

If you’re the type who wants today’s design decisions to last through the years, composite decking offers consistency you won’t find with a natural material. Wood gets weathered by the elements and develops patina over time, so it won’t look the same as what you first fell in love with and decided to install. Composite decking is made to look like wood with all sorts of colors and grain patterns—you can invest in and enjoy the exact aesthetic you want now and even decades down the line. So, pick something that works perfectly with your exterior color scheme and patio furniture and elevate your home’s outdoor living appeal beyond the usual norm!

Durability & Minimal Care

Not a fan of maintenance? Few people are! Composite decking offers an exceptionally low-maintenance experience that’s manageable even for the upkeep-averse. First of all, it’s made to be durable, so you don’t have to worry about common wood deck issues like splintering, cracking, or rotting. And the material isn’t palatable to insects, so it won’t fall prey to termites or carpenter ants, either. There’s no reason to sand and paint, stain, or otherwise waterproof anything. All your composite deck needs from you to look its best is a gentle wash with soap and water to remove dirt and algae. Simple, right?

Long-Term Affordability

When you shop for anything, you can’t just look at the sticker price. Though you will find plenty of variability between different products, composite decking typically costs more than lumber upfront. Make sure to look at the big picture! Consider durability, money you won’t have to spend on maintenance, and any warranty as well. The lifespan of a regular wood deck is only 10 to 15 years while composites last much longer, and they’re backed up by warranties between 25 and 50 years. Expect to recoup your investment over time—it’ll pay off in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Composition

Not all composites are created equal, of course, but you can shop with environmental friendliness in mind! The main eco-friendly aspect of composite decking might surprise you. Some assume it’s that composites replace wood, reducing demand on forests, but it goes much further. Eco-friendly composite decking is made with recycled rather than virgin materials, which prevents wood scraps and discarded plastic from ending up in landfills. Giving new purpose to existing materials also takes less energy than starting from scratch, resulting in lower carbon emissions. Pair that with the practical benefits already outlined and it’s no wonder so many homeowners are gravitating to this decking!

If you’ve been inspired by the benefits of composite decking, check out Fiberon® to explore the possibilities! They offer a wide range of products for every style and budget, and with coordinating railing options, you can create the outdoor space of your dreams in one convenient place. You can find Fiberon® decking at The Home Depot and local lumber yards, or connect with a local deck builder to walk you through the process!