Home Improvement

Best Composite Decking Materials and Options In 2020

by Jack
Best Composite Decking Materials and Options In 2020

Summer is almost over but, if you want to upgrade your decking material, you still have ample time to do so. Before you hurriedly grab your tools and pull out the electric saw, you must first choose the decking material. These days, there’s a wider range of options than just wood. Now, you may choose between vinyl, PVC, and composite decking, too.

However, if you’re looking for a versatile, low-maintenance solution, composite wood should be your top choice. This material is eco-friendly, durable and includes a wide variety of shades, hues, and grains. 

Are you ready to redo your deck with composite? The following options are the best that this year has to offer. 

The Perfect Blend 

Today’s composite materials perform much better than earlier versions. Thanks to new formulations, composite are no longer prone to scarring or damage from exposure to the elements and everyday use. Now, it contains reclaimed and recycled materials, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, wood fiber, rice hulls, and other various fillers. Manufacturers mix this perfect blend of wood and plastic with pigments and preservatives to produce panels that are resistant to rot, insects, splinters, and warping.

A number of brands sell panels made of this blend.

Trex

Trex is one of the most well-known names in composite decking — and for good reason. They practically invented the material in the mid-1990s and have been improving their blend ever since. Thus, they are the most established brand in the business and are one of the most affordable options for composite decking. They also offer three lines of products to fit every budget and style. 

Fiberon 

Fiberon boards perform similarly to Trex and contain a comparable blend of plastics and recycled materials. However, Fiberon offers a cap around the entirety of each decking board. Plus, they have more railing, lighting, and fencing options than Trex. They also sell various composite materials made of different ratios of plastic and wood to accommodate a variety of budgets.  

Azek

Unlike Fiberon and Trex, Azek makes boards from 100% PVC plastic. They also feature a more durable outer shell and a less dense core that can last a lifetime. While Azek’s composite decking may be a bit pricier than competing brands, the material comes in colors that others don’t provide and not many can match their durability. Azek’s products even come with a limited lifetime warranty, allowing you to save money in the long run — before factoring in maintenance costs. 

Zuri

Zuri is an upscale, high-performance composite decking that can cost twice as much as the previous brands. However, those who can afford it will enjoy a host of benefits including a 25-year warranty, a slip-resistant surface, and composite material that could fool nearly anyone into believing it’s natural wood. They also claim to be more durable and stain-resistant than other leading brands. 

Finding The Best Composite Decking for You 

More than half of Americans now use composite and cellular PVC materials to build decks. As the industry grows, so will your options. Therefore, it’s important to research various options and decide which brand is best for you. Since many offer similar materials, choosing one company over another may come down to which has the accessories that match your style and design scheme.

Regardless, it’s smart to compare prices, warranties, durability, and any other factors you deem valuable before making the best decision for you and your deck.
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