Essential Insights into Composite Decking Materials
Discover the essentials of composite decking, including types of boards, material grades, profiles, and installation tips. Learn how eco-friendly materials and different profiles can help you craft durable, stylish outdoor spaces. This guide provides practical insights for choosing the right composite decking options to suit your needs, ensuring a long-lasting and appealing deck. Perfect for homeowners and building professionals interested in sustainable, low-maintenance decking solutions.
Essential Insights into Composite Decking Materials
Key Facts About Composite Decking Materials
In recent years, composite decking has gained significant popularity among homeowners. Its eco-friendly credentials, made from recycled plastics and wood waste, make it an attractive choice. If you're considering installing a composite deck, here are some essential points to consider.
What Types of Boards Are Used in Composite Decking?
- Double-sided : An affordable option produced by brands like Veranda®, available at The Home Depot™, featuring a wood-grain textured side and a brushed finish. Priced at approximately $4.50 per square foot, it installs with a slotted profile.
- Resin-coated : These boards are wrapped in a proprietary resin coat, offering a sleek finish and protection against stains, fading, and scratches. The resin covers both sides for enhanced durability and installs with a slotted profile, costing around $5.80 per square foot.
- All-plastic : Made predominantly from 99% virgin PVC, these boards resemble composite materials closely and are more resistant to scratches. Their strength is greater, and they are safe from food stains due to a wood fiber mix incorporated in their composition.
Material Grades for Composite Decking Boards
- Basic : Featuring uneven shapes and deep grains, these boards are 5 inches wide, offering limited color options such as red, brown, and gray. Their ridges on the underside mean only one side is usable.
- Mid-range : These boards sport a better finish with two usable sides and come in four color choices. They are typically 5.5 inches wide, making them suitable for most decking projects.
- Premium : Designed to mimic tropical hardwoods with streaked pigments, these boards have smooth surfaces that are slip-resistant. They are priced between $5.90 and $6.50 per square foot.
Popular Profiles for Composite Decking
- Slotted : Featuring grooves on both sides for hidden fasteners, this is a favored profile that starts at about $4.60 per square foot.
- Solid : Thick and without slots, these boards offer installation flexibility with face or edge fastening options, starting at $4.60 per square foot.
- Open flange : Lighter and designed for reduced weight, but with less stability, these boards use hidden fasteners and start from around $5.90 per square foot.
Important Considerations for Installing Composite Decking
- Joist spacing: Proper spacing (preferably no more than 16 inches apart) is vital to prevent sagging. Screws should be placed at least ¾ inch from edges and ends.
- Board spacing: Narrow gaps can trap debris and promote mildew. Using 16d nails helps maintain optimal spacing and drainage.
