Wood And Composite Decking Pros And Cons

Winner: Trex

In addition, composite decking materials can be milled and cut just like wood decking. Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years. If you can find a product that goes beyond this timeframe, then that material should jump to the top of the list of preferences for your composite decking. Increased heat levels can also cause some of the materials in the composite decking can cause some of the materials to become more flexible. This disadvantage can cause the boards to move out of their fasteners over time. If you accidentally spill hot cooking grease on your composite decking, then there is an excellent chance that the plastic in this product will melt. You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason.

Most manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty for the stain and against fading when you choose this option. If you use real wood for your decking material, then you’ll need to sand and stain it periodically to preserve it.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

TimberTech also offers a 25-year warranty coverage, and that warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner. This does not only apply with composite decking but also for other outdoor surfaces as well. There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping. However, there’s still no 100% anti-slip composite decking. Most of them though perform better than conventional wood decking in terms of slip resistance.

And there are things you can do to increase the surface traction. SlipDoctors’ Floor Grip is an effective roll-on anti-slip coating ideal for slippery composite decking surfaces. This clear, water-based urethane sealer was designed for creating an anti-slip coating on vinyl, vinyl composition tile , interior wood, cork, laminate, linoleum surfaces, and more. Floor Grip will increase traction dramatically and is a great solution for human feet and dog paws to prevent slipping. What are Veranda Composite Decking and Railing made of? Our composite decking products consist of wood and plastic with a rich, realistic woodgrain. The downside is that plastic lumber doesn't look much like wood.

Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface. It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean. According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not. “Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance,” he says.

To ensure safety, manufacturers of plastic and composite decking have started submitting products to slip-resistance tests set up by ASTM International. So far, however, a nationwide safety standard has not been established. “If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite,” says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. "Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance," he says. "If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite," says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Choose composite deckings that have grooved or rough-textured surfaces as this improves grip and is less likely to be slippery. Composite decking on the other hand has a low water absorption rate. Most of which comes with a capstock coating or capping material around the surface, made of vinyl, that repels liquid better.

• Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface.
• According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not.
• “Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance,” he says.
• It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean.

I have a hot tub on it and there has never been a problem with it being slippery. Two things to remember, all composite decking is not the same, high and low. The above information is great, especially the transferrable warranty, but what about the dangers? Most people don’t realize, in terms of safety, that composite decks are actually more dangerous than lumber found at a big box store due to the manufacturing process and materials. Yes, composite decking is easier to clean and lasts for many years. But it’s also susceptible to mold, mildew, and regular wear and tear.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

With TimberTech you can build a dream wood-composite deck with confidence. Available products include wood-plastic composite, capped composite, and PVC composite, all available in earth or other natural tones. TimberTech maintains its color and elegance for years without the need of annual painting or staining. And it resists mildew, warping and insects, removing the need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards.

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. We purchased our current home, as new, nearly 18 years ago. It came with a deck that was made with early type (uncapped?) composite decking. The spindles and posts were also made of the same material.