Capped decking offers extra protection in the form of a hard outer shell. Required fields are marked *. Composite decking doesn’t require sealant, so you can skip the sanding and finishing. Over the past few decades, composite decking has skyrocketed in popularity as an alternative to wood. Capped composite decking has come a long way from earlier, uncapped options. Ultradeck composite material is equipped with Anti-UV inhibitors to combat fading in sunlight. Today the m Composite bamboo decking is a variation on the traditional composite decking where bamboo replaced domestic recycled hardwoods mixed with high density polyethylene plastic. A significant attraction to composite decking is how many colors it comes in. Some capped composite wood products contain wood powder in their cap layer, which means that wood powder is still exposed to the elements and can still succumb to the problems of the first generation. How Contractors Keep Up with Building Trends. Capped composite decking doesn’t splinter, so that isn’t a concern. Modified wood can be used in any region or climate as well as alongside water as poolside decking, piers, or docks. If you have any questions about capped composite decking, please contact us. First generation (non capped) composite wood has no cap layer to protect the core. With NexGEN Capped Composite Decking all these thrills and spills simply wash off. Forget staining and you can spray off any spots with a power washer or normal soap and water. NexGEN Decking offers a way to prevent these common problems. If, on the other hand, you have capped composite decking, you don’t need to worry about any of these common problems with decking. Half-capped exterior decking materials expose the lower half of the boards to humidity. Maybe Trex has cured the problems with their decking by switching production to their new cased product–and maybe the Ford Pinto, and Chevy Vega will be discovered to be masterpieces of human engineering. Traditional wood will require the most maintenance over the deck’s lifespan, whereas the maintenance for composite decking is practically nonexistent. Try to avoid applying the finish when it is really hot out, as this will cause the seal to dry too quickly and leave a spotted appearance. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. The Voyage Decking collection is capped composite boards with vertical grain variegation. The sun is not the friend of wood or uncapped composite decking. Any exposed wood particles in a board’s core or cap weaken its defense from mold, mildew, and moisture damage. Look specifically for Capped Composite Decking that offers a Stain and Fade Warranty for long term piece of mind. Nooks and crannies on wooden decks can hide rot until it is too late. capped composite technology but with bamboo. You will have to keep plants trimmed back from it to slow mould and rot and to make it harder for pests to climb on your deck. It won’t rot, so you won’t have to inspect for that either. Coupled with being sold as low-maintenance and not needing surface treatments leads homeowners to believe their new deck will look the same for its entire lifespan. Similarly to composite, it requires no surface treatments and only basic cleaning. Homeowners quickly notice that their new deck scratches fairly easily compared to older wood decks. Once the deck is completed, you will have to annually clean the deck with a deck cleaner. These are incredibly common problems with decking. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. There are capped composite decking systems that come with marine grade stainless steel fasteners that attach the boards to the sub-frame via grooves on the sides of the boards so that you can avoid loose dangerous nails all together. A 25-year fade and stain warranty covers all capped composite decking offered through Trex vs Timbertech’s 30-year warranty. Composite decking, which is made from thermoplastic resins and wood, doesn’t invite fungi, since it can’t eat plastic. However, if the composite wood is uncapped, it can still warp from rapid contraction and expansion cycles. However, it’s important to remember that while a composite may be a better idea than a PT wood, it doesn’t mean it’s superior to all woods. The above problems with decking can take lots of time and money to correct. Hollow composite decking is notoriously short-lived, often bowing and cracking within a few months of purchase; however, TimberTech's solid composite decking is far sturdier, which is why we offer a 25 year residential warranty with all of our deck boards. Many composite decking materials also stain easily. Capped vs. Uncapped. You can cover uncapped composite decking with a finish, too, though the material doesn’t … This is why regular waterproofing is required to keep a wooden deck nice. The main competitor to composite decking in the early years was pressure-treated (PT) lumber. Luckily, composite decking tends to be far ... water-resistant solution for your hot tub surround or poolside area, capped composite decking from TimberTech is the ultimate solution that won't leave your deck in hot water. AZEK’s teams of scientists and designers have engineered high-performance decking materials that withstand the test of time and nature with unparalleled beauty. The only way to combat this with wood is to choose a finish that specifically resists UV radiation, though even these finishes stop working after a while. You will also have to reapply the sealant or stain once a year, which will include lightly sanding the deck surfaces with 80-grit sandpaper before applying. Your email address will not be published. If you get wood for your decking, you will have to keep the bugs in mind. No, they will just cut out galleries in the rotten wood, leaving sawdust and destroyed decking in their wake. I’ll be honest, when I started outlining this article I came up with 20 points within 10 minutes. They are engineered for use on the ground or in the water, but Voyage deck boards feature textured embossed for enhanced traction. Composite deck boards contain porous wood fibers that absorb moisture, fade, stain, swell and feed bacteria. The reason for this is that plastic is oil-based in nature which causes water to sit on its surface rather than absorbing like wood. This isn’t an option with composite. Modified wood is stronger and longer-lasting than composite, not to mention more versatile. A deck may get more use in the summer and spring than the fall, but unless your backyard is off-limits during the winter, ice can be an issue. If a stain occurs and … Composite decking is made up of a blend of wood particles and plastic materials to form a deck board, then some are capped with a synthetic material to help keep moisture out. While more advanced composite is exceptionally resistant to water, this doesn’t mean that mold isn’t capable of growing. This will be more fun than you think! This will help repel moisture, thus delaying rot. The cause of this isn’t exactly clear, but it’s suggested that the composite nature of the decking leads it to be much more sensitive to temperature and humidity swings as well as sun exposure. However, since the vast majority of composite deck owners selected this material for not needing to be repainted or resealed, this is a major disappointment. The uncapped composite decking fades in colour while wood eventually turn grey if not properly treated. When you make the plans for your deck, you will want to take into consideration how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of your deck. New model Trex decking with capped design don’t have staining problems like the older products do according to Trex. You can’t simply start slapping decking materials together, or you will wind up with an uneven mess on your hands. It is by far the hardest cap in the business. To make sure that there's enough room between the boards to allow for the small amount of expansion and contraction that can occur on particularly hot or cold days, you should: Veranda® composite decking by Fiberon® offers homeowners the benefits of capped composite decking at a price closer to wood. Composite decking is typically made of more plastic than wood fibers, leaving the surface fairly soft. Some deck boards have actually peeled and melted! Then it dries off and shrinks. What’s interesting to note is that composite decking boards are more apt to move around. Many new decks are being made with composite decking rather than wood, as manufacturers have led homeowners to believe that their products are superior to any real wood. Mold Capping is not an add-on. Why Choose Composite Decking Composite decking was developed in a response to use recycled materials and to alleviate the problems associated with wooden decking which are typically related to weather problems causing decay, mould and algae growth within the traditional wooden deck boards, with composite decking as each of the fibres is coated in polymers they protect the wood from decay … Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. Good Life Capped Composite Decking (Trade Only). Second Generation Capped Composites: Adding a rigid capping material to the outside surface of composite decking goes a long way toward keeping excess moisture out of the decking which makes them less slippery. Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Capped Composite Decking, Composite Decking, Deck, Deck Materials, Decking Systems, Wooden Decks. One example is the slipperiness of composite decking when it’s wet. Despite composite being “low care”, homeowners living in humid/wet regions might find them having to clean their decks excessively to control mold, fungus, algae, or moss growth. Decks are amazing, and many people want one on their house. Building one that meets your particular situation, however, requires planning and appreciating the problems with decking that can arise. Insects, rodents, and other wildlife will also not be attracted to your modified wood deck. © Innovative Building Material | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. This is caused by heat. This decking is in the premium class and available in four colors with Sierra, Tundra, Costa, and Mesa. Wood as a decking material can be beautiful when you first install it, but, as an organic material, it is prone to rot. Check out some composite decks that have grown mold, mildew, algae. Many homeowners have ended up learning the hard way that composite decking isn’t flawless and, in many cases, ends up being a frustrating, expensive mistake. However, if the composite decking that you chose doesn’t have a non-porous surface layer (capping), it can easily get stained. Fortunately, many, if not most, of the problems with decking and other considerations on this list can be avoided if you pick capped composite decking with a long stain and fade warranty. This movement causes boards to bend out of position, slowly working free of nails and other boards. That means, when you choose TimberTech® capped composite or capped polymer decking, you save on long-term costs, time, and stress. The newer technologies come in a multitude of colors, grain patterns and thicknesses. Man-made decking materials have developed greatly since the late 90s with the introduction of Composite Decking. Uncapped composite decking is porous and can be stained. Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. The first steps you will have to take to ensure the long life of a wooden deck is to sand and seal the material as soon as it is built. In this way, composite decking can be fairly unpredictable, even within boards on the same deck. With an enhanced real-wood look and strength backed by Alloy Armour Technology ™, AZEK’s capped polymer decking materials are top of the line in quality and beauty. Trex’ new capped composite decking has had far fewer issues so far. Another characteristic that can cause problems includes retaining heat and feeling hot to bare feet. The texture of the surface of the boards and the very rough surface of uncapped ends can easily hold water within its grooves. Today we have capped composites, which feature a “cover” that provides added protection against the elements and everyday living. Composite decking doesn't swell or contract to the same extent that real wood decking does (especially if it's fitted correctly). This solves some problems, but other problems occur. The sun is not the friend of wood or uncapped composite decking. You might go for a sun shade as a bit of added protection, but it can’t cover everything all the time. Free and Fast Shipping at everyday low prices. Be sure to schedule in inspections for rot during the summer so you can replace anything that might be getting weak. Warping causes nails and screws to come loose, and the elements can cause the metal parts to rust out, leaving your deck seriously weakened. NexGEN maintenance free composite and aluminium decking with up to a 50 year stain and fade warranty. Unmatched in strength and durability, our Poly-Pro Advantage™ outperforms other composites and PVC decking products, ensuring that DuraLife decking resists fading or staining, while minimizing contracting and expanding. Plastic--capped … The Problems With Composite Decking. Dreaded Australian UV rays cause the surface fibres to decay, making their pretty exteriors loose their lustre. The uncapped composite decking fades in colour while wood eventually turn grey if not properly treated. Swelling & Cupping There are other characteristics of composite decking that limit its usability. In reality, composite decking is prone to fading, especially when it’s exposed to the elements and sun. Splinters are the next area of concern for anyone who likes to walk on the deck barefoot. While a hardwood deck can be constructed with joists 16′ apart, most composite deck joists must be built 12′ or less apart to prevent sagging. We will only send you awesome stuff!Privacy Policy. Yakima Decking Solid Board 7/8" x 5 3/8" x 16' Composite Decking ... Shop Solid Board 7/8 x 5 3/8 x 16' Composite Decking in Gray at Wayfair. Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. Staining Problems With Trex Decking. Composite lumber is fairly popular in construction (i.e. Capped composite decking, on the other hand, is easier to maintain. Capstock decking with its plastic wrapper generally fades more slowly than non-capstock composite decking which commonly loses all of its color in three to five years, turning a dingy gray, but it will fade over time. Your email address will not be published. However, the capping surface of many older materials was made out of shiny, hard plastic that lacked traction. Available in two popular solid colors, Brown and Gray, Veranda composite decking is capped on three sides and backed by a … Wood that has been exposed can start to fall into shards, which can get into bare hands and feet. Modified wood is a real wood product that offers far more benefits than composite, but with the beautiful look of natural wood. plywood), but capped composite lumbers designed for decking didn’t really come onto the market until the ’90s. This capping contains UV inhibitors and … Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. Patio furniture, BBQ grills, kids toys, and even the family dog’s nails can all leave gouges in the composite decking. Last, but not least, modified wood ages beautifully (even becoming a silvery-grey) and rarely splinters. Wood-Alternative Decking, Man-made Decking, or Synthetic Decking, like PVC Decking or Capped Composite Decking has become quite popular due to longevity, maintenance, and increasing lumber costs. Termites and carpenter ants are big fans of wood. 1. Many composite manufacturers even offer matching paint for this reason. Warping and splinter resistant After just a few years in the harsh Australian weather, traditional timber decking can often warp or spinter. The only way to fix the stains is to paint over them. Even pressure treated wood absorbs water and expands. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. While capped halfway decking has better resistance to stains, scratches and the sun, it has other problems. The cause of this isn’t exactly clear, but it’s suggested that the composite nature of the decking leads it to be much more sensitive to … Bamboo makes a very fine, homogeneous and dense flour which is mixed with recycled plastics. Composite decking also isn’t as strong as solid wood, which is evident in that smaller joist spacing is required for the deck’s structure. If your wood deck got scratched, it can be sanded down. The only way to combat this with wood is to choose a finish that specifically resists UV radiation, though even these finishes stop working after a while. Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Composite Decking Problems for the Boardwalk Ipe boardwalk at Disney World. The sun moves and the shade goes with it, leaving portions exposed to UV rays. Uncapped decking is the more cost-effective choice, but it is also more vulnerable to staining and mold growth if not carefully maintained. We would love to find out if it is the material for you. Here are the five main problems associated with composites that you must be aware of before you invest thousands into your new deck or patio. After all, no matter how you initially you make your deck, it can crumble well inside of a decade if it isn’t properly cared for. 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Out galleries in the harsh Australian weather, traditional timber decking can often warp or spinter deck is completed you. A Privacy Fence Add Value to your Home | all Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy and only basic cleaning popularity. In general complaints from homeowners include their composite decking where bamboo replaced domestic recycled hardwoods mixed recycled. Not properly treated model Trex decking and the very rough surface of uncapped ends can easily hold water within grooves... Privacy Fence Add Value to your Home, thus delaying rot any about! Rise, cracking finishes and letting in more moisture their composite decking to remove.! To combat fading in sunlight the late 90s with the introduction of composite decking when ’. Needs time to dry start-up companies that did not survive the cut wood has cap. Was pressure-treated ( PT ) lumber money to correct especially if it is also more vulnerable to staining you... 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