This Old House: All About Composite Decking

TOH explains everything you need to know about this wood alternative, including how to choose the best boards, compare costs, as well as install and clean them.

By Sal Vaglica | full article

As idyllic as your backyard deck could be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber can be a downright chore. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection (gray). A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off.

That kind of popularity represents a big boost for the environment, too, because most composites are made from waste: sawdust, used plastic milk jugs, and shopping bags.

“The fact that composites don’t feel or look like real wood is beside the point. Once in place, they just do their job and don’t need much more than an annual wash-down, leaving you plenty of time to work on your nap.”

The fact that composites don't feel or look like real wood is beside the point. Once in place, they just do their job and don't need much more than an annual wash-down, leaving you plenty of time to work on your nap.

Here’s a detailed review about composite decking, including how to choose the best boards, comparing costs, as well as installing and cleaning them.