Trex Vs Timbertech

Winner: Trex

This requires special joist spacing that can be as little as 12 inches, depending on the size and thickness of the decking material. Composites are by far the most popular type of nonwood decking, accounting for 80 percent of all products sold. That's because they contain about 50 percent wood dust from sawmills, in addition to recycled and virgin high-density polyethylene . It also makes the material easier to cut and install than all-plastic decking. Composites do not require a finish of any kind, making them easier to maintain than solid wood. This durable and low-maintenance alternative to wood will never split or rot and requires no paint or finish.

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?

This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products. You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation. You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose. If you choose a capped product for your composite decking, then the boards are sealed in plastic that can be embossed or colored to create the variegated look of a natural wood product. You’ll find that capped composite decking also tends to be more resistant to fading, scratching, and stain damage.

When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry. The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot. Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case. Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.

What’s more, this type of material has a habit of consuming the timber material and makes it incredibly hard to remove entirely. Trex manufactures a composite decking to create a low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat that can offer you serene outdoors without depleting them over a long period of time. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking. When it rains or composite lumber is infiltrated by water, will pedestrians slip through the composite floor? During winter, when composite decking becomes wet, water can get into the crevices and grooves of the surface which hardens into ice. Uneven surfaces caused by a bad installation work can collect water at some portions of the decking which can harden into a big chunk of ice. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

Fading and damages Darker composite deck colors may fade over time. This is an unavoidable process that happens due to UV rays, weathering, and high foot traffic. Severe scratches and deep gouges are common issues with composite deck products. DuxxBak decking is a unique composite decking that doesn't allow water to pass between the deck boards, keeping the area under the deck dry.

• While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them.
• Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above.
• If you plan to install decks by the pool or in a humid environment such as frequent rain, you will first be concerned about the safety of decks.
• Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery.

Plus, plastic decking can be thinner and lighter than wood or composite decking. While it’s always up for debate in terms of what is the best type of composite decking, one of most popular choices for decking boards are capped composite boards. Capped composite decking boards consist of a mixture of wood and plastic that comprise their core. These boards are then “capped” coated with a sturdy polymer coating. This protective synthetic shell helps protect the wood fibers inside the composite from mold, mildew, rot, and the elements. Today’s composite materials perform better than the original versions, which were more prone to damage from exposure to the elements, and could also be easily scarred from wear and tear. But thanks to new formulations and additions – such as special capstock protecting the board – composite materials are now many times more resilient.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard. A major benefit of composite decking is that you will never have to stain, seal or paint it like wood materials. Most higher-quality synthetic decking materials are backed by a warranty against splitting, cracking, rotting and insect damage. Typically, major composite deck manufacturers have their code reports on their websites, which is the best place to get them, as you will always be using the latest version. Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them.

Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well. If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. When you start shopping for composite decking materials, then you will find that there is a variety of grades available from which to choose.