How do you select composite decking boards?

As a great alternative to decking made of wood. One of the best things about composite decking is that it comes in many different styles and colors. But this also leads to a problem. How do we select composite decking boards?

Various options for plastic composite decking boards

Composite wood deck boards are an easy-to-care-for alternative to regular wood. Early on, the composite wood decking business went through some growing pains. But composite wood decking keeps getting better, and every year there are more and better products on the market. There were 10 choices ten years ago. You can now choose from more than 50 composite deck boards.

PVC and plastic lumber trim panels are also installed in a similar way to composites. In this article, we’ll talk mostly about composite decking boards, but most of what we say is also true for PVC and plastics. The hardest thing you will have to do is decide which style, color, and brand of composite decking are best.

In short, choose the least expensive composite decking that fits your budget. At the same time, choose plastic composite decking boards that go with the style of your home’s design.

This article will help you choose between your options and find the best deals more easily. COOWIN decking is a good example of high-quality composite wood decking. Even though it costs two to three times as much as wood that has been treated with chemicals, it lasts two to three times as long.

Please keep in mind that just because a product is sold at your local home center doesn’t mean it can be used where you live or for every task. Talk to the building officials in your area before you buy. Each system needs to be installed and fastened in a different way. If you don’t follow the instructions from the manufacturer, your warranty will be void. This is why it makes sense to rebuild a deck with a composite deck.

How to choose a deck made of composite wood?

Factor 1: how much money do you have?

Costs for decks are lower when wood railings are used instead of composite railings. But wood requires more maintenance. COOWIN decking is one of the best composite decking materials. Most lumber mills and home improvement stores only carry one or two brands, but you can order others if you want.

Most brands’ basic outdoor decking materials are the same and work well. The differences are in the design, color, amount of wood and plastic, mounting system, and feel.

Tip: If you plan your composite outdoor decking around these sizes, you can save money and reduce waste.

Factor 2: Does it matter how “the wood looks”?

Higher-end composites feel better and look and feel the most like wood. Some of the most expensive brands of decking have subtle shading and different “textures” so that no two boards are exactly the same. Some companies polish each board at the factory to get rid of the “plastic” shine.

High-end gray composite decking like COOWIN comes in more colors and goes with a wider range of accessories. Balustrades, posts, post caps, skirts, and decorative trim are some examples.

Factor 3: The third factor is how wet it will get

If a composite decking board is smooth, it can be dangerous to walk on. If your deck is near the pool or you live in a place where ice is a problem. Please pick a style that has a clear texture.

Factor 4: Is it important to have hidden fasteners?

When they look at their decks, many people don’t care if they see fasteners. But if it bothers you, pick a system with fasteners that are hidden. The tongue-and-groove system makes sure there is no play, hides the screws, and makes them easier to tighten.

The clip system works with grooved composite decking, which is lighter and thinner than decking with face screws. But if you don’t cover them with end caps, special trim, or a mounting method, they will show. Some of the ends of these systems may be open and collect leaves and dirt. Hidden fastener systems cost more than systems that are put together with face screws. Hidden fasteners can add 30% to the price by themselves.

Factor 5: Have you budgeted for all the extras?

You don’t need special tools to put in composite planks because you can use the same basic tools you would use to put in wood. But the cost of the decorations is only one part of your whole budget. Each system needs grey composite decking screws or fasteners that are hidden. Use screws made of composite materials for the best results.

Also, depending on the system, you may need end caps, reinforcements, special trim or skirts, and extras like railings, posts, and post caps. Before you buy trim panels, find out how much it will cost to install them and add extras.

Cautions

Before you buy the materials you’ve chosen, check with your local building official to make sure the composite decking you want to use meets local building codes. Some composite systems have rules about the materials that can be used for stairs or need a certain kind of framing in some situations. Make sure you know how far apart the fasteners need to be so that the inspection doesn’t throw you off.