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 its higher price and limited color selection. Cardinal Home Center is happy to carry quality brands of composite decking like Trex and Timbertech that look like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut. Composite decking is low maintenance and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for your home’s deck. Shop in our Crozet or Madison stores or order supplies online.

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. Here’s a detailed review about composite decking, including how to choose the best boards, comparing costs, as well as installing and cleaning them. What Is a Composite Decking Board Made Of? Composite Decking Board Material Photo by Don Penny/Time Inc. Digital Studio Equal parts of wood fiber and plastic are mixed with pigments, ultraviolet inhibitors, and borate preservatives, then usually heated and extruded. The texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface before it cools. Waste Wood: Ground-up wood from mills and furniture factories Recycled Plastic: Shredded polyethylene from milk jugs and shopping bags Composite Decking Prices, Cleaning, & Warranty Composite Decking in Backyard Photo by Suzie Gibbons/Gap Photos/Getty Images What's it cost? Run-of-the-mill boards start at $4 per square foot, while the premium products that closely resemble tropical wood run up to $7.20 per square foot. What's the warranty? Most manufacturers offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another. Fading, scratches, and stains usually aren't covered. How much care? Less than wood. A simple scrubbing with soapy water and a soft bristle brush is usually all that's needed. Not just decking. Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. Does it burn? Yes, but at a much higher temperature than wood. Most composites meet California's strict Wildland-Urban Interface Building Code.

What Is a Composite Decking Board Made Of?

Equal parts of wood fiber and plastic are mixed with pigments, ultraviolet inhibitors, and borate preservatives, then usually heated and extruded. The texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface before it cools.

Waste Wood: Ground-up wood from mills and furniture factories

Recycled Plastic: Shredded polyethylene from milk jugs and shopping bags

Not Just Decking

Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material.

Trex — Engineering What’s Next in Outdoor Living®

Designed with lasting beauty, incredible durability, and easy maintenance, there’s no compromising with high-performance composite decking. That’s why high-performance composite is the only type of decking we make. We’ve paired Trex against other types of decking for a head-to-head comparison that proves Trex out decks, outlasts, and outperforms the rest.

TimberTech — Better Tech. Better Deck.™

Now more than ever, your outdoor living space is where you can reflect, relax, and recharge. Create the deck you’ve always imagined: defined by the beauty of nature, engineered to last for years to come. TimberTech is the highest-performing, natural-looking, sustainable decking and railing product as the leading brand used by professional deck builders, our products, warranties, selection, and reputation make us the clear choice for today’s homeowners. If you have more questions about Composite Decking, count on Cardinal to help you out.

Other Decking Options

Check out our treated decking options if you want an authentic lumber look to your deck! Our deck boards are pressure treated to improve corrosion resistance and prevent rot while allowing you to stain or paint your wood. Treated lumber is a more economical choice, providing a classic look for your deck. Learn more on our lumber page.

Want more to improve your outdoor space? Check out our Lawn and Garden page!

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