ChoiceDek Blog - Decking Materials

Head-to-Head: Aluminum vs. Composite Decking

sales@choicedek.com — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:07:00 -0700

According to a recent study by the Freedonia Group, alternative decking materials like wood-plastic composites are edging away at wood decking’s dominant market position. In large part, this is due to demand for decking that’s dependable and easier to maintain over time. Aluminum and composite decking are two alternatives that meet this need. They require less intensive upkeep than wood and feature a durable form, making it easier to create outdoor living spaces with lasting style.

If you’re like many of today’s homeowners, and the benefits of more hassle-free decking alternatives have you intrigued, then your decision may have already boiled down to these hardworking decking materials. Each has its own set of advantages, so how do you decide which one is right for you? Read on for a comparison of the two, and see why more people are moving towards composite decking as they sketch out the blueprints for their next project.

Which decking is easier to use?

In this category, composite decking comes out with a strong lead. The general form of composite decking is more pliable and easy to work with than aluminum due to its blend of wood particles and plastic components. Homeowners and contractors can install it with standard tools, and screw it down like traditional decking or attach it with hidden fasters. Contractors and DIYers can even rip, rout and bend the material into stunning curves and shapes by following manufacturer instructions.

Although aluminum is lighter than most decking alternatives and some brands can be cut with the same saws and blades as wood, its overall inflexibility lends itself to more standard, boxy designs. Some brands do offer modular, locking systems to help simplify installation. However, customization often remains challenging, requiring significant expertise.

Which decking has the aesthetic advantage?

While deck style often comes down to personal preference, if you want the heralded beauty of wood, composites are the way to go. Of the two materials, it more closely replicates wood’s timeless warmth and aesthetic. Brands now offer products with realistic wood-grain embossing and authentic, natural color options to match your decking to your wood preference and existing home style.

By comparison, aluminum decking is offered in a limited selection of colors and has a more uniform appearance. It touts a modern and sleek design that may be just right for some backyards, but its repeating lines and shiny surface fall short in replicating wood’s grain in look or feel.

Which decking withstands the elements better?

Aluminum decking is considered one of the most durable decking products in the market. The metal boards are scratch, rust and weather resistant, and they defend against staining, mildew and algae. These qualities make the decking an ideal choice for environments rich in moisture.

While some earlier composite decking materials did not fare as well in these categories, advanced materials, like ChoiceDek, have overcome this hurdle. By encapsulating wood fibers in plastic throughout the board, the decking prevents water from seeping into its core, even when cut. It can now be installed in applications with direct water contact like docks and pool surrounds without rotting, splitting or warping. Thanks to these improvements, both aluminum and composite decking can last for many years to come, making selection a matter of preference.

Which decking is easier to maintain?

Both materials do well in this category. Neither decking requires refinishing or staining to retain its beauty. Homeowners can also clean each type of decking fairly easily with a brush, water and mild detergent.

While there may be some lingering maintenance concerns about composite decking since earlier products were susceptible to moisture and decay, the reality is this worry can be erased with proper care and a material that resists moisture to its core.

Which decking is more cost efficient?

Composite decking is significantly less expensive than aluminum decking—one of today’s most expensive decking options on the market. While some manufacturers claim that the price for aluminum is lower over time when you factor in replacement costs, it’s important to remember that with the right composite deck comes a limited lifetime warranty, moisture resistance and reliable durability. A customer can take home an equally high-quality deck for a lower price.

Making a purchasing decision

If you’re looking for easy-to-install decking with a durable surface and budget-friendly price tag, composite decking is the answer. The Freedonia Group says it’s even expected to experience above average annual gains in demands through 2020. If you’re still not sure which decking material is best for you, make sure you compare the brands you are evaluating. Look for companies that stand behind the products they offer with more extensive warranties.

Head-to-head: PVC vs. Composite decking

sales@choicedek.com — Thu, 1 Oct 2015 05:00:00 -0700

If you’re in the market for decking that doesn’t require long hours of maintenance, PVC (polyvinylchloride) and wood-plastic composite decking options have probably made their way to the top of your list. These wood-alternative decking materials eliminate the cumbersome cleaning, painting and staining that traditional wood decking requires, and resist rotting and splintering to help keep decks looking beautiful and feeling great underfoot.

While both products can save you valuable hours on deck maintenance, which one is right for your backyard? Take a look below at how the two materials compare to see why more people are choosing composite decking for their next project.

Which decking is easier to use?

Composite decking is easier to work with and install than PVC. Composite decking with a plastic and wood blend throughout the board can be ripped, routed and bent to fit nearly any space. PVC deck boards have more limited flexibility. They can’t be ripped down the board or routed on the edges, and they require special tools to bend.

Which decking more closely resembles wood?

Although manufacturers have made significant strides in developing PVC decking that looks more like wood and less like plastic, the predominately virgin plastic deck boards can’t compete with the aesthetics of quality wood-plastic composite decking blends. PVC decking tends to have a uniform, synthetic appearance, with regularly repeating grain patterns and color streaking. Composite decking brands like ChoiceDek better capture the true beauty of wood with realistic wood-grain embossing and authentic, natural colors.

Which decking has better fade resistance?

PVC decking typically has a better fade resistance than composite decking. However, it is important to note that composite decking is designed to weather to a natural shade within the first six months. This weathering process helps the decking achieve its beautiful, wood-like appearance.

Which decking is able to withstand the elements better?

PVC decking and high-performance composite deck boards (those that fully encapsulate wood fibers in plastic) have exceptional moisture resistance. They can be installed in applications with direct water contact like docks and pool surrounds and in regions with heavy rain and humidity without rotting, splitting or warping. Composite decking has an advantage, though, because it expands and contracts less than PVC as the temperature changes. This helps ensure a stable, long-lasting deck, especially in areas with extreme weather.

Which decking has better slip resistance?

Composite decking with wood embossed texturing has a better slip resistance than PVC. It is an ideal choice if your deck surrounds a pool or hot tub, or is in a rainy region, where its surface might be frequently wet and a potential hazard for kids and guests.

Making a purchasing decision

If you’re still unsure about which type of decking to install after reviewing our comprehensive decking materials comparison chart, you may then want to consider cost and quality. With high-performance composites, you can get the good look of wood and low upkeep benefits of PVC at nearly half the price. As an added benefit, you can rest assured that the decking you’ve selected is toxin-free and helps close the loop on recycled materials by using 95 percent recycled content.

Head-to-head: Wood vs. Composite decking

sales@choicedek.com — Thu, 4 Jun 2015 14:05:00 -0700

Whether you’re working with a contractor to build a new deck or taking a do-it-yourself approach, one of the first decisions you’ll face is figuring out which decking material to use. The choice of the right decking can be the difference between a deck with faded and splintered boards and a ChoiceDek deck that invites relaxation for years to come.

While options for decking materials have exploded in recent years, two of the most popular materials today are wood and composite decking. Traditional wood is a long-standing decking favorite with low upfront cost and natural good looks. Composite decking is new by comparison, but is quickly gaining fans because it is more durable and requires less intensive maintenance.

Since each type of decking has its advantages, how do you decide which material is best for your deck? Take a look below at how the two materials compare to see why more people are tipping the scales in favor of composite decking.

Which decking is easier to use?

Both wood and composite decking are easy to install with standard tools. Uncapped boards like ChoiceDek can be easily ripped down the board and even routed on the edges. It is also much easier to curve an uncapped composite than traditional wood planks, offering a lot more design flexibility.

Which decking has the aesthetic advantage?

When composite decking first became available in the 1980s, many brands had a plastic-like appearance that homeowners did not find attractive. Manufacturers have since developed techniques to create composite decking that resembles the rich, natural beauty of wood. Improvements like realistic grain patterns, wood-like textures and natural coloring now make the aesthetic choice between composites and wood simply a matter of personal preference.

Which decking has better moisture resistance?

While some earlier composite decking products had problems with moisture absorption and delamination, high-performance boards are now available that fully encapsulate wood fibers in plastic. This allows the boards to withstand frequent water exposure from humidity, rain or pools without loss of integrity, whereas wood will rot, split or warp if it’s exposed to too much moisture. Pressure treating and applying water sealers can help preserve the longevity of wood, but repeated maintenance is still required for it to remain protected.

Which decking defends against insects better?

Composite decking does not require treatment to defend against insect attacks because it is composed of plastics that are inedible to insects. Wood decking, on the other hand, requires treatment to avoid destruction by damaging insects like termites and carpenter ants, and even with strong treatments wood can still be subjectable to some insects.

Which decking is more prone to splintering?

Wood decking is more prone to splinters, especially if it’s not maintained regularly and correctly. Composites have small-size wood fibers fully bonded together with plastic, which help keep bare feet splinter free.

Which decking requires more maintenance?

Because composite decking eliminates the painting, staining and sealing requirements of wood, it can help you save valuable hours on deck maintenance. As with any type of decking, though, basic maintenance and cleaning help keep the deck boards in top-notch shape.

Making a purchasing decision

If the advantages of composite decking have you intrigued, but the initial investment in a high-performance board is preventing you from purchasing, keep in mind that they will have significantly lower maintenance costs year after year. And, with brands like ChoiceDek that stand behind their product with a 25-year warranty, you can eliminate or significantly reduce maintenance costs. This makes the two overall investments very similar and may even mean that composites will be less expensive over the complete lifetime of your deck.