Choosing the Right Type of Composite Decking

Composite decking is the ultimate solution for enhancing outdoor spaces in coastal and tropical regions. Its durability, low-maintenance design, and resistance to harsh environmental factors make it ideal for waterfront properties, resorts, and homes exposed to heat, humidity, and salt air.

But with so many types of composite decking available, how do you choose the right one for your project? The Harbor Exports team is here to help you navigate the options and select decking that’s perfectly suited to your climate and needs.

Why Choose Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, offering the perfect balance of natural appearance and durability. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite materials are resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage, making them a long-lasting and eco-friendly option. Some brands use entirely artificial materials to eliminate the opportunity for rot and decay.

With composite decking materials, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Unparalleled Durability

Synthetic decking is typically more durable than organic materials. It never splinters or cracks, resists scratching, and withstands nature’s pests, harsh weather, and salt water.

Low Maintenance

Goodbye staining, sealing, sanding, and pest treatments. All composite deck boards need is a good scrub with a mild soap once a year.

Versatile Applications

Composite decking is ideal for commercial marinas, outdoor gathering spaces, and other high-traffic areas because it can withstand more wear and tear than traditional wood decking.

Eco-friendly

Many composite decking brands use up to 100% recycled materials in their deck boards. Trex, for example, repurposes artificial materials like recycled plastic bags and plastic film in addition to reclaimed wood to create decking material strong enough to last a lifetime.

Variety of Colors and Natural Wood Grain Styles

Composite decking materials come in a wide range of color variations and textures, including color variations that mimic natural wood grains.

Water and Decay Resistance

100% PVC decking and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) boards are completely waterproof and will not rot or develop mold compared to traditional wood decking. Boards made of wood-plastic or composite materials are often capped to further reduce the chance of water penetration and decay.

Avoid Bug and Pest Infestations

Composite decking is less likely to attract bugs that feed on traditional lumber. The strength of the artificial materials within the composite boards also helps them withstand marine borers and other unwanted “guests” that would make decks their home.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Composite Decking

What should you think about when selecting composite decking over traditional wood?

• Climate and Environment: If your deck will face extreme weather conditions, capped composite decking is the best choice for its added protection.
• Budget: Uncapped decking can be more cost-effective, while solid and capped options offer greater longevity and aesthetic appeal.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Consider the color, texture, and grain pattern that will best complement your home’s exterior.
• Installation Needs: DIY enthusiasts might prefer hollow boards for their lightweight nature, while professionals can easily work with solid boards for durability.

What Are the Different Types of Composite Decking?

This is where it might feel a little overwhelming, particularly with so many composite decking manufacturers! Understanding the different types of composite decking is key to selecting the best composite deck boards for your needs.

Capped Composite Decking

True composite deck boards are made of a combination of recycled materials, natural timbers, and HDPE. Harbor Exports stocks capped composite decking, which features a protective outer layer or “cap” that shields the core material from moisture, UV rays, and stains. Capping on all sides of each board with artificial materials results in a nearly impenetrable shell against pests! This type is ideal for areas exposed to harsh weather conditions or heavy foot traffic.

Even though it has natural wood fibers, capped composite decks still require less maintenance, little to no maintenance, offer an extended lifespan, and come with a wide range of realistic colors and grains.

Top Composite Decking Brands

Trex: Trex is one of the most recognized names in composite decking and is known for its eco-friendly manufacturing process and high-performance products. Their capped composite decking lines, such as Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance®, and Trex Select®, feature durable outer shells that resist fading, staining, and mold. Trex offers an impressive variety of colors and finishes to create beautiful, low-maintenance decks.

TimberTech: TimberTech decking, a brand by AZEK Building Products, is a leader in premium capped composite decking. Their lines, including TimberTech Pro® and TimberTech Edge®, feature protective caps on all four sides of the board for superior moisture resistance. TimberTech decking is celebrated for its realistic wood-like finishes and extensive warranty coverage.

Fiberon: Fiberon is another popular choice in the capped composite decking market. Their collections, such as Fiberon Concordia®, Fiberon Sanctuary®, and Fiberon Good Life®, are designed for superior performance and affordability. Fiberon decking is known for its deep wood textures, fade resistance, and sustainable production process using recycled materials.

PVC Decking

100% PVC deck boards are lightweight with low upkeep and have many colors to choose from. They contain no wood or natural wood fibers, making them completely resistant to rot, decay, pests, and splinters. PVC decks are an incredibly low-maintenance option for a deck or dock, as they require no staining, sealing, or sanding.

The PVC deck board brands from Harbor Exports are created with UV inhibitors to resist sun bleaching and color fading. Plus, 100% PVC decking is completely impenetrable to liquids—ocean water and spilled cocktails are no match!

Top PVC Decking Brands

TimberTech Advanced PVC: TimberTech is one of the most recognized names in PVC decking. Their Vintage®, Harvest®, and Landmark® collections are premium lines known for their advanced polymer core, realistic wood-like textures, and exceptional resistance to fading, stains, and scratches. TimberTech Advanced PVC decking is lightweight, durable, and backed by robust warranties.

Fiberon: Fiberon offers PVC decking under its Fiberon Paramount® collection, which is designed for high-performance applications. Paramount decking is lightweight yet strong, with a protective cap layer that provides exceptional resistance to stains, mold, and fading. It’s a top choice for those seeking durable PVC boards with stylish finishes and minimal maintenance.

Solid HDPE Composite Boards

HDPE is a highly durable, waterproof material known for its heat-reflective properties. Many manufacturers produce HDPE by recycling materials such as plastic shopping bags, milk jugs, and other post-consumer plastics.

Unlike traditional wood, HDPE does not require painting or staining and is often crafted to mimic the natural colors and grain patterns of real wood or pressure-treated lumber. Plus, HDPE decking is less prone to cracking or weathering, making it easier to maintain than wooden alternatives.

Since HDPE-only boards are entirely synthetic, they are resistant to rot and insect damage, providing long-lasting and low-maintenance benefits for outdoor space.

Top HDPE Decking Brands

Trex: While Trex is best known for its wood-composite boards, the company also incorporates HDPE into its decking products, blending recycled plastic with wood fibers. Trex decking, especially in lines like Trex Transcend®, offers exceptional durability, resistance to moisture, and a wide variety of colors and textures.

WearDeck: WearDeck is a premium provider of solid HDPE decking known for its structural integrity and superior performance in challenging environments. Their decking products are 100% HDPE with additional UV inhibitors, making them resistant to fading, cracking, and warping. WearDeck is often used for docks, pool decks, and high-traffic areas.

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Why Buy Composite Decking from Harbor Exports?

At Harbor Exports, we take pride in providing high-quality composite decking and extensive building supplies to meet all your outdoor living needs, from pressure-treated lumber to vinyl seawall materials railing, lighting, hardware, and more.

Our full range of composite decking includes premium capped and uncapped boards in various styles, colors, and textures; Harbor Exports is proud to carry industry-leading brands, including Trex, Timbertech, AZEK, WearDeck, Fiberon, and MoistureShield.

Not only do you save money and get premium brands that we stand behind, with Harbor Exports, you also get incredible customer service, along with:

• Competitive pricing for all types of composite decking.
• Expert advice to help you make the best choice.
• A commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Ready to Build an Outdoor Space That’s Beautiful and Functional? Call Harbor Exports Today!

Choosing the right type of composite decking materials is an investment in the beauty and functionality of your property. Whether you’re building new, traditional composite decking or upgrading an existing one, Harbor Exports has everything you need to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our composite decking options and find the perfect solution for your project.