What are the advantages of installing composite decking over traditional wood decking?

While composite decking may be a larger investment up front versus wood decking, it will not corrode, splinter, rot or warp and requires no staining or painting.

Is composite decking cheaper than wood decking?

The cost of a composite decking depends on various factors. While the cost of the actual composite decking tends to be higher, its high durability, low maintenance and low-risk qualities make it a more economical choice in the long run. Overtime, there are savings in composite decking vs. wood deck planks. Finally, the costs of the pressure treated substructure, joist hangers and fasteners remain the same.

Should I purchase all of my decking materials at one time?

It is recommended that all required decking material is purchased at once because manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colours.

How should I transport and store composite decking before installation?

Composite decking is flexible. When moving boards, lift from two balanced midpoints. Store on a flat surface, and cover if stored outdoors for an extended period of time before installation.

Can composite decking be used for posts or joists?

While composite is tough and durable, it is not intended for use as a load bearing post, joist or other primary load bearing part of a structure.

What should I use to cut composite decking?

You can cut composite decking products using the same tools you use to cut pressure-treated wood. A sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade is recommended.

Do I need special tools to install composite decking?

Composite decking products can be cut, drilled and fastened using conventional tools. For your safety, remember to wear safety glasses and protective clothing.

How do I clean composite decking?

You only need to clean your deck periodically. A soapy mop and a garden hose work well. A low-pressure power washer can also be used.

Does composite decking fade?

Uncapped Composite Decking will fade slightly in the first 60-90 days. This colour tone shift depends on exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Veranda and Trex, Duralife composite decking comes with a 25-Year Fade & Stain Warranty.

Why choose premium capped composite decking?

Premium cap stock composite decking has all the advantages of composite decking, plus a protective outer layer that makes this product even more low-maintenance.

What is Composite Decking: Benefits & Colours

Composite decking offers the beauty of wood without the drawbacks of potential corroding, splintering or termite damage. This low-maintenance decking option holds up to the temperature extremes of Canadian weather with minimal thermal expansion and contraction, to maximize the stability of each deck board.

Shop All Composite Decking

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking cuts and handles like wood, easy to install. Each composite decking brand offers a variety of colours, shades and patterns in various widths and lengths. Construction techniques differ for composite decking compared to traditional wood decking, as composite boards are installed on a pressure-treated lumber sub-structure for a new deck or replacement.

Composite decking is made mainly of either wood flour (a recycled post-industrial material) PVC, or wood fibres, polyethylene or hardwood and polypropylene blend. Composite decking is smooth to the touch, barefoot-friendly and provides excellent traction.

Capped composite decking features an extra layer that has been bonded to the board during manufacturing. Capped composite boards also have an additional warranty that covers both stain and fade resistance. It is also more resistant to scratches than wood and regular composite.

Non-wood composite is made with special technology that creates a fiber-like inner structure. It is up to 35% lighter than a wood composite, with virtually no water absorption or thermal expansion and contraction.

Premium resin decking is composed of 100% low-maintenance engineered polymer material, which does not contain any wood fibres or organic material. Resin decking is 100% recyclable and resistant to termites.

Key Benefits of Composite Decking

High durability
No staining or painting required—saves time and money!
No risk of rotting, twisting, splintering, cracking, or warping
Vast selection of colours
Low maintenance: easy to clean & install
Mould, rot, and fungal decay resistant
Weather resistant
Warp resistant
Slip resistant
Long life

Composite Decking Colour Chart

At The Home Depot, you will find Veranda, DuraLife and Trex Composites brands — all backed by a 25 year structural warranty, with additional 25 year no fade and stain warranty. The following chart indicates our selection of colours for each brand. Colour selection may vary by store.

Trex Select

Pebble Grey

Woodland Brown

Saddle

Winchester Grey

Trex Enhance Basics

Clam Shell

Beach Dune

Saddle

Trex Enhance Naturals

Foggy Wharf

Coastal Bluff

Toasted Sand

Trex Transcend – Earth Tones and Tropical Tones

Gravel Path

Vintage Lantern

Fire Pit

Tree House

Rope Swing

Havana Gold

Island Mist

Spiced Rum

Lava Rock

Tiki Torch

Veranda Elite

Jarrahwood

Panama Grey

Brazilian Ash

Kauri Brown

Veranda Vintage

Antique Tin

Harvest Brown

Veranda Ultra Light

Flagstone Grey

Chestnut

Veranda HP Decking

Grey

Walnut

Redwood

Island Walnut

Timber Grey

Brazilian Cherry

Garapa Grey

Railings for Composite Decking

Railing systems add elegance and sophistication and are available in a wide range of colours and styles. Choose from composite, metal or glass materials. Complete the look with rail posts and matching post caps and sleeves.

Shop All Deck Railings

Composite Decking Accessories

Personalize your deck with post caps, trims, lighting, and more.

Shop All Deck Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

: While composite decking may be a larger investment up front versus wood decking, it will not corrode, splinter, rot or warp and requires no staining or painting.
: The cost of a composite decking depends on various factors. While the cost of the actual composite decking tends to be higher, its high durability, low maintenance and low-risk qualities make it a more economical choice in the long run.

Overtime, there are savings in composite decking vs. wood deck planks. Finally, the costs of the pressure treated substructure, joist hangers and fasteners remain the same.
: It is recommended that all required decking material is purchased at once because manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colours.
: Composite decking is flexible. When moving boards, lift from two balanced midpoints. Store on a flat surface, and cover if stored outdoors for an extended period of time before installation.
: While composite is tough and durable, it is not intended for use as a load bearing post, joist or other primary load bearing part of a structure.
: You can cut composite decking products using the same tools you use to cut pressure-treated wood. A sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade is recommended.
: Composite decking products can be cut, drilled and fastened using conventional tools. For your safety, remember to wear safety glasses and protective clothing.
: You only need to clean your deck periodically. A soapy mop and a garden hose work well. A low-pressure power washer can also be used.
: Uncapped Composite Decking will fade slightly in the first 60-90 days. This colour tone shift depends on exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Veranda and Trex, Duralife composite decking comes with a 25-Year Fade & Stain Warranty.
: Premium cap stock composite decking has all the advantages of composite decking, plus a protective outer layer that makes this product even more low-maintenance.