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.
What is Composite Decking: Benefits & Colours
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.
Pebble Grey
Woodland Brown
Saddle
Winchester Grey
Clam Shell
Beach Dune
Saddle
Foggy Wharf
Coastal Bluff
Toasted Sand
Gravel Path
Vintage Lantern
Fire Pit
Tree House
Rope Swing
Havana Gold
Island Mist
Spiced Rum
Lava Rock
Tiki Torch
Jarrahwood
Panama Grey
Brazilian Ash
Kauri Brown
Antique Tin
Harvest Brown
Flagstone Grey
Chestnut
Grey
Walnut
Redwood
Island Walnut
Timber Grey
Brazilian Cherry
Garapa Grey
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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It is recommended that all required decking material is purchased at once because manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colours.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Composite decking products can be cut, drilled and fastened using conventional tools. For your safety, remember to wear safety glasses and protective clothing.
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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.
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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.
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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.