Composite decking offers the beauty of wood without the drawbacks of potential corroding or splintering. This low-maintenance decking option holds up to the extreme Canadian weather with minimal thermal expansion and contraction, maximizing the stability of each deck board and provide long lasting durability.
What is Composite Decking: Benefits & Colours
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking cuts and handles like wood and is 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 smooth to the touch, barefoot-friendly and provides excellent traction.
Composite deck boards are made mainly of either wood flour, (a recycled post-industrial material), PVC, polyethylene, crushed minerals or a polypropylene blend.
Mineral based composite (MBC) is a mix of polypropylene and a proprietary blend of minerals, including calcium carbonate. It is up to 35% lighter than a wood composite, with virtually no water absorption or thermal expansion and contraction. It provides the industry’s best strength to weight ratio.
Key Benefits of Composite Deck Boards
- High durability
- No staining or painting required - saves time and money!
- No risk of rotting, splintering, cracking, or warping
- Wide assortment of colours
- Low maintenance: easy to clean and install
- Weather resistant
- Slip resistant
Composite Decking Colour Chart
At The Home Depot, you will find Deckorators, DuraLife, Veranda 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.
Deckorators
Pioneer
Fieldstone Grey
Lakeview Grey
Riverside Brown
Timberline Brown
DuraLife
Ironstone
Mocha
DuraLife MVP
Brazilian Cherry
Garapa Grey
Veranda
Veranda Elite
Jarrahwood
Panama Grey
Brazilian Ash
Veranda HP Decking
Grey
Walnut
Trex
Trex Select
Pebble Grey
Saddle
Winchester Grey
Trex Transcend – Earth Tones and Tropical Tones
Gravel Path
Rope Swing
Havana Gold
Island Mist
Spiced Rum
Tiki Torch
Trex Enhance Basics
Clam Shell
Beach Dune
Saddle
Trex Enhance Naturals
Foggy Wharf
Coastal Bluff
Toasted Sand
Rocky Harbor
Frequently Asked Questions
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While composite deck boards may be a larger investment up front versus wood decking, it is a versatile, ultra-low maintenance and durable decking option. It will not splinter, rot or warp and requires no staining or painting.
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While the cost of the actual composite decking is higher than wood initially, its high durability, ultra-low maintenance and low-risk qualities make it a more economical choice in the long run.
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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. Always refer the installation guide for recommendations.
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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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Colour tone shift depends on exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Veranda, Deckorators, Duralife and Trex composite decking comes with a 25-Year Fade and Stain Warranty.