Composite Decking Over A Concrete Porch

Here are some results from a Sherwin-Williams study of what happens to composite decking after 3 years of exposure. The dark gray and black spots are mold and mildew growing on the boards.

Edge-fastening looks good because the screws are hidden, but face-fastening is faster, stronger, and easier to fix. When face-fastening, use screws designed only for composites. This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws . Since 2004, NewTechWood has been a pioneer in the creation and improvement of composite decking boards, deck tiles, siding, deck railing, accessories and more. We are so sure you will love the NewTechWood UltraShield® advantage, that we offer a 25-year limited transferable warranty —one of the most comprehensive warranties in the decking industry. Plan the pattern or design you want to achieve with your composite decking. If using multiple colors or finishes, consider drawing a detailed design on paper, so you can consult it throughout the installation process.

• This is defined as a forming process in which the raw materials are mixed and forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape.
• Compression molding takes the combined molten materials and places them on a wood grain mold and then compresses them under extreme heat and pressure which creates a physical bond.
• For some composite decking companies, all water and leftover ingredients are recaptured and recycled in the manufacturing process.
• The opening would be the size and shape of the decking board and the process would solidify the shape and desired size.

Facts About Composite Decking

With Trex Decking’s simple to install clip system, even amateurs can effectively install a new deck. Trex even provides simple how-to guides for those who want to make their deck a DIY project. A key wood decking problem is that boards readily absorb water. Without the regular application of stains, sealers or paint, wood decking is susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking and rotting. In contrast, composite decking brands like MoistureShield and ChoiceDek are fully moisture-resistant to the core, which allows them to be installed in high moisture conditions without decaying. The result is composites that more closely resemble wood deck boards, like MoistureShield’s Vision decking line. Routine cleaning and maintenance are required for both wood and composite decks.

Composite Decking: Does It Really Stack Up?

Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards?

The eco-benefits of composite extend beyond the recycled materials used in the decking’s manufacture. Because the components are virtually maintenance-free, gallons of stain and/or sealant are saved. More durable than wood, composite decking stays out of the landfill longer. Another hang-up came with the discrepancy between the thickness of the deck boards. When I installed the new boards, they revealed 1/2 inch of unpainted siding along the bottom of the three walls surrounding the deck. To hide this I needed to add trim, and settled on a kind of makeshift base moulding for the deck.

It is made in an eco-friendly process, salvaging wood and plastics that would otherwise be taken to landfills. Composite decking is reasonably priced, particularly when considering the long-term maintenance costs. This form of alternative decking material is weather, insect, rot, and warping resistant, not to mention that many composite decking options are beautiful and simply stunning. Whether you choose wood or composite decking materials, knowing your options is imperative. Quality, look, feel, and design potential are essential factors in choosing decking.

After the original deck boards have been removed from the joists, carefully inspect each one for “soft spots” – places where water has seeped into the wood. Before replacing the decking, consider adding a layer of joist tape to help protect joists from moisture runoff. All of these factors combine to keep composite decking barefoot-friendly and attractive looking over the long haul. However, it’s perfectly possible and safe to do this. Here are some tips on putting composite boards in on top of your old deck’s substructure.

We thought the style versatility of composite could be a good option, and we’ll definitely be looking more into it now I know the price is comparable to wood. Trex, one of the tentpole brands of composite decking, comes in a variety of new colors that help mimic various types of wood. The buck doesn’t stop with color either – each of their trademark lines of decking come in one of two unique grain patterns. With modern composites, you’ll be able to match your deck to the style of your home and its existing wood structures. When composite decking was first introduced, its price was roughly three times the price of wood. It had a luxury price tag and was marketed as such – a contrast to the fact that it was still new and largely misunderstood.

Compression molding takes the combined molten materials and places them on a wood grain mold and then compresses them under extreme heat and pressure which creates a physical bond. For some composite decking companies, all water and leftover ingredients are recaptured and recycled in the manufacturing process. For this project, we’re using composite decking rather than treated wood decking boards. Composite boards are a low-maintenance alternative to wood decking. They have the appearance of wood but are made with recycled material.

but when you said "will end up ripping up the old deck seems to be best" I assume you mean remove the wooden decking boards and install the Trex on the existing joists. I think this is a bad plan as you will be installing a 30 or 40 year decking product over joists that have 5 or 10 years of life left in them. Especially once you pull all those existing decking nails and leave the existing joists pocked with water pockets that will accelerate rot. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge.

One way to reduce costs is by reducing the amount of material used. It's a principal reason why a lot of lower-priced composite decking is flat on just one side and scalloped or grooved on the other.

DuraLife composite decking products are uniquely manufactured with a super-strong, co-extruded polypropylene outer shell that forms a “force field” around three sides of the board. This makes DuraLife exceptionally resistant to staining and fading compared to older generations of composite decking from other manufacturers.