COMPOSITE DECKING
When many clients are ready to build their dream deck and are considering which material to choose, they often first consider wood. After all, wood is familiar, readily available, and affordable. However, there is another excellent option with even more benefits than wood decking, and that is composite decking. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about composite decking so you can make the right choice for your own project.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made of a combination of materials including plastic and wood.
Benefits of Composite Decking
Durable
Wood decks are much more susceptible to factors like mold, decay, insects, and weather not to mention whatever else the great outdoors throws at your deck! Composite decking is built to be.
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Color Choices
Composite decking now comes in a variety of color options, so you can obtain the look you want for your new deck. You can even choose a composite that resembles wood, if you are hoping for a natural, outdoorsy look.
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Low Maintenance
Composite decking is extremely low-maintenance compared to other kinds of deck materials. A composite deck never requires sanding, staining, or finishing. It arrives at your home as a finished product. Wood, on the other hand, needs to be finished after installation and then refinished every one or two years. That’s a lot of maintenance. Composite decking tends to cost between $5 and $15 in maintenance per year, and can last up to 25 years and even beyond!
Safe
Composite decks are not prone to splintering, splitting, cracking, or rotting, which make them extra safe for your family (and not to mention your pets’ precious paws!)
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Long Lasting
As mentioned previously, a composite deck lasts up to 25 years, and often even longer! You can expect your new composite deck to have a long and healthy life in your yard.
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Eco-Friendly
If you are looking for an eco-friendly, toxin-free deck, then composite is the right choice for you. Composite decking is composed of locally-sourced recycled plastic, lumber mill scraps, and other reusable materials. This means that by choosing a composite deck, you save literal tons of plastic and other waste from filling up landfills! In addition, many composites do not contain toxins, unlike those oftentimes found in pressure-treated lumber.
Negative of Composite Decking
There is only one downside to choosing a composite deck, which we will discuss.
Retains Heat
A composite deck does retain more heat than a wooden deck. It is similar to the way a leather car seat heats up in the sun. If your composite deck is in the direct sunlight, you might need to wear shoes on hot summer days before stepping onto your deck!
Upfront Costs
The only real downside to choosing a composite deck is the upfront cost of your deck. However, you will save this money over time when it comes to maintenance. While you might pay more upfront for a composite deck than you would for a wood deck, a composite deck is actually friendlier to your wallet over its lifetime. Plus, since the composite deck lasts longer than a wood alternative, the upfront costs make it worth it in the long run.
Composite Deck Brand Options
At Barefoot Decking, we work with a variety of composite decking brands, so you have choices.
Deckorators
Deckorators is another brand that specializes in low-maintenance composite decking. This brand specializes in mineral-based composites (other known as MBC) that also offers the industry’s best strength-to-weight ratio.
Fiberon
Fiberon offers eco-friendly composite decking choices for easy, carefree living.
Trex
Trex offers a range of composite decking products that are all easy, low-maintenance options. From earth tones to tropicals to naturals, you have a range of choices when it comes to your Trex decking.
Azek/
Timbertech
Timbertech is another brand we work with at Barefoot Decking that provides a variety of options when it comes to composite decking. From Coastline, to Mahogany, and even English Walnut, Timbertech offers several different colors so you can design the perfect deck.
Railing Options for
Composite Decks
So, you’ve chosen a composite deck and which brand of composite you want to go with for your deck project. But now, you need to choose which type of railing you want! There are three different options for railings for your composite deck: composite, aluminum, or glass.
Composite Railing
If you want your railing to match your deck, you can choose a composite railing.
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Cable Railing
A cable railing helps protect your guests and pets on your deck, while allowing your view to stay clear and unobstructed. Cable railings require minimal upkeep and maintenance, which makes them a popular choice.
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Aluminum Railing
Another railing option for your composite deck is an aluminum railing. Aluminum is both strong and lightweight, which makes it a great option for a railing for your deck.
Glass Railing
A glass railing gives your deck a sleek and modern look. We work with two glass railing brands:
InvisiRail
InvisiRail’s deck railings are affordable and low-maintenance, and will look great on your new deck! You can choose clear, etched, or frosted glass, and all InvisiRail glass is tempered, heat soaked, and beveled.
Crystal Rail
Crystal Rail is a perfect choice if you want tempered glass that offers an unobstructed view. This brand offers pre-installed LEDs that light up your glass panels at night, which is an exciting, upscale feature. This railing also includes a remote control!
Why You Should Choose Barefoot Decking
for Your Composite Deck
At Barefoot Decking, we are the decking experts. Don’t attempt a DIY deck that falls short of your expectations (and you can even hurt yourself in the process!) Instead, let us do the hard work for you and help you design and build the deck of your dreams.
Labor Intensive
Composite decks are much more labor-intensive than wood decks, which is why you need the professionals at Barefoot Decking. You have many options when it comes to decking contractors, but our precision and attention to detail is why so many clients choose us over the competition. We specialize in decking and decking only.
Professional
At Barefoot Decking, we take pride in being professional. We know that you are trusting us to complete a project at your home, and we take that trust seriously. As the premier decking company in northern Illinois, we take pride in our work.
Warranty Options at Barefoot Decking
In order to ease any worries you might have about the future of your new deck, Barefoot Decking offers options when it comes to warranties.
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Material
The material warranty is based on the manufacturer’s warranty. Each manufacturer differs, but most offer a 10 year warranty. Our contract with you will reflect the specifics.
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Labor
All workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years after the contract date, at no charge to our client.