Composite deck materials comparison – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Granville OH TimberTech decks — This Granville, OH deck was built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which is a capped PVC product – beautiful.

The scope of outdoor structure materials has broadened in recent years to reflect a constant evolution of new technology. These products are built with longevity, convenience and beauty in mind. You may have heard the terms “composite” and “synthetic” used when referring to these materials. Many homeowners think these products are one and the same which is not the case. Composites and synthetics do include some of the same characteristics and benefits but are actually quite different. Archadeck of Columbus is here to explain the differences in our quest to help homeowner better understand each product and place a face with the name.

Powell OH TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail — This deck in Powell ,OH is built with TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail

What is the difference between composite and synthetic?

Composite is a general term for the original form of low-maintenance decking. Some builders also use the technical term when referring to composites- which is wood plastic composites, or WPC. Composites came onto the scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Composites are made up of wood pulp that is combined with plastic which is often derived from recycled plastic. This combination of wood pulp and plastic is used to create this low-maintenance decking material. The wood plastic composite is a great product but is one that we rarely sell anymore. Even though WPC’s don’t require staining or painting, they do need to be kept clean in order to be keep them looking and functioning their best. A good comparison of what can happen to a wood composite deck is to look at what an ignored leaf can do to a concrete driveway if it is not removed promptly. This is the same thing that can happen with your WPC deck if it is not kept clean. Since we are dealing with products that are outside in the elements on a daily basis, composite needs to be checked for any debris or dirt on a regular basis. WPC is still a great product to use on or in your outdoor structure design, but the growing trend is leaning toward more homeowners choosing synthetic over composite nowadays.

Azek Brownstone — This deck was built with AZEK in brownstone from their harvest color collection.

Synthetic decking materials encompass products that contain PVC. This can be a product that is built using solid PVC or capped (wrapped) with PVC. PVC or (poly vinyl chloride) is a product that is free of any wood. These decking products, known as the second generation of decking materials, came onto the scene about a decade ago. Pro-cell was the original PVC manufactures which was later purchased by AZEK ,which specialized in PVC trim used around homes. PVC products deliver the ultimate in low maintenance characteristics, but are generally at the higher end price point. Cost for synthetics can vary depending on the color, pattern and amount of streaking and undulation present. In general, the formulation of synthetic is very expensive and especially the synthetics that contain emulated natural wood details. Among the leader in solid PVC decking is of course, AZEK, but Fiberon and many other manufacturers are offering solid PVC along with their capstock and WPC lines.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions Teak with Walnut Border — This deck uses two shades of the Earthwood Evolutions tropical line, Teak and Walnut, to add more visual interest to this stunning deck.

One of the newest synthetics is a composite wrapped in PVC. This product is often referred to as capstock decking. The advantages of both solid PVC and wrapped PVC products include reducing the amount of maintenance required by the homeowner, and more specifically a decrease in the amount of cleaning required to keep the deck looking new. Capped composites, or capstock include Trex Transcends and TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions. Most synthetic manufacturers stand behind their product with a 25 year warranty. Based on Archadeck of Columbus’ experience with these synthetic products, my belief is that many of these products will outlast their warranties by many years. The only downfall we have seen with PVC products is due to the elasticity of the material it will sometimes expand during the hotter days of the summer.

Multi_level_TimberTech_deck_with_outdoor_fireplace_Columbus_Archadeck — This TimberTech deck and outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of Columbus is the perfect spot for entertaining.

In terms of price, composites are the least expensive and generally speaking a capped composite will be less expensive than a pure PVC product. TimberTech Twin Finish and Reliaboard are among some of the wood plastic composites that are available, but we recommend using a capped PVC product in most circumstances. The technology behind WPC has gotten better since their debut, but they still require lots of care and cleaning. Most all of the synthetic manufacturers are now in a stage of tweaking their color choices to offer a wider selection for homeowners to choose from. This includes more colors that contain streaking and undulation that mimics the beauty of natural wood. The technology behind making a stronger more resilient board is also improving.

Hopefully this information will quell any confusion about the differences between composite and synthetic. Our goal here at Archadeck of Columbus is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision when choosing the material that bests suits your needs and budget for your new outdoor structure.

If you are ready to create an outdoor living space that will provide more time for enjoyment and less time focusing on maintaining your space, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can help you choose the best decking material for you! Contact us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730- Email westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of composite and synthetic decks by visiting our decks photo gallery and our composite and PVC decks photo gallery located on our website.

Timbertech XLM - Sand Ridge and Mountain Cedar border

One of our most popular blog posts last year was my post about wood plastic composites vs. PVC decking. For most of us, we will likely only have a deck, patio, porch or sunroom built onto the back of our house once or twice. If you’ve started to do any research on decking materials, you know that there are what seems like too many choices. On top of that, no single choice easily stands out as the best.

Well, you are not alone. This is what I do all day long and I feel the same way. The number and types and brands of products on the market are constantly growing and improving. So even my knowledge today is greatly expanded over last year because of the sheer speed of growth and change and product introductions with composite and PVC decking materials.

When I wrote the last post, you had to decide between composite or PVC. The latest product combines the best of both worlds. There is a new product called a wrapped or capped product that is a wood plastic composite with a PVC wrapped cap. In short, it’s cellular PVC on the outside and wood composite on the inside. Why is this the best of both worlds? Well, PVC has some advantages over straight composites – namely the fain and stain resistance. Although composites have strong protection against fade and stain, they do not compare to cellular PVC. On the other hand, solid PVC products are more expensive but the greatest benefit is having the PVC on the outside. So, a capped product really is the best of both worlds.

TimberTech Earthwood Essentials Deck — The completed TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions deck: A beautiful deck for a beautiful cause

Here’s what’s new on the market. TimberTech is one of the premier composite decking lines on the market – and for good reason. Not only are they based out of Columbus (great place to live) but they are very good at what they do. Their product is durable, strong, scratch resistant, mildew resistant and you do not need to paint, stain or seal it. It’s truly a low maintenance product. TimberTech stands behind their product with a 25 year warranty.

TimberTech has a PVC product line called TimberTech XLM. It’s a great product and I use it in my building quite a bit. As I said above, a solid PVC product is more expensive than a solid wood composite.

In the past, two things were not covered in the warranty of TimberTech’s wood plastic composites – stain and fade protection. Cellular PVC has the ultimate stain and fade resistance so the new TimberTech capped product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions has the best of both worlds.

It would be easy if the physical characteristics and warranty were the only factors to consider when choosing a decking material. But, after we make an intellectual decision, we then need to make the aesthetic decision. Every company’s composite or PVC line has different colors. And, from company to company those colors are different. We all know that what one company calls gray or tan is different than what another company calls gray or tan. Have you ever tried to pick out a shade of taupe at Home Depot or Lowes? I did this recently. Once I spent 30 minutes trying desperately to pick the best taupe out of the 39 shades of taupe, then I realized the next company had their 49 shades of taupe.

Columbus paver patio deck and landscaping — Columbus paver patio deck with landscaping customer design drawing

When picking color on composite or PVC decking, it’s a little bit easier. You won’t find 39 or 49 shades of each color. There will be a handful of total colors to choose from. And, yes, one company’s version of a color will be different than another company’s version. To make the decision a little more complex, the composite companies are now getting much more adept at adding the design characteristics that make these materials look more real – things like streaks.

Thinking about making this decision is probably making you tired. But, it’s good time and energy. Your composite or PVC deck is going to last 25 – 30 years or more – warrantied! And that’s what I’m here to help you with. I have no allegiance to any of the companies. I work with TimberTech, Azek, Fiberon Horizon and other composite and PVC brands. I will bring you samples to touch and feel and compare. After reading this blog and touching and feeling the products, you will likely have a fairly good idea about what you want.

Give me a ring to talk about your next outdoor project. My consultation is free and you can tell I love what I do and discussing the merits of the various materials as well as discussing the pros and cons of the different structure choices. I can help you with deciding whether a screened porch, deck, patio, or sunroom is the best fit for you. I can give you guidance for making your choice on the materials. And Archadeck stands behind what we do with our own warranty. When you work with me, you get a design rendering of exactly what your project will look like. I like no surprises and a consultative selling approach so that’s what I give my customers.

Tag: Composite deck materials comparison

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