Find a contractor near you to build a composite deck. Better Homes & Gardens Local Services connects you with deck builders that specialize in deck building. Get your project started today with a free quote!
Composite decks can last 25 years if well maintained. Most composite deck manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or longer.
Composite decks are most susceptible to color fading, stains, mold and algae, which if severe, may cause homeowners to consider deck replacement sooner than 25 years.
Composite decks of the past tended to fade noticeably, sometimes just a few months after installation. However, substantial strides have been made in composite deck technology. Today, some manufacturers offer composite boards with an outer layer specifically designed to resist fading and mold. Also, many composite boards are now colored throughout, instead of just on the surface, so scratches won't show as much as in the past.
Fading also depends on exposure: the more a deck is exposed to sunlight the more likely it is to fade over time, even if only a small amount.
Also, color choice may matter, since some homeowners report that fading is less apparent in lighter-colored decks.
Finally, don't clean composite decks with harsh materials like bleach (which can fade the color), or with power washers set to high pressure (which can damage the surface of the deck and make it look washed out).
In most cases, composite decking does get at least a little hotter than wood. Factors that affect composite decking temperatures include:
color: darker boards hold more heat than lighter-colored boards,
weight and thickness: heavier boards retain more heat than lighter boards,
ventilation: distance of the deck from the ground, and whether the sides of the deck are open enough for air to flow through,
exposure: decks exposed to full sunlight all day long get substantially hotter than decks that enjoy full or partial shade for some or all of the day,
geographic location: the farther south you are, the stronger the sun and UV rays.
Some composite deck manufacturers now offer so-called "low temperature" decking options.
Before repairing your composite deck, review any relevant information provided by the manufacturer. The best refurbishment and repair methods depend on the specific issue:
If you need help with deck refurbishment or repair, contact one of our local professionals today!
Composite deck installation can be installed by a variety of different contractor types:
Deck builders – specialize mainly in deck building;
Residential builder/contractors with deck installation expertise – typically install decks, fences, stairs and landings, sheds, tree houses, and other outdoor structures;
Residential general contractors – experienced in many different kinds of residential construction projects from large to small;
Manufacturer-recommended pros – who know the installation requirements specific to your chosen manufacturer's brand; and,
Local handyman services – with deck-building expertise.
Before you hire, be sure you understand your installer's experience with composite decks, and ideally, with your preferred brand of composite decking.
If you are ready to get going, use the form on this page to contact local pros for more information.