Synthetic Deck Materials

Synthetic deck materials have gained popularity as home owners look for more eco-friendly and low-maintenance alternatives to wood for building a deck. While no decking option is completely free of maintenance, synthetic deck materials have a wide array of benefits.

Vinyl

Vinyl decking has the least amount of maintenance needed compared with all other kinds of decking as it never needs sealing or staining. It comes in light colors, and it can be cooler than wood in the sun. Because of the light colors, it will show dirt more easily than darker materials. It can also be very slippery when wet.  Vinyl is more expensive than wood, and it also has a higher glare and radiant heat factor under direct sunlight than wood.

Plastic Resins

The most eco-friendly alternative to wood is decking made from recycled plastics. It is durable, and it comes in many colors. It does not rot, mold, mildew or sustain insect damage. It is more expensive than wood and does have a reputation for fading in color. Also, some brands will warp when in direct sunlight. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s specifications for installation, and note what is covered under any warranty.

Wood Dust and Fiber Composites

Created in an effort to get the look and feel of real wood, composite decks combine wood fibers with resins. While composite decking is not as expensive as other synthetic decking, it does have the ability to rot or sustain damage from insects, but at a slower rate than wood.

Aluminum

Aluminum is durable and environmentally friendly. It will last a long time, and it will have no problems with rot and insects like wood decking does. Aluminum will also not rust, but it will corrode if it comes into contact with salt.