Composite decking offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wooden decks. Composite decks are made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic or other polymers, creating a strong and weather-resistant material. As composite decking has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, many brands have emerged offering different features and price points. In this article, we will take a look at 8 of the most popular composite decking brands on the market today. We will cover what makes each brand unique, as well as the key factors to consider when choosing among these top composite deck manufacturers.

Trex

Trex is one of the first and most well-known brands in composite decking. Founded in 1996, Trex helped pioneer the composite decking category and remains a top seller.

Key Features

• Wide range of colors and textures to choose from including tropical colors and realistic looking wood grains. Trex offers three product lines: Enhance Basics, Enhance, and Transcend.
• Offers a 25-year residential fade and stain warranty, and a 10-year commercial warranty.
• Surface shell resists fading, staining, mold, and mildew.
• Made from 95% recycled materials including recycled wood, plastic film, and reclaimed polyethylene bags.
• Boards resist cracking, splitting, and moisture damage.

Trex decking is on the expensive end of composites, but is known for its durability and longevity. The top-line Transcend collection features tropical tones and a textured grain pattern for an authentic wood look. For a more affordable option, the Enhance line offers a variety of popular colors like Gravel Path and Spiced Rum. Overall, Trex is ideal for homeowners who want a high-performance composite decking brand and appreciate the range of color and style options.

TimberTech

Part of the AZEK Company, TimberTech is another composite decking pioneer with over 25 years in the industry. They offer decking made from two unique materials:

Key Features

• TimberTech AZEK: Made from recycled plastic for extreme scratch, stain, and fade resistance. Features a fade and stain warranty of 30 years residential and 15 years commercial.
• TimberTech PRO: Made from recycled wood and plastic, with moderate scratch resistance and a 25-year residential fade and stain warranty.
• Unique colors like Coastline, Pecan, and Ashwood with vivid streaking that mimics real hardwood.
• Boards are capped on three sides for durability. Hidden fasteners available.
• Eco-friendly: up to 94% recycled content.

TimberTech is ideal for coastal areas andanywhere long-lasting durability from heavy foot traffic is needed. The AZEK line offers superior stain and scratch resistance. PRO provides great durability at a more moderate price point. Vivid colors and wood grain patterns give TimberTech decks a realistic look.

Fiberon

Fiberon is another leading composite brand that manufactures decking and railing products.

Key Features:

• Three decking product lines: Good Life, ProTect Advantage, and Symmetry. Good Life is the most affordable while Symmetry offers the most premium features.
• ProTect Advantage features durable capstock technology with vibrant, natural looking colors including Chestnut and Gray Birch.
• Symmetry decking has multi-chromatic streaking and an innovative embossing process to mimic real wood grain.
• Offers warranty options from 20 years to lifetime coverage against staining and fading.
• Flat-sided boards available to work with older deck framing. Hidden fasteners for a smooth surface.
• Made from recycled wood, plastics, and recycled packaging materials. Up to 94% recycled content.

Fiberon is a trusted brand among homeowners and contractors for the range of pricing options, warranties, and realistic hardwood aesthetics. The innovative embossing and streaking processes give Fiberon decks added realism and depth.

MoistureShield

MoistureShield offers composite decking made from recycled wood fibers and recycled HDPE plastic. Their manufacturing process helps protect against moisture absorption and damage.

Key Features:

• Features CoolDeck technology with infrared reflectors to reduce heat absorption.
• Capstock surface protects against fading, stains, mold and mildew growth.
• Has a high slip-resistance rating, even when wet.
• Available in Vision line with exotic hardwood looks and Vantage line with solid colors.
• Offers a 50-year structural warranty and a 25-year stain and fade warranty.

The MoistureShield brand excels at moisture protection. The CoolDeck technology helps keep decking cooler underfoot in hot climates. Vantage and Vision boards offer durable capped decking at affordable prices.

NewTechWood

NewTechWood focuses on manufacturing composite decking from recycled plastic polymers with an eco-friendly process.

Key Features:

• Made from 95% recycled materials including reclaimed pine, recycled plastic, and recycled packaging.
• Uses special technology to emulate the look of tropical hardwoods like Ipe and Garapa with realistic grain patterns.
• Resists staining, UV damage, rot, mold growth, and termite damage.
• Vivid exotic colors and natural wood grain patterns like Light Walnut and Dark Hickory.
• Offers 25-year residential and 15-year commercial warranties against fading and staining.
• Hidden fastener clips available for smooth deck surface.

NewTechWood offers durability and exotic tropical looks at affordable prices. Ideal for homeowners who want a quality composite with realistic tropical hardwood aesthetics without paying premium prices.

Deckorators

Deckorators is the decking division of Universal Forest Products. They manufacture composite and composite capped decking lines along with decorative railing accents and balusters.

Key Features:

• Two decking lines: Voyage and Vault. Voyage is a virgin composite while Vault features a 3-sided capstock.
• Vault is designed to better resist staining, scratches, and mold growth. Offered in multi-chromatic colors.
• Voyage comes in solid tones inspired by nature. Affordable capped composite option.
• Matching balusters, post covers, and lighting fixtures available. Can mix and match for custom designer looks.
• Hidden fasteners available for sleek surface.
• 25-year residential fade and stain warranty and 15-year commercial warranty.

Deckorators is ideal for homeowners wanting coordinating railings and deck accents. Voyage and Vault offer durable composites at dual price points. The brand focuses on customized designer looks.

Cali Bamboo

Cali Bamboo offers bamboo composite decking that features an eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Key Features:

• Made from Moso bamboo and recycled materials including plastic bags and reclaimed fiber. Contains no wood fiber.
• Features a Polytech encapsulated capstock to prevent moisture absorption and protect against fading.
• Dual-sided truTEX surface with wood grain pattern for added realism. Stays cool in hot weather.
• Resists splintering, cracking, termites, rot, and mildew.
• Easy to install hidden fasteners or traditional screws.
• 25-year residential warranty and 15-year commercial warranty.

Cali Bamboo is the best composite brand if you want an eco-friendly decking material that still provides lasting performance. Made entirely from sustainable bamboo and recycled plastic.

EverNew

EverNew focuses on PVC composite decking made from recycled plastic polymers. They offer unique waterproof decks.

Key Features:

• Made from 95% recycled plastic and polymers from items like milk jugs, soap bottles, detergent containers.
• Contains zero wood fibers so won’t absorb moisture or rot. 4-sided encapsulated polymer protectant.
• Lightweight boards easier to handle and install vs. wood decking.
• CoolDeck technology keeps boards up to 35% cooler than other composites in warm weather.
• Realistic hardwood looks and colors like Brazilian Walnut, Weathered Gray, and Mountain Cedar.
• Excellent resistance to staining, fading, mold, mildew, and termites.
• 25-year residential warranty and 10-year commercial warranty.

EverNew offers durable PVC composite decking that stands up to wet climates and damp ground contact. The closed polymer encapsulation resists water absorption better than other composites.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Composite Decking Brands:

• Price – Composite decking ranges from $3-7 per linear foot installed. Calculate full project budget.
• Where it’s Made – Some brands manufacture in the USA vs. internationally. May impact lead times.
• Performance Ratings – Check warranties and product testing results for durability.
• Appearance – Match the color, grain pattern, traction, etc. to your aesthetic tastes.
• Eco-Friendliness – Reclaimed wood and recycled plastic content varies. Seek sustainable brands if desired.
• Quality Reputation – Research brands’ reputations with deck contractors and homeowners. Visit displays.
• Special Features – Some offer hidden fasteners, molded designs, or temperature regulation.

These leading brands offer homeowners many advantages over traditional wood decks in terms of long-lasting durability and low maintenance. By researching brands’ materials, warranties, colors, and cost considerations, you can select the perfect composite decking for your home outdoor oasis.

Composite vs. Wood Decking Comparison

If you’re planning a new deck project, some of the first key decisions involve choosing the right decking materials. The classic choice is pressure-treated lumber which offers beauty and a rich, natural look. However, wood decking requires continual maintenance and sealing to prevent moisture damage. Composite decking offers a durable, eco-friendly alternative without the upkeep demands. Here we’ll compare the pros and cons of composite decking vs. wood.

Composite Decking:

Pros

• Low Maintenance – No sanding, staining, or sealing needed. Just occasional soap and water cleaning.
• Moisture Resistant – Composite won’t rot, warp, or splinter like wood.
• Fade Resistant – Color pigments mixed throughout resists UV fading.
• Stain Resistant – Capped composites resist food and beverage stains.
• Durable – Withstands heavy foot traffic for decades.
• Slip Resistant – Embossed patterns or grain add traction, even when wet.
• Workable – Easier to cut, drill, and fasten like wood. No pre-drilling needed.
• Consistent quality – Composite production eliminates natural wood defects.

Cons

• Higher Upfront Cost – Composite decking is 2-3X more expensive than pressure-treated lumber depending on type.
• Can Feel Hot – Dark colors absorb heat. Look for “cool” technology.
• Static Buildup – Non-conductive materials generate more static electricity.
• Not Entirely Natural – Still has an artificial feel vs. real wood look and texture.

Wood Decking

Pros

• Natural Beauty – Warm, organic look and feel of real wood is prized.
• Affordable – Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly decking option.
• Easy to Refinish – Sanding and refinishing restores wood’s like-new appearance.
• Easy to Repair – Damaged planks can be replaced as needed vs. replacing entire deck.
• Custom Looks – Vary plank sizes, shapes, and wood species for custom designs.

Cons

• Maintenance – Requires frequent sealing, staining, cleaning and splinter repairs.
• Warping – Wood swells, shrinks, twists, and cups as it takes on moisture.
• Rotting & Decay – Moisture is wood’s enemy. Must keep sealed and moisture-free.
• Checks & Splits – Seasonal expansion and contraction causes surface cracks over time.
• ** fade, Mold & Mildew** – Moisture and sun exposure causes discoloration if not refinished regularly.

While cost is often the driving factor, consider your climate and maintenance preferences when choosing decking materials. In damp, rainy regions, composite excels at resisting water damage. For avid grillers, capped composites repel food and drink stains with ease. If you enjoy staining and sealing as regular care and relaxation, wood can’t be beat for sheer natural beauty. Consider how much time you want to dedicate to upkeep when planning decking for your ideal backyard living space.

What is Composite Decking Made Of?

Composite decking offers a durable, splinter-free, low maintenance alternative to traditional wooden decking. Instead of solid wood planks, composite deck boards are made from a mixture of recycled wood fibers, plastic, and other polymers. By combining recycled wood and plastic components, manufacturers create strong and weather-resistant decking—without relying on scarce high-quality lumber. Here we will look at exactly what materials make up composite deck boards and why these ingredients result in long-lasting, eco-friendly outdoor decking.

Recycled Wood Fibers

The primary component in most composite decking is reclaimed wood fiber. This comes from several sources:

• Recycled sawdust and wood shavings from furniture and flooring factories. This reclaimed pine or oak dust is sifted and formed into wood flour.
• Reclaimed railroad ties ground into wood fibers. These harvested ties have preservative chemicals removed first.
• Scrap pallets ground into tiny wood particles. Recycled pallet wood qualifies as pre-consumer waste fiber.

Reclaimed wood fibers comprise 50-65% of typical composite decking makeup. The wood flour adds stiffness, structure, and solidity. It helps emulate the look and feel of natural grain patterns. But unlike solid wood, mixed with plastic it won’t warp or decay.

Recycled Plastic

The other key ingredient is recycled plastic from post-consumer waste like:

• Recycled milk jugs, laundry detergent containers, and water bottles.
• Reclaimed plastic bags, films, and wrap.
• Recycled dishware, trays, cups, and packaging.
• Salvaged plastic automotive parts like bumpers or dashboards.

Plastic typically comprises 35-50% of composite decking. The polymers create moisture resistance and durability. Plastic components help resist fading, staining, and damage while enabling lighter weight boards.

Additional Ingredients

Other materials may also be mixed in small quantities into composite decks:

• Lignin – A fiber adhesive extracted from wood pulp manufacturing waste.
• Waxes and Color Pigments – Added for fade resistance and consistent coloring.
• Fire Retardants – Help meet fire safety codes for decks and outdoor structures.
• Fly Ash – A byproduct from coal combustion, fly ash adds strength and stiffness.
• Bamboo Fibers – For extra sustainability, some brands use reclaimed bamboo.

By mixing reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic into a durable composite, manufacturers transform waste into eco-friendly, care-free deck boards. The ingredients create strong, stable, and weather-resistant decking that stands up to heavy use and outdoor elements year after year.

How to Choose the Best Composite Decking

If you’ve decided to opt for durable, low maintenance composite decking, how do you determine which brand and style is right for your project? With many product lines on the market, some key considerations when selecting composite deck boards include:

Composite Material

• Capstock – Top layer resists stains and fading. More durable than uncapped composites.
• Capped – 3-4 sided capstock for protection from moisture absorption.
• Uncapped – Color mixed throughout but no protective shell. Most affordable.
• Virgin plastic – Higher plastic content for increased stain resistance.
• PVC composite – Alternative to wood-plastic but expensive. Holds up well in wet climates.

Look for quality construction with protective layers to prevent moisture damage, swelling, and deterioration over time.

Composite Colors

• Solid colors – Easiest to match to your color scheme like Beige or Slate Gray.
• Multi-tone – Subtler color variations add depth without drastic streaking.
• Random colors – Blends multiple colors for a variegated look.
• Natural wood tones – Emulate familiar wood species like Cedar or Redwood.
• Exotic colors – Tropical hues and vibrant colors expand choices.

Select colors suited to your homestyle like elegant Grays, coastal Beachwoods, or rustic Browns. Cooler tones feel less hot underfoot.

Texture Finish

• Low grain – Least pronounced grain pattern with a flatter surface.
• Embossed grain – Stamped or molded wood texture provides some traction.
• High grain – Deeper grooves and ridges for most slip resistance, especially when wet.

Textured grain patterns add aesthetic interest and help prevent slick surfaces while retaining ease of cleaning.

Board Dimensions

• Hollow boards – Molded with structural ribs inside for rigidity using less material. Lower weight and cost but prone to breakage on edges or if screwed in wrong spots.
• Solid boards – Some composites are extruded as solid planks. Heavier but with structural integrity throughout and along board edges.
• Wide boards – Range from 4′ to 8′ lengths and 4” to 8” widths for fewer seams. Easier layout and install. Need proper joist spacing support.
• Thin boards – Many brands offer narrower 12-16mm thick boards to match traditional 5/4” wood decking.

Measure deck foundations carefully. Match board dimensions and weight to your structure’s design.

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