Composite decking has been on the market since the 1990s and has become an increasingly popular alternative to wood decking. It's more durable, requires less maintenance, and thanks to technological advances, it also offers more variety in color and patterns. Homeowners across the United States are jumping on the composite decking bandwagon and finding that it's a trend worth buying into. It's adding years to their deck's lifespan, and it's adding value to their homes. If you're considering adding a composite deck to your home, you may want to choose from one of these popular brands.
1. Trex
When it comes to composite decking, Trex is one of the most reputable brands in the industry. This could be because they have one of the largest decking materials selections and offer lines that meet almost any budgetary needs. If you're concerned about the environment, their products are also super Earth-friendly and made from about 95 percent recycled materials. Finally, Trex is popular with the do-it-yourself (DIY) crowd because it's easy to install, even if you aren't an expert.
2. DuraLife by Barrette Outdoor Living
Barrette Outdoor Living purchased DuraLife in 2018, but nothing has changed — it remains one of the top composite decking brands on the market. While it doesn't offer the variety that Trex and some of the other companies on the list do, it is considered one of the most reliable and trustworthy products on the market. The company sources its materials responsibly and within a limited local range of its facilities. This, along with the company's unique technology, helps keep costs down, but it also adds other features like cooler decking during the summer, more slip-resistant decking, and reduced susceptibility to mildew and mold in wet climates.
3. Fiberon
Like Trex, Fiberon is considered a leader in the decking materials industry. Its materials are said to be made from 90 percent recycled items, and it offers warranties up to 50 years on certain lines. If it's that confident in its products, you can be, too. Fiberon, which also makes composite fencing, makes fade-resistant products. It offers products that look extremely similar to wood, which is a bonus for many homeowners who like that natural wood look but don't want to deal with the upkeep.
4. MoistureShield
MoistureShield is a great option if you have a deck that will get wet a lot. Maybe you're placing it around your pool or hot tub, or maybe you just live in a rainy climate — either way, as the name suggests, MoistureShield's materials and water go hand-in-hand. It's also one of the few composite decking companies that make a product that you can install right on top of the ground without worrying about mildew or mold. In addition to this moisture-friendly technology, MoistureShield also offers products that stay cool, even when sitting in the hot summer sun.
5. Timbertech
Timbertech along with Trex and Fiberon are considered the three industry leaders in composite decking, so you know it's always a safe choice. Timbertech offers a variety of products for all budgets, and they tend to provide longer warranties for some of them. The Timbertech AZEK decking is the company's signature line, but you also have Timbertech Pro and Timbertech Edge to choose from — they're a bit more affordable. Timbertech's products are high-quality, and it offers plenty of variety, including some more elevated and exotic-looking decking compared to what you'll find elsewhere.
6. Deckorators
Deckorators makes two types of decking materials: the typical industry standard wood and plastic composite and a composite made from minerals. The mineral-based composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years as it doesn't sag, is easy to install, and typically holds up better over time, no matter the weather conditions where you live. In addition to making durable decking, Deckorators also makes slip-resistant products.
7. Zuri by Royal
The Zuri brand, which is offered by Royal Building Systems, doesn't offer much in the way of variety, but it remains a favorite for other reasons. First, it's very slip-resistant, whether wet or dry, receiving some of the highest ratings of any other product on the market. Zuri is also noteworthy because it does offer some pretty realistic-looking materials, which is a plus for homeowners who can't decide between wood and composite decks.
8. Lumberock
Lumberock is another company that isn't quite as big as most of the other ones on the list, and it doesn't offer as much variety as they do, but what it does offer is worth taking a look at if you're planning a new or replacement deck. Its products are extremely durable and resistant to mold and mildew. They work great in wet environments, such as around pools and hot tubs or boat decks and boardwalks in saltwater and freshwater environments. Installation is also easy if you're looking for a DIY project.
9. Wolf Decking
Wolf has been selling outdoor products since the early 1800s, so it knows a thing or two about what homeowners want. Today that includes high-quality composite decking materials. The company offers capped and uncapped products known for being super low-maintenance. They aren't prone to the problems moisture can cause to decking, such as rotting, warping, mold, and mildew. Some of its products are also reversible, so you can decide if you want a brushed or woodgrain finish, and you can use hidden fasteners for an even more attractive look.
10. Cali-Bamboo
Cali-Bamboo is known for making a sustainable product with 100 percent recycled materials that are also high-quality. It offers plenty of variety when it comes to color surface textures, great warranties, and products that are built to last. They're strong — stronger than most other composite decking products on the market. They're also usually resistant to mold, mildew, insects, and other natural deck enemies without being high-maintenance. Cali-Bamboo products can cost a little more than some of the other options on the list, but it offers some options if you have a strict budget.
