The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Composite Decking

An outdoor deck can demand significant effort for something that is to provide relaxation. Some homeowners worry if having a deck is worth the time and effort it takes to sand, power wash, and refinish it. 

Has your place of relaxation become burdensome? Are you considering a switch from wood decking to composite decking? If yes, you are in the right place! 

In this guide, we tell you exactly what composite decking is. We explain the three types of composite decking and show you how to install one yourself. 

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking comes from both natural hardwood and man-made materials. The result is a high-quality decking board that looks more real than plastic products and lasts longer than traditional wood. You get the best of both worlds. It doesn't need much care, and it looks great on its own.

Types of Composite Decking

There are three types of composite decking. We have:

• Solid composite decking
• Hollow composite decking
• Capped composite decking

Solid Composite Decking

Solid composite boards are heavy boards often used to make permanent floors in homes, offices, and hotels. Solid composite deck boards look more like wood but are tougher and will last a long time. You'd use them for pool decks, house walkways, and other things. 

The two biggest problems with a solid composite deck are that they warp in extreme weather and are heavy, so you'd need help putting them together. Solid decking expands and contracts more in response to temperature changes because of its increased mass.

Hollow Composite Decking

Hollow composite decking boards or blank composite boards are lightweight decking materials. We often use these for installing cables, cladding, siding, etc. 

Hollow composite decking offers a more manufactured appearance. It will, however, not expand and contract as much as solid composite decking. Because of this, you must be careful when handling the product before it gets installed. On the ends, they need caps or fascia boards.

Capped Composite Decking

A core and a cap make up a capped composite deck board. The core is of organic wood filler and recycled plastic. On the other hand, the cap is of a synthetic material that makes it more resistant to stains, scratches, and discoloration. Capped composite boards are for places like gardens, pool decks, outdoor paths, etc., that get a lot of wear and tear or get exposed to harsh weather.

Advantages of Composite Decking

The key inquiry is, of course, "Is composite decking worthwhile?" You're probably wondering if it offers the same advantages as conventional wood and if it is a better choice. Well, the short answer is yes. 

The major reason composite decking is so popular these days is because it is better than traditional wood. However, here are a few advantages of composite decking so you can see for yourself.

• Composite decking requires low maintenance as compared to wood decking.
• They last a long time and are as dense as wood decks.
• There are a lot of different colors and shades of these deckings.
• Composite deck boards are from used materials, which makes them good for the environment.
• The boards are less likely to fade when exposed to UV light.
• When installed with the narrow groove side facing up, composite decking is less likely to slip than lumber.
• Even though the boards aren't waterproof, they soak up less water than a wood deck.
• They don't get stains or scratches.
• They will not rot, crack, or bend.

Composite decking can't match the look and feel of real wood decking. The price of these materials is higher than that of more common ones. The average price of composite decking is $5 per square foot, which doesn't include the cost of installation. So, they are a great choice for decks that don't need much upkeep and will last a long time.

Installing a Composite Deck

Once you decide whether to build the deck yourself or hire a deck builder in Orange County, you can start building. You can break down a deck-building project into five easy steps — planning, measuring, framing, securing, and laying. You will need the following tools:

• Drill/driver
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Circular saw
• Chalk line
• Framing square
• Pitty knife
• Sledgehammer
• Joist hangers

1. Plan & Design

The first step in deck installation in Orange County is to figure out how much material you'd need, where the deck will go, and what tools and materials you'd use. Consider that darker composite materials will hold heat and get hotter. If you like to go barefoot or if your deck will be in direct sunlight, choosing a lighter color or a mix of colors will make the deck more enjoyable.

2. Measure & Pour

Start by measuring the area where the deck will go and then build a solid base. Use a post hole digger to make the holes for the footings of the deck. Pour in concrete and wait at least 24 hours for it to harden.

3. Frame

Install the ledger board to the house to hold the deck to the house while you wait. Once the concrete has hardened, attach the stirrup post anchors to the footings of the deck. You can also make them out of concrete as you go. Then attach the posts or bearers directly to the stirrups. Depending on the size of your deck, you may need to add concrete footings. Then, install joist hangers where you want them, about every 15.24 cm on both the ledger board and the end beam. Cut the joist boards to size and put them in place by putting them in the hangers and nailing them in place. Make sure you check the level of your plumbing often and make changes as needed.

4. Secure

Make sure that your deck is level. You should do this from the start by using subframes of the same size. Using a chalk line can help you find the high spots you need to grind down. Use a compound to seal any joints or other places that could get a lot of water. Putting joist protection over the top edge of the joists can also help protect the deck from long-term rot. Choose dark tape color so it doesn't draw attention away from your decking.

5. Lay

Once your foundation is set up and stable, you can start putting down the deck boards. Use the fixing system that comes with the product. Different types of composite have different ways of putting them together. 

From top-mounted screws that "disappear" through the top surface to "biscuit type" or "strip click-in" strips, both of which allow for secret or hidden mounting, there are many ways to secure the boards.

Because there is a lot of thermal movement every day, it is best to avoid butt joints with composite decking. Use full-length boards with feature or breaker boards to "hide" the necessary expansion joints. The best time to set this up right is when you are planning. 

If you can, try making the deck the same size as the boards. This will help save a lot of time and materials, which will save money. Though this is optional, you can add railings, lighting, or stairs to the deck as the last step.