Capped Composite Decking: What Is It?
Currently the king of the hill among high-end deck builders, capped composites are popular because they mimic the look of wood but require almost no maintenance. Capped composite deck boards are composed of a traditional composite wood / plastic core with a durable polymer protective shell. They come in a range of quality and price, so you’ll need to do some research to get the best deal. The advantage of capped composite decking is the PVC coating prevents mold and mildew from feeding on the organic fiber found in composite material.
Look for Durability
Some capped composites have a thick, hard shell that will hold up to heavy abuse, while others are less satisfactory. A reliable product should have a 25-year warranty against things like warping, stains, swelling, and fading. (You cannot expect a warranty against scratching, because no product can hold up against severe scratches.)
Good & Better
Many companies have two or more models of capped composites, to suit different budgets and tastes. At the low end, boards may be monocolored (though with a choice of 4 or 5 different colors) with an embossed wood grain. Mid-priced boards may have two or three colors to look more like wood. And top-end boards will have sophisticated patterns that use multiple colors; the patterns may repeat so seldom that you would have a difficult time seeing any repeats. Durability and fade resistance may be the same for all three levels, or the higher-end boards may be better quality.
Composite Cores
Capped boards with composite cores are more environmentally friendly because they are mostly made of recycled products. The ratio of plastic to wood flour is usually about 50/50.
Check out the capped composite decking options on Trex to learn more.
Composite vs Wood
Composite and wood decking differ in terms of maintenance, costs, labor, and lifetime value. Compare composite vs wood decking at Decks.com.
Best Composite Decking Materials & Options
Low maintenance composite decking materials are a great option when thinking long-term. Discover the best composite decking material options for your home.
Pressure Treated Wood: Types, Grading Standards & More
Wondering if pressure treated wood is right for your project? Learn more about the different types of pressure treated lumber as well as how long they last at Decks.com.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Can I reuse existing footings
Our inspector discusses the topic of reusing footings for a new deck.
Water in deck footing holes
Find out what to do if your deck footing holes fill up with water.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Is Trex Decking Worth the Investment? Expert Insights and Reviews
Discover why Trex decking is worth the investment. Learn about its durability, low maintenance, eco-friendliness, and the long-term value it adds to your home.
Best Deck Material Options: Composite, Wood & More
Discover how to make the crucial choice of decking material for your deck. Explore composite and wood decking options, each with unique aesthetics and maintenance needs.
Pool Decking Options
When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more. Find the best material for your pool deck with Decks.com.
How many footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Deck Bracing
Learn how to install knee bracing in-between your deck support posts to provide extra strength against high winds and to prevent racking forces for tall decks.
Buried Post
Learn how to install a concrete deck footing with a buried treated support post as an alternative to a solid pier foundation.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights