Everything to Know About Installing Composite Decking

Composite wood is a great material to consider for building an outdoor structure. It’s a fair alternative to natural wood given its optimized composition designed to withstand the ever-changing weather conditions. 

Let’s take an in-depth look at this material, its price point, and its installation and maintenance techniques for optimal care. 

What Is Composite Wood?

True to its name, composite wood is a material stemming from an amalgamation of different components:

• Wood fibres

• Recycled plastic

• Artificial polymers

All particles used in its making are combined using adhesive products. When used as decking, the boards are very similar to that of genuine wood planks. The finish is often a little more uniform, but the warmth and coziness of natural wood remain. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Composite Decking?

Retailed since the 1980s, composite wood has definitely proven its worth over the years. So much so that it’s now commonly used across North America. It’s often used as decking, whether that be for a balcony, closed-in porch, veranda, or any other outdoor patio-like surface.

Here’s a list of its advantages:

• Humidity-resistant

• Waterproof (prevents fungi growth and is rot-proof)

• Long service life

• Non-slip surface (ideal for tiling around a pool or hot tub)

• Decking won’t be scorching after long sun exposure

• Retailed in a wide array of shades and finishes

Yet, there are also a few drawbacks linked to this sort of product:

• Steep upfront costs: While it’s not the most expensive decking material, it’s certainly not the most affordable product either. It’s a long-term investment.

• Its weight: Composite decking is rather heavy, which makes it harder to lug around.

• The look of composite decking can’t be altered with paint or stain, as neither product adheres to its surface given the plastic found in its composition.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Composite Deck?

Costs vary between $6.50–$9.50/square foot for materials; and $60–$85/square foot for installation. On average, to build a 150-square-foot deck, paying roughly $8,250 isn’t too out of the ordinary. 

However, said amount may waver based on the time of year during which you’re planning on carrying out your project, labour costs in your area, as well as several other factors that render presenting a concrete price more difficult.

If you want to learn more about budgetary matters, feel free to try out of cost estimator for your decking project.  

You can also check out our article comparing different decking material costs:

• Building a Deck/Patio: Material Choices and Costs

As you’ll come to find out, composite wood isn’t the most expensive material, nor the most cost-effective choice on the market. It’s a decent option for all homeowners with mid- to high-range project budgets looking to get their money’s worth. 

How to Build a Composite Deck: Guidelines

Note that the best possible course of action is to commission your deck building and installation project with expert deck installation services. Nevertheless, you should still familiarize yourself with the different project-specific steps:

• Design patio or deck

• Obtain building permit with municipal authorities

• Purchase materials

• Build the deck’s foundation

• Install posts

• Attach beams

• Add structural supports

• Build the deck’s frame

• Add joists

• Install decking boards

• Add stairs (if planned for)

• Install railing

The list above is a brief rundown of all installation guidelines for a composite deck. Your hired contractor will be familiar with all material peculiarities and the different steps involved in installing the structure properly. 

Additionally, note that this sort of deck needs adequate ventilation. The structure has to be installed at least 12 inches off the ground. The gap can be concealed using lattices or another material that allows for good airflow. 

What Type of Contractor Should I Hire for My Project?

Once you’ve landed on this sort of decking for your deck-building project, your next step will be finding the right contractor for the job.

In Quebec, if your deck is attached to your house, the hired contractor needs to hold a valid RBQ-issued licence. Note that a contractor holding a general licence can also legally carry out such work and sign the related paperwork. 

However, if you’re hoping to have a freestanding deck, hiring a licensed contractor isn’t mandatory.

Note that all RenoQuotes.com affiliated contractors have verified licences.

What Is There to Know About Regular and Yearly Deck Maintenance

As mentioned, one of the upsides to composite decking is its low maintenance. Its surface is waterproof and easy to clean. Throughout the summer, simply use a soft-bristled brush, a rag, and a bit of gentle soap to remove most stains.

In terms of yearly maintenance, you can choose to apply a mould guard over the surface. However, prior to purchasing a product and using it, ask your deck manufacturer whether the product in question works on composite decking.

During the winter, there are no real protective measures for your composite deck. The main guideline by which you should abide is carefully shovelling the snow off the surface to avoid scuffing the decking.

Carefully pore over the manufacturer’s product guidelines as some decking is suited to de-icers, while others are not.

What Other Materials Can You Use to Build a Deck?

Want to discover other deck-building materials worth your consideration prior to choosing one? Here are just a few:

• Treated wood

• Cedar

• Torrified wood

• Ipe

• Fibreglass