Experience with plastic or composite decking?

Loony Singer · 04-21-2015, 01:55 PM

Hi, all...

We are on the verge of replacing our 14-year-old pressure treated deck (yes, it should have lasted longer, but that's a different story). Given that minimal maintenance and nice appearance are our priorities, we've decided to go with one of the new plastic or composite materials.

I've checked Consumer Reports, but their last tests were done at least 3 years ago, and much has changed since then. I've browsed a couple of local lumber yards, and have found a bewildering array of brands and multiple models within each brand. Clearly, you pay more for deeper embossing and more color variation (i.e. more realistic looking). But beyond that, we haven't come to any conclusions.

I'm wondering if anyone on the Forum has used this stuff and has some recommendations (or non-recommendations), things to watch out for, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

04-21-2015, 01:55 PM	#1
Loony Singer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 110 Thanks: 30 Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts	Experience with plastic or composite decking? Hi, all... We are on the verge of replacing our 14-year-old pressure treated deck (yes, it should have lasted longer, but that's a different story). Given that minimal maintenance and nice appearance are our priorities, we've decided to go with one of the new plastic or composite materials. I've checked Consumer Reports, but their last tests were done at least 3 years ago, and much has changed since then. I've browsed a couple of local lumber yards, and have found a bewildering array of brands and multiple models within each brand. Clearly, you pay more for deeper embossing and more color variation (i.e. more realistic looking). But beyond that, we haven't come to any conclusions. I'm wondering if anyone on the Forum has used this stuff and has some recommendations (or non-recommendations), things to watch out for, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!