Deck Builders in St. Louis: Composite Decking Options

Fiberon Horizon Decking, Rosewood, photo by Fiberon

In the scope of building materials for the decking industry, composite decking is a relatively new product that has been on the market for approximately 20 years.

But during this short time-frame, composite decking has truly revolutionized the industry.

As a leading and reputable St. Louis deck contractor, customers often ask us about using composites or capped composites for decks, screened-in decks, patio enclosures, screened porches, and other outdoor spaces.

Thus, ‘composite vs. wood’ is a very common question.

Earthwood Evolutions Capped Composite Deck, St. Louis, Mo, by Archadeck

To summarize briefly, there are a number of reasons that St. Louis homeowners may ultimately choose composite materials over certain types of wood including:

Longevity and Durability:

Composite decking consists of wood fibers combined with plastics which create a strong and long lasting material.

But quality composites don’t actually look like plastic at all!

Today’s composites can provide an attractive color selection or provide an authentic appearance of natural wood.

And with proper installation and care, composites are resistant to mildew, mold, dry-rot, splintering, scratching and splitting.

TimberTech Terrain Brown Oak Decking, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck

Low Maintenance:

The term ‘maintenance-free’ is often tossed around when referring to composite decking material.

No product is absolutely maintenance free; however, composites — when compared to wood — certainly have lower maintenance requirements.

The process of regular staining and sealing for wood is eliminated.  Composites will, however, require some attention in terms of simple cleaning.

Low Maintenance Envision Decking, photo by Tamko

Eco-Friendly:

Some folks believe that composite decking is a better choice than natural wood decking for environmental reasons.

Research has shown that the major content of properly manufactured composite decking (and railing) consists of recycled wood fiber and recycled plastics.  The exact percentage may vary depending on specific product-lines and manufacturers.

Nonetheless, utilizing recycled materials is always good for the environment.

Composite Screened Porch in St. Charles Mo by Archadeck

Archadeck offers the entire scope of decking products found in the marketplace today, including composites.  And composites can certainly be a terrific material choice for your deck, screened porch, or other outdoor space as well.

So if you’re thinking about building an outdoor space for your home, please give us a call and visit our website:  636.227.0800 – west-county.archadeck.com

We are located in St. Louis West County and serve the entire metropolitan St. Louis region in Missouri including St. Charles, St. Charles County and parts of Illinois.

Trex Composite Deck and Trex Composite Railing by Archadeck

If you’re living outside of the Greater St. Louis region, go to archadeck.com to find other locations across the country.

Sources:  Archadeck Outdoor Living, Beautiful Backyard Blog, TimberTech, Fiberon, Tamko