Installing Decking For A Floating Deck

UltraShield® composite decking has a layer of protection that keeps the core of your decking boards safe from mold or mildew, which can break traditional decks down over time. With our fully capped composite decking, you never have to worry about the integrity of your boards. Composite wood is made of a combination of wood fibers and high-density recycled polyethylene plastic materials. NewTechWood then finishes each composite decking board or tile with a strong polymer protective coating. Because of this, composite decking is stronger and more durable than wood or plastic alone. It is the ideal decking choice for anyone who wants longevity and minimal upkeep or repair after a harsh winter season. Well, it might be more accurate to say that it “was” hard to install, but now things are quite different.

Offered exclusively from DuraLife®, the Step-Clip™ hidden fastener system installs quickly and easily along the entire length of the framing joists. Each of the 1-5/8-inch wide (x 23” long) polypropylene interlocking strips covers the width of joist, shielding it from water damage. When he does, I’ll recommend Fortress Building Products to him. My experience is that the composite decks that last are the ones in which even the smallest chance of a failure has been engineered out. Fortress Deck has engineered their Infinity composite decks down to the core, using bamboo instead of sawdust for greater strength and water resistance. Fortress boards use Hulk hidden fasteners to anchor the decking down without providing a path for water to penetrate to the core of the board. This system makes the boards even longer-lasting, and gives the deck an elegant, uninterrupted look.

• Because of this, composite decking is stronger and more durable than wood or plastic alone.
• In fact, modern day composite decking is often very simple to install for someone familiar with deck installation.
• NewTechWood then finishes each composite decking board or tile with a strong polymer protective coating.
• Well, it might be more accurate to say that it “was” hard to install, but now things are quite different.
• It is the ideal decking choice for anyone who wants longevity and minimal upkeep or repair after a harsh winter season.

Facts About Composite Decking

So, when it comes time to resurfacing or replacing an existing deck with composite decking, keep in mind that some additional framing may be necessary. The good news for homeowners is that unlike most composites, DuraLife'shardwood composite decking products can be installed between 20”O.C. Another joist protection option is to install composite decking with the Step-Clip hidden-fastening system. Step-Clip offers the dual benefit of moisture repellency and speedier installation.

Composite Decking: Does It Really Stack Up?

Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards?

What they forget to tell you is that the wood flour itself is a food source for mold. So, if it is not protected, or the protection wears off, your composite deck becomes a giant smorgasbord for many species of mold and mildew no matter how clean you keep it. A wood deck gets hot enough so that walking barefoot is mildly uncomfortable. All composites and plastics get hotter than wood – some get hotter than concrete. Dense materials retain more heat and get hotter than less dense materials.

Compared with wood, which requires cleaning and regular staining and/or sealing, composite boards make for a “build and chill” project. Hands down, easy care is the biggest plus for this material. As part of their manufacture, composite deck boards are treated with preservatives that help ward off rot, mold, and mildew. Planks are dyed in a host of a colors and imprinted with a range of textures, most of which convincingly resemble genuine wood grain.

Do you want a pink deck, or alternating purple and yellow boards? Just remember that, whatever color you choose, you can’t just change your mind and paint over it. Initial costs of composite decks will likely be higher, both for materials and labor.

Here, I should interject that the homeowner decided to keep the existing wood handrail system , with the intention to stain the wood to match the color of the deck. To match the base trim to the railing, I ripped some 2-by-2 trim pieces from 2-by-4’s on my table saw, which would also be stained. I then ripped a bevel along one edge to ease the profile a bit. I used a miter saw to cut them to length and to cut all the 45-degree corners. Granted, base trim for interior applications isn’t typically this bulky, but this was a deck, and I was trying to keep the wood thick and strong to resist warping from exposure. I was also relying on the protection of a high-quality wood preservative.

Some capstock manufacturers, such as Fiberon and Timbertech, now guarantee some of their products against excessive fading. But, most continue to specifically exclude color changes, fading and graying from their warranties. Trex, the largest manufacturer of composite decking, has been sued more than once due to excessive mold and mildew build-up on its composite decking and had to pay out big dollars in settlement.

The deck floor was no longer in the same plane, nails were popping like a pan of Orville Redenbacher, and the cap rail had bowed into the shape of a miniature ski slope. It was time to get out with the old deck boards and in with the new—the “new” being low-maintenance composite decking. Another reason to mix materials is to reduce maintenance needs. Things like wood handrails and wood decking boards need regular maintenance and finishing to prevent splinters. DuraLife’s unique polypropylene and hardwood composite decking materials simply outperform all other wood and composite decking products. More solid and safe under foot, DuraLife decking is backed by a 25-year warranty.

The Best Decking For Winter Weather

Composite manufacturers now admit that there are no "maintenance free" decking materials of any kind. Every decking material needs at least a periodic washing. Mold, mildew, and dirt attack every deck - plastic, metal, wood or composite – with evenhanded tenacity, and have to be taken care of at regular intervals. All composite manufacturers now recommend a periodic maintenance schedule, specific procedures, and even products by brand name for cleaning and maintaining their composite materials. Now that a little time has passed and some research has been done, these expansive claims are just not holding up.

Most of that work is simply spraying down your deck with a hose, but it’s still technically work. While “no maintenance” may be a misnomer, low maintenance is a reality when it comes to composite decking. A little soap and water every few months will keep your composite deck looking brand new year after year. For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. So unless some sort of anti-fungal material is added, wood flour can be a very attractive home for mold and mildew. Manufacturers caution in their care instructions that keeping the deck free of pollen and debris that may be food sources for mold is important to assuring a mold-free deck.