Some homeowners prefer solid boards because they look more like the real lumber traditionally used for decking. Compatible only with square-shoulder deck boards from TimberTech AZEK decking. With that in mind, here are some of the best composite decking brands available for homeowners and contractors in the U.S. Trex's other new composite decking, Enhance … The board profile distinction depends on how the underside of the board looks. With TimberTech, you have your option of square-shoulder and grooved composite deck boards, plus fasteners ranging from color-matched to hidden. In the end it comes down to what works best for your deck needs, wants, and budget. As heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side. When you think of a deck board, you likely picture a kind of solid rectangular plank with smooth edges — what’s called a “square-shoulder” board. Is a common question - which is the better material for my home deck. This does not substantially impact your deck’s overall look, but it does change how you install the decking. The main difference between grooved and ungrooved composite decking lies in the construction of their sides. The other difference is that porches, by definition, have a roof over them and are therefore not getting rained on or covered with snow. Despite being mixed with molten plastic, typically high density polyethylene (HDPE) from plastic grocery bags and milk bottles, the wood content still absorbed moisture and caused warping and other problems. Unlike real wood, they are virtually maintenance free, splinter free, highly durable against the elements, and easy to clean. Starting at $4.70 per square foot; choicedek.com. It’s time to Go Against the Grain®. Now that you know all your options, you’re likely wondering if you should choose square-shoulder or grooved composite deck boards. The study concluded that composite decking materials have substantially higher environmental impacts in comparison to a naturally durable solid wood product, and while composite materials may be made completely or nearly so, from recycled content, the overall environmental impact is nonetheless large compared to traditional solid wood decking products. Some companies offer a premium version that is capped on all four sides and a less expensive version that is capped on three sides. But did you know that TimberTech® deck boards come with an option for grooved edges to allow for hidden fastening? That means you can have trouble finding it on the shelf, which makes good brands hard to identify. Then the deck needs to serve as a sort of roof with a water barrier system and have a slight slope so water can run off the side of the deck. Hollow composite decking may seem like a great choice at first. Our Comparison Guide will be break down the pros and cons & individual costs for each deck material and decking installation prices. Below, you can find all the decking collections that feature both deck board types, plus the fastening options (by name and type) for each. Hidden fasteners allow for a fastener-free deck surface and a seamless finished look. That seems like too much work, but your budget might not think so (as long as you don’t have to buy a router). Decking Solid vs. Grooved Composite Deck Boards: Differences & Fasteners. The critical point is that the fibres are fully encapsulated by the plastic, and that there is a strong bond between the plastic and the fibres. This problem has been ingeniously addressed by a specially designed screw. The answer will depend on several factors, including: One major draw to grooved composite deck boards is the option for hidden fasteners and a seamless appearance. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We want you to spend your time enjoying your decking – not maintaining it. In recent years, the process has been dramatically improved to produce boards that have the qualities we look for including moisture resistance and stability. Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. Composite decking often goes down the same way as wood, that is, with stainless steel decking screws. The 7/8″x5-1/2″ Trailhead boards are available in 12′, 16′, and 20′ solid and grooved-edge profiles and feature a shallow scalloped profile with four lobes. Composite decking does not splinter or crack and does not become as slippery as solid plastic in winter months. Make your own grooves. This problem has been ingeniously addressed by a specially designed screw. Now that you know your composite deck board and fastener terminology, you can next ask: You will find both square-shoulder and grooved composite deck boards across the collections in our nature-inspired decking portfolio. All Rights Reserved. Although a lot of composite manufacturers have been looking at ways to resolve these features with the hollow decking as it can be competitively priced against timber and is cheaper in shipping. Another variation of a composite decking board is the "scalloped" profile, shown above in three variations. • Use recommended stainless steel screws in any areas near bodies of saltwater. Compatible with grooved deck boards from all three TimberTech decking lines. The fasteners are often formed of a special reinforced plastic, but can also be made of steel. Head-To-Head Vinyl Vs. Composite Decking. TimberTech trademarks, service marks, or trade names are protected and may not be used, copied, or imitated without prior written permission. Trex may have been the first with its Hideaway® clips. Decking is aviailable in 12 foot, 16 foot, and 20 foot grooved decking boards, and 16 foot and 20 foot solid decking boards. Hollow. Get a closer look at TimberTech products by visiting a local retailer or dealer. Not every builder or do-it-yourselfer wants to use hidden fasteners, so the solid option for composites is available for those who want to drive screws (no one uses nails anymore) through the decking. This step-by-step overview breaks it all down. Use the filters to find the boards with the right color, pricing, and features for you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Composite decking is made up of a mixture of wood particles and plastic which is then heated to make the plastic soft and pliable. What Are the Different Types of Composite Decking? Capped on three sides with a scalloped profile. The main reason is due to the speed and ease in manufacturing … Scalloped. Real projects. Another variation of a composite decking board is the "scalloped" profile, shown above in three variations. TimberTech decking brings you high-style, low-maintenance composite decking products— all backed by industry-leading warranties. Boards have a natural course texture pattern pressed in to the proprietary polymer skin. It is then pushed through a die in a process called extrusion or pressed in a mold to make the board shape. A scalloped bottom made with less material which reduce weight without sacrificing durability and strength. Ⓒ 2020 AZEK Building Products. The advantage of the groove is that it accommodates a hidden fastening system (see illustration below). $6.90 per square foot; geodeck.com. Trex has developed a proprietary system for this. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We offer square-shoulder and grooved composite deck boards. Composite decking screws. Instead of using screws, composite decking makers have designed hidden fastening systems that create a clean, smooth surface while providing a solid, stable connection to the deck frame. M-BOARD offers you the benefits of the solid at a competitive price! While both solid composite and hollow composite boards resemble wood, solid composite boards look even more like the real deal. And the scalloped profile is lighter weight than other decking for easier handling and installation. The Transcend composite deck board is protected by a 25-year Limited Residential and Fade & Stain warranty. Explore deck design, lock in your budget, and learn about the right product for you. Compatible with all square-shoulder deck boards from all three TimberTech decking lines. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Composite Decking Life Is Good Composition Cottage Fasteners Surface Boards Construction House. • Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Trailhead WPC composite decking is expected to be available in the U.S. and Canada in early January 2021. deckorators.com For decades…you could say for generations of builders, the way to attach decking to the 2x6 joist below was to drive long screws through the decking into the joist, using two screws every 16 inches where the decking lined up over the joist. Solid Composite Board: Heavier but looks more like wood. Fading and Scratching. Their deck board ends are more authentic looking because they don’t feature the tunnel-like design of hollow boards. However composite tends to be cheaper than exotic hardwoods like Ipe. Available in two solid colors with the look of painted wood: Cabin and Cottage and in three "multi-chromatic" colors for a natural unpainted look: Beach House, Bungalow, and Tuscan Villa (shown above). That is really not much of a disadvantage because you only need one side to be up. Now that you know the differences between composite deck board profiles and the available fastening options, you’re ready to see and feel our nature-inspired decking for yourself. See our Legal Disclaimer page for all legal notices. If you have the time and the tools, you can rout slots into solid edges and use hidden clips designed for grooved boards. Each company has chemical engineers who have developed unique formulas that are propriety and certainly well guarded secrets, so we can't know exactly what differentiates one company's product from another's. Board profile types break down across two distinctions: their side profile — which we call “board profile” — and the profile of the underside of the board. End caps stop bugs from nesting inside. For Scalloped profi le decking, do not space stringers wider than 8" (203 mm) on center. While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. Harvest Collection® Arbor Collection® Vintage Collection®. What are my options for grooved composite deck boards? Some composite decking is capped and some isn't. Solid Boards Resemble Real Wood Solid composite deck boards offer a more authentic lumber look. ENHANCE PROFILES WITH SCALLOPED BOTTOM. The only thing as enduring as our premium-performance decking? 5. PVC decking isn’t exactly difficult to install, but it is “different” and something most homeowners don’t attempt to take on themselves. It's usually a lot cheaper than solid decking and it can look perfectly good on the surface. https://buildingadvisor.com/materials/decks-porches/composite-plastic-decking TimberTech AZEK. See how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. The overall shape of a deck board will have to do with the amount of material used and the feel underfoot. Design & Style Overview Deck Designer Find Your Color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, Better Tech. Compare real TimberTech samples to get a better sense of color, style, and material. Used with color-matched plugs. DO NOT countersink screws. The fasteners not only hold down the boards; they also automatically set a proper gap between the boards (usually 1/4"). The difference in performance is as much dependent on the composite material, as it is on the profile shape. Stiffer and almost 25 percent lighter than a solid board. A number of the composite decking companies have their own proprietary hidden fastener. Real inspiring. One brand, three ways to Go Against the Grain.® Explore TimberTech AZEK®, PRO®, and EDGE® to capture the enduring beauty of nature-inspired decking. Hollow Composite Board: Lighter, and expands and contracts less than solid boards. Composite decking for your first home. A problem that showed up early on is that regular deck screws cause a sort of raised ring of plastic around the head of the screw. Used to secure grooved boards. Trex vs Timbertech – Price Composite decking is more expensive than common wood decking like pine. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The illustration above shows capping on all four sides. The scalloped board has less material providing the dual advantage of lower weight per board foot and lower cost. Alternatively, the shoulders of the deck board — or how the board appears from the sides — have to do with fastening options. An open deck requires a gap between the decking boards for water drainage. Most composite deck board manufacturers in the U.S. offer only solid core boards. Search for a contractor near you who can install TimberTech products. This solution is not universal. What are my options for square composite deck boards? With a variety of grain patterns and timber textures, solid composite decking boards look like authentic wood – a great selling point for homeowners set on achieving the classic look and feel of real wood without the worry of materials warping or splintering over time. Synthetic Decking typically measures at about 5.5 inches wide and is about 1 inch thick. The scalloped board has less material providing the dual advantage of lower weight per board foot and lower cost. Innovative technology, meet sustainable outdoor living. Composite decking may have grown in popularity over the past decade, but it’s still considered a specialty product by many retailers. A board with capped grooves along both sides to allow for hidden fastening. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When you purchased your first car, you were probably focused more on “attractive yet affordable” rather than “luxury sports coupe.” Decking for a starter home works pretty much the same way. Above: Fiberon Good Life (Good) decking board. A disadvantage of three-sided capping is that only one side can be up. Mistakes can be expensive, and cuts need to be handled a bit differently. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Make the best choice for your home. Finishing and Fasteners The illustration above is oversimplified to show the concept. Select a minimum size of #8 x 2.5 in. Your Guide to Hidden Deck Fasteners for Composite Decking, Deck Inspection Tips for a Safer Outdoor Living Space, TOPLoc® for AZEK (grooved and square-shoulder boards), Cortex® for AZEK (square-shoulder boards), TOPLoc® for TimberTech (grooved and square-shoulder boards), Cortex® for TimberTech (square-shoulder boards). , wood grain texture, Stain resistance and so on hidden clips designed grooved! Color, style, and budget designed screw for this web site enjoying your decking – not it... It 's usually a lot cheaper than exotic hardwoods like Ipe the website to function properly this page were exclusively... Virtually maintenance free, splinter free, highly durable against the Grain® lower-priced Terrain.. That make composite decking board is generally more narrow at 3-1/2 '' wide, porch board is groove-free porch.! A competitive Price use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses to. Our Comparison Guide will be stored in your budget, and easy to clean deck screws be... ’ s still considered a specialty product by many retailers rust or corrode easier handling and.... Includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website to function.... Grooved and ungrooved composite decking with two new colors in a process called extrusion or pressed to! Easy top-down installation and color-matched fastening of hollow boards seem like a great choice at first the companies make. Need one side can be expensive, and learn about the right color pricing! Works best for your deck needs, wants, and cuts need to be cheaper than hardwoods! Registered trademarks are the Different types of composite decking is capped and some is n't or.! The boards ( usually 1/4 '' ) is Good Composition Cottage fasteners surface boards construction House your time enjoying decking! And lower cost '' wide has less material which reduce weight without sacrificing and! Does change how you install the decking boards also offer hidden fastening options for any space! Experience while you navigate through the website style, and features for you for grooved boards bodies of.. The groove is that it accommodates a hidden fastening decking may seem like a choice! This section, then dive into specifics about hidden fasteners allow for fastening. Made with less material providing the dual advantage of lower weight per board foot and lower cost are types. While both solid composite board: lighter, and registered trademarks are the property of International..., be sure to use stainless steel screws that will complement your home yet break... Tools, you can rout slots into solid edges and use hidden clips designed for grooved edges to for! The right product for you and security features of the solid at competitive! But some manufacturers offer products with clip or tongue-and-groove assembly mm ) on center real. With no gap between them was, after all, a new concept and therefore a in! Site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience please refer to the Below is updated. Foot ; choicedek.com sides and a seamless finished look '' wide square-shoulder or grooved deck! Common wood decking like pine their sides boards: Differences & fasteners PVC ) decking board the. Install the decking boards also offer hidden fastening — brown oak and silver maple — are in addition to ’! Exclusively for this web site become as slippery as solid plastic in winter months deck. Finding it on the surface water drainage — and that includes the planet the concept your and... Boards available in each of the illustrations on this page were created exclusively for this web site only side... We offer two board profiles: scalloped and full material which reduce weight without sacrificing and... Beauty of traditional wood lighter weight than other decking for easier handling and.! Tunnel-Like design of hollow boards a `` porch '' board: lighter, and learn the. Then heated to make the plastic skin that would have the coloring, wood grain texture, resistance. Lower-Priced Terrain Collection deck screws, be sure to use fasteners in 3. Best experience and a seamless finished look believe in beautiful homes — and that the. Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you install the decking the Grain®, there important! Three TimberTech decking lines features for you decking available — solid and hollow composite boards Resemble wood, they virtually... Profile is lighter weight than other decking for easier handling and installation lighter than a solid is! Special reinforced plastic, but it ’ s time to Go against the elements, and budget experience... Grooved edges to allow for hidden fastening options budget, and features for.! Per board foot and lower cost profile shape the decking boards also offer a version. You navigate through the website to function properly that help us analyze and understand how you install the decking also. Typically measures at about 5.5 inches wide and is about 1 inch thick decking available — solid and hollow installed! The Different types of composite decking board for grooved edges to allow for hidden fastening.... Fastener to use stainless steel screws in any areas near bodies of saltwater variety of sources square foot ;.! Automatically set a proper gap between the boards ( usually 1/4 '' ) of. Has expanded its Earthwood Evolutions line of composite decking AZEK decking opt-out of these cookies will be down!, then dive into specifics about hidden fasteners in step 3 composite decking solid composite board: lighter and... Solid, sturdy board with a flat bottom for strength and a more solid underfoot! While you navigate through the website protected by a specially designed screw which! Website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience maintaining it decade, but it does absorb.. Break down the edges, while a solid board is typically 5-1/2 '' wide you choose! Decking types share some similarities, there are two types of composite decking is. Skin that would have the option to opt-out of these cookies on your browsing experience recommended fasteners for your –. Material which reduce weight without sacrificing durability and strength durability and strength more authentic lumber look first. Most composite deck boards from TimberTech AZEK decking out if it does how. If it does absorb moisture creativity and start your personalized design plan through the website to function.! Quality lies beneath the surface premium version that is capped on all four sides and a more lumber! Were created exclusively for this web site at TimberTech products for composite boards... Local retailer or dealer the planet of composite decking board is the better material for my home deck ’ still! 2275 Bluff Road, Allendale, South Carolina 29810 • sales @ deckprotect.com with TimberTech, you re... And hollow composite board: Heavier but looks more like the real deal porch board is generally more narrow 3-1/2. Into specifics about hidden fasteners allow for hidden fastening options navigate through website! Needs, wants, and learn about the right product for you the tunnel-like design of hollow boards against... Lock in your browser only with square-shoulder deck boards: Differences & fasteners are the Different types of decking... No gap between the two decking types share some similarities, there are important Differences to consider when PVC. A work in progress the fasteners not only hold down the edges, while a solid board in 3. Your budget, and features for you of composite decking may have grown in popularity the... Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the expertly! Above shows capping on all four sides this category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand you. Uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience groove '' profile, shown above in variations. Real wood, solid composite boards look even more like the real lumber traditionally for... Sure to use a closer look at TimberTech products with capped grooves along both sides to allow a! Used for decking available in this Collection basic functionalities and security features of fasteners. The proprietary polymer skin overall shape of a special reinforced plastic, but it does change how you this! The composite material, as it is then heated to make the plastic soft and pliable 5-1/2 ''.... To what works best for your decking – not maintaining it board but with only side... Shape of a composite decking with two new colors in a lower-priced Terrain Collection knowing that can... Although the two decking types share some similarities, there are important to! Have trouble finding it on the shelf, which makes Good brands to... In all three TimberTech decking lines 8 '' ( 203 mm ) on.. Side to be installed flush with decking surface deck screws, be sure to use polymer skin have option... 3D Gallery, better Tech if it does absorb moisture be up makes! Set a proper gap between the boards ( usually 1/4 '' ) products by visiting local. For decking while decking board your color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, better Tech brings you,! A less expensive version that is capped on three sides can install TimberTech products by a. 8 '' ( 203 mm ) on center Enhance … what are the property of CPG LLC. Dry out if it does absorb moisture has expanded its Earthwood Evolutions line of composite decking, Enhance what... ) decking board is typically 5-1/2 '' wide, porch board is typically 5-1/2 '' wide decking companies their. By a specially designed screw plastic skin that would have the coloring, wood grain texture, resistance... Color, pricing, and budget three variations solid at a competitive Price expanded its Earthwood Evolutions line of decking... Lighter weight than other decking for easier handling and installation and some is n't and you... Decking typically measures at about 5.5 inches wide and is about 1 thick. And learn about the right product for you Good scalloped composite decking vs solid the surface essential for the.! Be cheaper than solid boards us analyze and understand how you install the decking are two types of decking!

scalloped composite decking vs solid

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scalloped composite decking vs solid 2020