Synthetic Decking
Synthetics are man-made alternatives to wood decking materials, designed with a focus on the following features:
- Maintenance: High-quality synthetic materials can withstand the elements, retaining their color and integrity without preservative treatments
- Eco-Friendliness: Synthetics can be made from recycled materials
Types of Synthetic Decking
Synthetic decking is a broad term that encompasses several very different products.
Composite Decking
Composite boards are made of wood fibers, plastic, and a binding agent. Pure composite decking can be vulnerable to the elements, so most composite brands are actually capped composite.
PVC Decking
PVC boards are made entirely of a type of plastic that is more durable than composite decking. Examples of PVC decking include:
Capped Composite Decking
Capped composite boards are composite boards that are wrapped in a PVC shell. The shell protects the composite underneath. Some capped composites are left open on one or more sides to prevent the shell from mushrooming or cracking during expansion. Examples of capped composite decking include:
HDPE Decking
High-density polyethelene (HDPE) decking is an all-plastic material that is stronger than PVC. Examples of HDPE decking include:
