Loading

Capped Composite Decking: What Is It?

Currently the king of the hill among high-end deck builders, capped composites are popular because they mimic the look of wood but require almost no maintenance. Capped composite deck boards are composed of a traditional composite wood / plastic core with a durable polymer protective shell. They come in a range of quality and price, so you’ll need to do some research to get the best deal. The advantage of capped composite decking is the PVC coating prevents mold and mildew from feeding on the organic fiber found in composite material.

Look for Durability

Some capped composites have a thick, hard shell that will hold up to heavy abuse, while others are less satisfactory. A reliable product should have a 25-year warranty against things like warping, stains, swelling, and fading. (You cannot expect a warranty against scratching, because no product can hold up against severe scratches.) 

 

Good & Better

Many companies have two or more models of capped composites, to suit different budgets and tastes. At the low end, boards may be monocolored (though with a choice of 4 or 5 different colors) with an embossed wood grain. Mid-priced boards may have two or three colors to look more like wood. And top-end boards will have sophisticated patterns that use multiple colors; the patterns may repeat so seldom that you would have a difficult time seeing any repeats. Durability and fade resistance may be the same for all three levels, or the higher-end boards may be better quality.

Composite Cores

Capped boards with composite cores are more environmentally friendly because they are mostly made of recycled products. The ratio of plastic to wood flour is usually about 50/50.

Check out the capped composite decking options on Trex to learn more.

Popular Materials Articles
Composite Decking

Composite vs Wood

We break down the pros and cons of composite and wood decking to help you pick the best fit for your backyard build.

Wood Materials

How to Read Lumber Grade Stamping

Any lumber you purchase should have a grade stamp, which provides info about the characteristics of the wood. Learn how to read lumber stamps at Decks.com.

Decking Reviews

Evergrain

Evergrain composite decking is manufactured by Epoch Composite Products in Lamar, MO.

Next Step: Footings Articles
Concrete

Cutting a Concrete Pad

Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.

Concrete

Retaining Walls

Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.

Footing Installation

Layout Deck Foundations

Learn how to lay out your deck footings accurately using triangulation with our step-by-step instructions.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Materials Articles
Decking Reviews

Is Trex Decking Worth the Investment? Expert Insights and Reviews

Discover why Trex decking is worth the investment. Learn about its durability, low maintenance, eco-friendliness, and the long-term value it adds to your home.

Decking Reviews

UltraDeck

UltraDeck encapsulated composite decking is manufactured by Midwest Manufacturing Extrusion in Eau Claire, WI.

Deck Hardware

Pool Decking Options

When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more. Find the best material for your pool deck with Decks.com.

Next Step: Footings Articles
Footing Installation

How many footings do I need?

Avoid a wobbly deck! Learn how to calculate the right number of footings to keep your structure safe and solid.

Concrete

Prevent Deck Sinking

Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.

Concrete

How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck

Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic