Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Winner: Trex

There are pros and cons to both materials and plenty of options to choose from at the home improvement store. Whether you plan to DIY the deck yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to do your research before investing in any type of composite or wood products for your project. In this article we’ll take look at composite decking vs. wood to help you save time and money and make the best decision. In 2014, we noticed a change to the Trex decking installation instructions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find a paint that will adhere to the plastic-capped composite decking, but you will almost certainly void your warranty by doing so. Nonetheless, if you’re slipping on your synthetic wood deck, voiding the warranty is the least of your worries.

Some types are solid and heavy, while others are hollow and lighter weight. And because much of this decking can be cut, shaped, and fastened almost like wood , building with it is just as easy. Prices are competitive with those for cedar or redwood, but expect to pay 15 to 20 percent more than for pressure-treated pine. For all the lounging done on them, wood decks require a lot of work to maintain. When paint or stain fades and chalks because of the weather, they need to be recoated.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

We advise that Floor Grip be used with a Bonding Agent. SlipDoctors’ Bonding Agent is exclusively designed to maximize the adhesion of coatings and paints on those hard-to-coat surfaces. According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks. Building a deck with plastic or composite materials is very similar to using wood, with a few notable exceptions. Plastics tend to shrink and swell lengthwise as temperatures fall and rise . For that reason, manufacturers specify gaps where board ends meet, or they provide a variety of attachment options to accommodate expansion and contraction. Plastics and composites also lose some rigidity and can be vulnerable to sagging when temperatures soar.

Also check the technical specifications, specifically the slip resistance value. Most non-slip composite decking products would have been tested in the laboratory using the pendulum slip resistance test. A value of 35 or higher is good but if you can, go for those with values of 55 and higher. At these values, you’ll know that you have a good non-slip composite decking.

And some products, particularly the hollow ones, make a noisy clatter when walked on. "It's just too 'plastic-y' for many people," says Marc Richmond, project manager for the Green Builder program in Austin, Texas. Sunlight will fade the color of a plastic deck board and eventually cause its surface to turn chalky. "A redwood-color deck can become too hot to walk on barefoot," says Cynthia Kravitz, vice president of Phoenix Recycled Plastics.

Your final cost will depend on different factors and features that you want to have on your boards, such as scratch resistance or UV protection. That means you can select a product that works well for your geographic location without compromising how you use it each day. Every homeowner can customize their deck based on the grade and included features that they want to have in their base product. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Fading and damages Darker composite deck colors may fade over time. This is an unavoidable process that happens due to UV rays, weathering, and high foot traffic. Severe scratches and deep gouges are common issues with composite deck products. DuxxBak decking is a unique composite decking that doesn't allow water to pass between the deck boards, keeping the area under the deck dry.

• You’ve probably already noted the difference in cost between composite decking and natural wood; composite materials are more expensive per linear foot.
• But here’s where it’s key to look at the whole picture.
• If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually.
• If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction.
• Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties.

Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking. NeoTimber® specialises in the highest quality composite decking for your garden, balcony and commercial applications. Simple to install, and backed by our 25-year residential warranty, we offer a superb range of products and a first-class service. The slip resistance of your deck area is determined primarily by the texture of the deck board’s finish. In providing ultimate versatility, NeoTimber composite deck boards come in two reversible finishes, allowing customers to opt for a woodgrain or grooved-channel texture. Naturally, these two differing material finishes offer slightly different resistance to slipping. Today Trex offers the industry’s widest array of high-performance composite products, available in more than 29 countries around the world.

You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons that some homeowners and builders choose composite materials rather than wooden lumber for decks.

How To Stop Decking Being Slippery In Winter

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

Many popular brands are made from 50 percent wood fibers and 50 percent recycled plastic. Composite decking is a solid color all the way through, so the ends of boards are not as noticeable. It’s stiffer than PVC decking boards and can span greater distances. Its stiffness also makes it easier for one person to handle and helps hide minor imperfections in the framing. Composite is also less slippery than PVC decking boards when it’s wet. You should be able to get at least 20 years of use, depending on the conditions.