What this covers
Composite decking is made of wood fiber and plastic, often with a capped surface that resists stains and fading. It is installed over a treated wood or steel frame with the joists spaced as the manufacturer's instructions require, which is usually closer than for wood. Hidden fasteners clip into grooved board edges so no screw heads show, and a picture-frame border hides the cut ends. The installer leaves the gaps the product calls for so boards can expand in heat, and pairs the deck with an aluminum, composite or cable railing. Careful work shows in straight rows and clean borders.
When to call
- A deck you want to use rather than sand and stain every few years.
- A new build or a resurfacing of a sound frame.
- A shaded or damp site where wood decking has not held up.
What to expect
- ChooseBoard line, color, railing and border details are picked from samples in daylight.
- FrameA new frame is built or an existing one checked and joists added where the product needs them.
- InstallBoards go down with hidden fasteners, gaps set, and the border and fascia fitted.
- RailingThe railing system is set to code and the deck checked with you.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Does composite get hot?
Dark colors do in full sun, as dark wood does. Lighter colors and some newer boards stay cooler. The company can show you samples that have sat in the sun.
Can composite go over my old frame?
If the frame is sound and the joists are close enough. The installer checks every joist and often adds blocking or sisters joists to meet the product's spacing.
Does it need any care?
Washing with soap and water a few times a year. It does not need sealing or staining, though it can scratch and should not be shoveled with metal.
Related: Deck building · Deck resurfacing · Deck repair · All decks, porches and outdoor living
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.