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Which composite wood is best?

Trex. Trex is the oldest name in the game—and every year, Trex continues to earn its place as one of the best composite decking brands. Trex composite boards are made of recycled plastic bags and sawdust, which are then capped on the top and sides to provide strength, resist warping, and reduce the need for maintenance ...

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In 2020, we highlighted some of our favorite composite decking brands to help you make sense of your options when building your next deck. Now in 2022, we wanted to update our list and feature more of the nation’s best composite decking brands. This guide covers leaders of the composite industry and how each brand stands out.

Quick Guide: Composite Decking

Composite decking boards are made out of artificial and natural materials, though some are fully synthetic. They tend to be pricier than most natural woods, but for good reasons: composite boards are much sturdier and lower maintenance than natural wood decks (which pose the risk of splinters and mold and often need to be re-stained every few years). Most composite boards have a core made from plastic and wood, which are then capped with PVC to provide a hearty barrier from water, pests, and anything else nature has to offer. Some boards are solid HDPE (high-density polyethylene) all the way through. You can read more about the different kinds of composite decking right here. Homeowners and contractors love composite because it’s long-lasting, low maintenance, and beautiful to boot. But how do you choose which brand is right for your next project? Let’s get into 2022’s best composite decking brands.

TimberTech

TimberTech is a much-loved brand specializing in composite boards and PVC decking. TimberTech boards are made of a core of recycled materials and then capped on all sides to withstand water damage and pests. TimberTech also carries the famous AZEK line, which uses materials made of capped polymer that contains no wood at all. TimberTech is a fan favorite thanks to its beautiful colors and smooth textures that resemble natural wood grain. As of 2022, the TimberTech PRO® line features 13 different colors, while the AZEK® line has 11. TimberTech offers a few different warranty options, ranging from their 25-Year Limited Product Warranty up to Azek 50-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty and Lifetime Limited Product Warranty.

Highlights of TimberTech

Wide range of colors and widths

Eco-friendly

Capped boards resist decay and mold

Contains no organic wood particles (AZEK line)

Lifetime Limited Product Warranty (and other warranty options)

Trex

Trex is the oldest name in the game—and every year, Trex continues to earn its place as one of the best composite decking brands. Trex composite boards are made of recycled plastic bags and sawdust, which are then capped on the top and sides to provide strength, resist warping, and reduce the need for maintenance. Each of their three lines (TrexEnhance®, TrexSelect®, and TrexTranscend®) come in various colors and price points. While other brands may offer more options than Trex, customers continue to love this brand because these boards stand up to the test of time year after year.

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Most Trex products are covered by their 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty, with a 25-year warranty against fading and stains for some of their higher-end deck boards.

Highlights of Trex

Wide range of colors and widths

Carries a variety of matching decorative materials (such as lattice and fencing)

Eco-friendly

Capped boards resist decay and mold

25-Year Limited Residential Warranty

WearDeck

WearDeck makes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fiberglass-reinforced boards that are valued for residential and commercial uses because of their sheer strength. These boards can hold up to 260 lbs per square foot on a 16” center. Their Custom Cut program allows customers to choose lengths of up to 28’ per board (compared to an average of 20’ for competitors). Because WearDeck is solid throughout and contains no wood particles, it’s incredibly resistant to mold and rot, too. With just nine colors, WearDeck may not offer the hue range of other brands, but their neutral shades easily blend in with almost any style. Finally, there’s a reason why WearDeck says they’re “the last deck board you’ll ever need.” Their Lifetime Limited Warranty covers structural damage, splinters, warping, and more.

Highlights of WearDeck

Contains no organic wood particles to resist decay and mold

Eco-friendly

Options for extra-long, custom-sized boards

Modern, neutral colors

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Final Rundown: The Best Composite Deck Brands of 2022

Here are our picks for the top composite brands by category:

Most Eco-Friendly Composite Decking: Trex

Best Color Range: TimberTech

Strongest Pound-for-Pound Composite Decking: WearDeck

Best Place to Buy Composite Decking: Decks & Docks Lumber Co.

While each of these options is guaranteed to be solid picks, what’s right for you depends on your budget, your location, and your style. At Decks & Docks, our goal is to help you find a brand that meets all of your unique needs. We’re proud to carry all of these leading composite brands—and more. To learn more about your options, contact us today. We’re always here to lend a hand, no matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast.

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