COMPOSITE DECKING DEMYSTIFIED A SHORT GUIDE TO THE MANY BENEFITS OF COMPOSITE DECKING
DECKS HAVE BECOME EXTENSIONS OF OUR HOMES We eat dinner there, host parties, relax in hot tubs, or curl up by a cozy fire. As deck function has evolved, so have decking materials. Wood is no longer the only – or the best – option. When it comes to durability, eco-friendliness, maintenance, and value, capped composite decking is the smarter choice.
W H AT I S C O M P O S I T E D E C K I N G ? Composite decking is a man-made product comprising wood and plastic. It offers the look and feel of wood without all the maintenance. WHERE DO THE INGREDIENTS COME FROM? Fiberon ® gets its wood from ground window trim, doorframes, lumber, and cabinet pieces. Recycled milk jugs, shampoo and detergent bottles, and plastic bags comprise the bulk of plastic content.
HOW COMPOSITE DECKING IS MADE Fiberon capped composite decking is produced using a co-extrusion process. Dies are used to create both grooved and square edge boards with flat or scalloped bottom profiles. 4 1 The polyethylene polymers and wood are thoroughly blended to yield a dense core material. As boards are extruded, embossing wheels imprint varied wood grain patterns for realistic texture and visual interest.
E C O - F R I E N D LY F R O M S TA R T T O F I N I S H The Fiberon manufacturing process is energy efficient and virtually waste free: ºº 100% of polyethylene material is reclaimed in the manufacturing process. ºº 98.5% of all material waste is recovered. ºº Minimal water is discharged, thanks to a closed-loop water cooling system. ºº The extrusion process works via electricity on-demand, minimizing energy waste and environmental impact.
ALL THE BEAUTY WITHOUT ALL THE WORK Fiberon composite decking boards are produced in solid colors or multi-tonal colors that feature nuanced shading and streaking, just like real wood. B E A U T I F U L M U LT I - T O N A L S T R E A K I N G To create multi-tonal colors, Fiberon uses a process in which specific colors are added at precise moments during the extrusion process. The result is multiple color tones on a single deck board.
RELAX OR REFINISH: THE CHOICE IS YOURS Composite decking is easier (and less expensive) to maintain. It lasts longer, too. WOOD ºº ºº ºº Regular staining and periodic overhauls (sanding, stripping, and re-staining) are needed. Maintenance is time-consuming. If done professionally, it’s also expensive. The average wood deck lasts 10-15 years and can cost thousands to maintain. COMPOSITES ºº ºº ºº Cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient.
LET’S REVIEW WOOD CAPPED COMPOSITES SOURCING Sourced globally. Can be difficult to determine if harvested sustainably. Made from up to 94% wood waste and recycled plastic polymers, some of which is recycled on site. I NI TI AL CO ST Lower, unless exotic species. Higher (although Fiberon offers composites at varied price points). AP PE ARAN CE Turns gray over time. Prone to splintering and cracking. Color remains intact. No splintering or cracking.
READY TO BEGIN? Fiberondecking.com has all the tools you need to design your dream deck. NEED INSPIRATION? View inspirational photos in the Product Gallery, check out professional projects in the Contractor Gallery, or download deck plans. • PRODUCT GALLERY • CONTRACTOR GALLERY • DECK PLANS DECKING IDEAS READY TO DESIGN? Test out decking and railing combinations using the Outdoor Living Visualizer, design a custom deck with the Deck Design Tool, or download the ultimate deck planning guide.
