In the rainy Northwest, deck maintenance poses a huge challenge for many homeowners. Extreme weather can cause deterioration of even the hardiest cedar deck, and regular refinishing is required to keep the wood in top shape. That’s why busy homeowners are increasingly turning to composite decks for a low-maintenance, highly durable alternative to cedar.

Composite decking is made from wood fibers encased in plastic, which adds both strength and protection from the elements. Although as a product it’s less than two decades old, composite decking has quickly gained a significant share of the deck market and accounts for around $1 billion annually. Consumer demand for composite lumber is expected to grow 11.1 percent annually for the next few years, and by 2011 composite decking will account for nearly a third of the deck marketplace.

Homeowners who are considering building a composite deck will find a wealth of helpful information within this website, including:

• How composite decking stacks up to wood. The unique blend of wood and plastic in composite decking allows it to retain many of the advantages of wood, while offering several benefits a cedar deck does not have.
• A comparison of composite decking manufacturers. Not all composite decking material is created equal. Find out how manufacturers can vary and what to look for in a quality product.
• How to keep your composite deck in top shape. You’ll never need to sand, stain or seal your composite deck, but a little cleaning is sometimes in order. Follow these maintenance tips for a long-lasting deck.
• Questions to ask your installation professional. When you’re shopping around for the best composite decking to meet your needs, avoid potential problems by asking the right questions.

A Brief History of Composite Decking

Composite decking hit the marketplace in the 1990s in an attempt to address many of the weaknesses of wood. Manufacturers developed their products with the goal of creating lumber that would be both durable and environmentally friendly—initial composite decks were made from recycled milk jugs and salvaged shipping pallets.

As interest in composite decking caught on, manufacturers continued to improve and adapt their products to address consumer needs and concerns. Today, composite decking can include UV protectants, mold inhibitors, colorants and stabilizers for a more weather-resistant deck.