Install Composite Decking for Effortless Backyard Enjoyment
Dreaming of an outdoor oasis right in your own backyard? Composite decking creates a relaxed, stylish space for lounging, dining, or entertaining without the need for continuous maintenance and upkeep. With composite materials made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, you can enjoy a splinter-free surface that stands up to weather and heavy foot traffic for decades. Installing composite decking transforms lackluster yards into enviable backyard escapes with little effort required on your part. Read on to learn the ins and outs of composite deck decking so you can start designing your low-maintenance backyard paradise.
Introduction to Composite Decking
Composite decking offers all the beauty and functionality of traditional wooden decks with unbeatable durability and dramatically reduced maintenance needs. The combination of recycled plastic polymers and wood fibers creates a sturdy, long-lasting alternative perfect for patios, pool surrounds, boardwalks, and multi-level backyard structures.

What is Composite Decking?
Composite deck boards consist of a mixture of recycled plastic, paper fibers, wood fibers/particles, and binding agents. The components create strong and stable deck boards that resist damage from weather, moisture, rot, pests, mold, and mildew much better than solid wood. Composite decks retain the handsome, natural look of woodgrain decking while requiring just simple cleaning a few times per year versus continual sealing, staining, sanding required by traditional wood.
Benefits of Composite Over Wood
There are numerous advantages composite deck materials have over traditional redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated lumber:
- Durability - Lasts 25+ years with minimal upkeep
- Low Maintenance - No staining, sanding, or sealing required
- Stylish Appearance - Available in a variety of woodgrain patterns and rich color options
- Eco-Friendly - Typically contains 95% recycled content
Types of Composite Decking
Composite decking comes in two main varieties - capped and uncapped - with different compositions and price points:
Capped Composite Deck Boards - Have a protective polymer cap that shields the decking from fading, staining, and mold growth. The cap makes capped composites more durable and longer-lasting but also slightly pricier.
Uncapped Composites - Contain no outer cap, so they offer great value. However, uncapped boards are more prone to staining, mold, and color fading over time. Best for lower-traffic areas.
In addition to capped vs uncapped boards, composites come in a wide variety of colors from warm neutrals like brown and gray to bold reds, blues, and tropical hues. You can also find different woodgrain patterns from traditional oak to exotic tropics. This diversity allows full customization to create your ideal outdoor aesthetic.
Planning Your Composite Deck
Proper planning is crucial when installing composite decking. From layout and permits to determining if DIY or hiring a pro makes most sense, careful prepwork saves headaches down the road.
Composite Decking Costs
Composite deck boards cost $3 to $8 per square foot on average installed. Composite is generally 20%-50% pricier than pressure-treated lumber upfront, but pays for itself within 5-10 years due to dramatically lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan. Get multiple quotes before deciding as composite decking installation prices can vary widely based on materials chosen and contractor rates.
Getting Proper Permits
Most areas require permits for deck building over 200 sq ft. Ensure you have all HOA approvals and necessary city/county permits before deck construction. Failing to get permits can risk fines plus force dismantling of your new oasis. Check with local zoning offices to see what's needed for your specific backyard project.
Hiring a Deck Installer vs DIY
Composite decking requires some specialized tools like carbide-tipped saw blades. An experienced deck contractor already owns the proper equipment and can typically install your new space faster, safer, and more seamlessly than a DIY build. However, smaller, ground-level decks are very feasible for handy homeowners with basic building skills to tackle. Consider yourconfidence level, budget, and how quickly you want to start relaxing backyardside before deciding between DIY or pro installation.
Designing Your Composite Deck
One of the best facets of composite decking is the sheer versatility available in layouts, built-ins, color schemes, and configurations. Take time when planning to choose options that perfectly suit your backyard vision, lifestyle needs, and design aesthetic.
Layouts and Shape
Composite works wonderfully for intricate, multi-level structures as easily as straightforward single level spaces. Consider what layout best matches your property constraints and desired functionality:
- Rectangular - Classic shape ideal for family gatherings or dining spaces
- Multi-Level - Stair-stepped design great for creating tiered seating areas
- Curved - Softer, rounded edges bring contemporary flair
Using Railings, Planters and Built-In Benches
Unlike traditional wood decks, you can incorporate versatile fixtures directly into composite designs without detracting from durability:
- Railings - Enhance safety and visual appeal
- Planters - Add convenient spots for flowers or herbs
- Built-in Benches - Create comfortable, space-saving seating for guests
Mixing Composite Decking with Other Materials
Feel free to get creative by complementing sleek composite deck boards with contrasting textures and patterns:
- Natural Stone - Mix with flagstone or travertine pavers
- Ceramic Tile - Adds pops of color along stair risers or board borders
- Concrete - Contrast neutral decking with modern poured concrete landings
Choosing Colors and Patterns
Find the perfect hues and woodgrain finishes to either seamlessly blend or artfully contrast against your home's exterior and surrounding landscape. Contemplate how much sunlight your space receives when selecting from warm dusky tones ranging from Chestnut to Brazilian Walnut or cool grays with exotic bamboo-like ribbing.
Installing Composite Decking
Once you've completed the design phase, it's time to start construction on your gorgeous new entertaining space. We will walk through the key steps to transform your yard from start to completion.
Prepping the Area
Proper site prep is the critical first step in any deck installation. Clearing away vegetation, removing topsoil and leveling/compacting the ground ensures you build on stable, well-draining soil. This prevents settling or shifting of structural posts later on. For wooden ground posts, special composite post bases increase stability and moisture protection.
Framing the Structure
Lay out the deck's framework based on final dimensions using weather-resistant treated lumber or steel posts secured in concrete. Space framing joists according to decking manufacturer guidelines for proper structural integrity and drainage. Most residential decks work well with 16" on center spacing.
Laying Deck Boards
Once framing complete, carefully measure and cut composite decking boards to length as you fasten them across joists with hidden fastener clips or color-matched screws. Most composite decking manufacturers require board gaps of at least 1/8" between each plank to accommodate expansion and contraction. Follow manufacturer spacing instructions closely.
Finishing Touches
The exciting part comes when it's time for those vital finishing touches to complete your outdoor masterpiece! Add stair railings, weather-resistant outdoor lighting around posts, built-in planter boxes and comfy patio furniture to start enjoying relaxing evenings staring at the stars with friends or family. The maintenance-free functionality of composite allows you customize precisely to your taste and activities.
Maintaining Your Composite Deck
While nearly maintenance-free, composite decks do benefit from simple periodic care to keep boards looking like new for decades.
Cleaning Tips
Remove pollen, dirt, leaves and other debris with composite deck cleaner or soap/water at least twice per year. Pay special attention to railings, edges and hard to reach corners where grime accumulates most.
Re-sealing
Reapply water-based composite sealant every 1-2 years to protect the deck's surface from food and beverage stains while allowing boards to retain their rich color tones.
Repairing Damage
Composite won't rot or crack like wood, but heavy dropped objects can cause dents or gouges. For minor damage, sand out imperfections and fill with color-matched putty for near invisible repairs. Badly damaged boards may need complete replacement.
In snowy regions, clear composite decks after storms to prevent heavy snow buildup and ice dams which can wear down surfaces over time. A seasonal cover also protects from harsh winter conditions when not entertaining.
With the right prepwork and design planning, you can make your own backyard paradise that will last a long time. No continual sanding, staining, splintering or sealing required. Just simple periodic cleaning allows lounging, dining and laughter without interruption or headaches. Give your home exterior a jaw-dropping makeover the easy way by contacting composite deck pros today for a customized quote tailored precisely to your property, lifestyle and budget needs.