How Long Will a Composite Deck Last?

Before you start researching composite deck ideas and planning your dream deck, it’s important to know just how long your materials will last. If you’re looking for long-lasting decking, composite boards are a great choice.

What Is a Composite Deck?

To understand the composite decking lifespan, you first need to understand what counts as a composite deck. Unlike plastic decking, composite deck boards do contain wood fibers. However, the fibers are blended with plastic to make a sturdier and more affordable material, and the whole board is usually coated with vinyl. Composite decking is not the same as pressure-treated lumber. Though it contains many of the same ingredients, composite decking goes through a slightly lengthier manufacturing process.

How Long Does Composite Decking Last?

This long-lasting decking is much studier than other materials like natural wood. It tends to last an average of 25 to 30 years. This means a composite deck will last about three times as long as a natural wood deck. Keep in mind that there is some variation in composite decking lifespans. Different manufacturers use different formulas and coatings, so certain brands may last longer. Some of the best composite decking can actually last up to 40 to 50 years.

The Reason Composite Decking Lasts So Long

Why do composite decks still look great years after a wood deck requires replacement? The decking’s unique construction comes with many benefits.

• Mold-resistant: Mold and other fungal organisms feed on organic material like wood. Over time, mold will gradually break down a wood deck, making it fall apart. Meanwhile, mold cannot consume the synthetics in composite decking, so it will leave your deck alone.
• Colorfast: Even if a wood deck isn’t structurally unsound, UV rays will cause it to lighten and discolor over time. This doesn’t happen to composite decking because the colorant is baked into the finish of the individual boards.
• Splinter-free: Wood naturally contains long, narrow fibers, so wear and tear makes them break apart into unpleasant splinters. In composite decking, short fibers are packed together closely, so they cannot separate into splintery strips.

How to Expand Your Deck’s Lifespan

Composite decking usually has a reputation for being a low maintenance deck. However, this doesn’t mean you should just install it and ignore it for years. A few simple maintenance tips can help increase your composite deck lifespan.

• Don’t let water stand on your deck. Even the most water-resistant composite decking isn’t meant to be underwater.
• Make sure you don’t have dryer vents pointed at the deck because targeted heat is bad for the material.
• Sweep the deck regularly to keep organic material from building up on the deck.
• Make sure you don’t leave rock salt from the winter sitting on your deck all year.
• Avoid dragging heavy furniture around or doing anything else that could scratch through the protective coating.

With these simple tips, you can keep enjoying the beauty of a composite deck for years to come! Contact our team to learn more.