The ABC’s of Composite and PVC Decking

A Brief History of Composite Decking

In the 1990s, Trex introduced composite decking to the market, changing how homeowners and contractors think about low maintenance outdoor living spaces. Thanks to its rot resistance and long service life, composite decking has steadily grown in popularity and is now produced by many leading manufacturers.

Composite decking is a man-made decking material designed to look like wood but without the constant upkeep. Composite boards are typically a blend of recycled wood fibers, plastic (often recycled), and binding agents. This combination creates a dense, durable board that resists many of the issues natural wood faces.

Heat and Comfort Underfoot

One of the most common concerns with composite decking is heat retention. Because composite deck boards can absorb heat from the sun, they may become uncomfortably hot underfoot on sunny days. To address this, some manufacturers wrap their composite boards with fiberglass, which helps disperse heat, while others use specialized cooling technologies to reduce heat buildup on the deck surface.

PVC Decking as an Alternative

In recent years, many brands have also introduced PVC decking as an alternative. PVC deck boards typically do not absorb as much heat as traditional composite boards, and they are often lighter in weight, which can make handling and installation easier for both DIYers and contractors.

Board Sizes, Edges, and Installation Details

Most composite and PVC deck boards are available in 12’, 16’, and 20’ lengths, with either a square edge or a grooved edge.

• Grooved edge boards are designed to be fastened to the deck joists with hidden fastener clips for a clean, fastener free look.
• Square edge boards are commonly used along the outer perimeter of the deck, where exposed grooves would be unsightly. Most contractors “picture frame” the deck with square edge boards, fastening them with screws and finishing with color matched plugs for a seamless appearance.

Structural Support and Framing Best Practices

For proper support, most composite and PVC decking requires:

• 16" on center joist framing when the deck boards run perpendicular to the joists
• 12" on center joist framing when boards are installed at a 45 degree angle

A growing trend in deck construction is the use of joist tape, a type of flashing tape applied to the tops of joists to keep moisture away from the wood. This helps extend the life of the framing beneath your deck surface.

Style, Color, and Realistic Wood Looks

Today’s composite and PVC decking options are available in:

• Solid, single tone colors
• Multi tonal boards that mimic the variation of natural wood

At the premium end, some boards are capped with an image based wood grain finish for an exceptionally realistic appearance, giving you the look of wood without the ongoing maintenance.

Build a Deck That Lasts

Whichever composite or PVC decking solution you choose, you will gain a durable, low maintenance deck designed to perform for decades, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space and less time worrying about replacement.

To compare options in person and see the color, texture, and performance of leading brands up close, visit the Rice Lumber Design Center and explore composite decking from top decking brands such as Azek/TimberTech, Wolf, and more.