We are a local licensed deck builder, We can build you a nice new deck, repair an old deck, resurface your old deck with new Trex composite decking. need a deck price click here We also offer free deck inspections to see if your deck is up to current code. .We install all brands of decking, including decking from home depot, and lowes.
TimberTech composite lumber products help create a more sustainable
world – one piece at a time.
Vision: TimberTech will be a leader in the decking and railing industry while integrating sustainable practices into three key components of our business:
Clean Manufacturing:
Waste Management: Minimize waste in all facets of our business.
Energy Efficiency: Minimize energy consumption while striving to convert energy used to renewable sources.
Water Efficiency: Reduce our impact on local water supplies through responsible use and disposal.
Product Development: Incorporate as many sustainable materials and processes into the product we manufacture without sacrificing quality.
Community Involvement:Be a leader in the local community on sustainable practices and charitable contributions and involvement.
Current State of Sustainability: Much of TimberTech’s current sustainability efforts focus on our strong commitment to the people of our organization, and the community we reside. Below is a list of current sustainability achievements:
Clean Manufacturing
Waste Management
99% of waste material created during the manufacturing process is reclaimed.
332 tons of material is recycled annually; this is the equivalent to 161 average household’s trash annually.
TimberTech has reduced trash sent to landfills by 90%.
Energy Efficiency
Shipping products by rail saves 120,000 gallons of fuel per year which is equal to taking 206 passenger cars off the road annually.
Since 2009, TimberTech has reduced electrical consumption by 2,300,000 KWH per year. This could power 164 households for an entire year.
Water Efficiency
TimberTech reclaims and reuses 140,000 gallons of water/day in our manufacturing process by using a closed looped water system; this is the equivalent of providing water to 2,021 average households.
Product Development:
TimberTech decking and railing is manufactured with an average of 51% recycled content*.
TimberTech uses 107 million pounds of post industrial wood flour and post consumer plastic annually to make TimberTech products.
All TimberTech products are urea formaldehyde-free.
Our product cartons are made with 43% recycled material fibers which meet SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) sourcing requirements and are 100% recyclable.
TimberTech is a participating member of the International Code Council, U.S. Green Building Council, ASTM International and the Composite Lumber Manufacturers Association.
Commmunity Involvement:
TimberTech supports the local community by contributing both time and money to charitable organizations. We strive to be a leader in charitable and community involvement and currently participate in over 30 charitable organizations annually.
TimberTech is also the recipient of the United Way Community Visionary Award and is the #1 contributor to the United Way in Clinton County, OH.
Currently, TimberTech has 12 employees actively serving as board members with local charitable organizations.
*Based on the ISO 14000 Standards
TimberTech is a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council.This coalition of leaders from the building industry works to transform the way communities are built and strives to create a socially responsible environment that improves quality of life.
Trex Transcend® Decking
With a virtually indestructible shell, unrivaled fade, stain, scratch and mold resistance, ultra-low maintenance and wood grain beauty to match, the one-and-only Transcend® Decking is the ultimate expression of luxury and function. And now, Tiki Torch, the third of our tropical–inspired shades, enhances our decking collection with a lighter alternative that complements our existing tropicals and five classic earth-tone hues.
which composite decking is the best. best composite decking.
TimberTech composite decking and railing products add beauty to homes, businesses and resorts. What's more, TimberTech is low maintenance, safe, durable, and can even increase the value of your home.
Low Maintenance
TimberTech maintains its color and beauty for years without the work of painting, staining or sealing. And, because it resists mildew, warping and insects, there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards. This saves time and money over the life of your deck and fence.
Caring for TimberTech is easier than wood and will allow you to focus on maximum enjoyment instead of maximum maintenance.
Warranty
TimberTech’s warranty offers 25-years of coverage. And our warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner – a great selling feature when you’re ready to relocate. So the first, and second,
TimberTech product owners can have peace of mind that their outdoor oasis will look beautiful year after year. In addition to the already great warranty coverage, the Earthwood Evolutions product line is covered by a 25-year fade and stain warranty. For commercial applications,
TimberTech offers a 10-year limited warranty for worry-free beauty in high traffic situations. And in the unlikely event that you’ll have to contact us for warranty assistance, we separate ourselves from the competition by placing high priority on top-notch customer care after the sale.
Industry-Leading Products
TimberTech offers a complete line of low maintenance outdoor building products that are durable and made with high quality materials. We listen to our customers and create products that offer a wide variety of color choices and styles, designed to fit your life and design preferences. From traditional wood-plastic composite planks to PVC decking material; from railing and lighting to under deck drainage systems and fastener-free installation options,
TimberTech is your one-stop for outdoor living building products.
We’re driven by innovation and have award-winning, industry-recognized, top-selling products to prove it! TimberTech was the first alternative decking manufacturer to introduce a railing system with black as a color option;
TimberTech was also the first alternative decking manufacturer to introduce a patented lighting system specifically created for its railing and fencing systems, providing the best fit and finished look. And if we weren’t first, we look at the products up and coming in the industry and we make them better!
You can rest assured you’re buying from a leading, global manufacturer and expert in the industry when you buy TimberTech!
Increases the Value of Your Home
TimberTech not only adds value to your life, it adds value to your home. When you add a TimberTech deck – or use TimberTech to replank a wood deck – you'll recoup much of your investment when you sell your home.
Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of 71% return on investment for composite deck additions*. This is a similar or better return on investment than projects such as bathroom addition, bathroom remodel and major kitchen remodel. To maximize your return, Realty Times suggests using a non-rectangle design, and making your deck an extension of your living space.
*Based on a 16′ x 20′ deck set in simple linear pattern; using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers; built-in bench and planter of the same decking material; stairs, assuming three steps to grade; complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.
Life Feels Better on Trex®.
Take everyday activities outside, and they stop feeling everyday. There's a freedom to being outside. You can laugh louder. Go barefoot. Doze off in the sunlight. In a word, relax. The maintenance problems that come with wood decks don't come with Trex. So you're time is spent relaxing on your deck, not working on it.
Trex®, the nation's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing and trim products, is building even stronger brand awareness and product demand within the trade channel - as evidenced by the receipt of several recent recognitions from respected publications aimed at builders, contractors and other industry professionals.
Trex Escapes® Decking.
Come Saturday morning, your plans include working on your backhand, your salsa recipe, and your Great American Novel (well, we’ll see about that last one). Exactly the not- working-on-the-deck kind of weekend made possible by Trex Escapes.
Trex Enhance® Decking
Meet the new decking that fulfills your backyard's greatest ambition. Trex Enhance® has all the charm and none of the trouble of real wood - at a value that's sure to add to its appeal. Available in two beautiful colors. Enhance is as easy on the eyes as it is on your weekends. It's a prescription for worry-free relaxation.
Trex Accents® Decking.
When it comes to your deck, there’s nothing like the elegant beauty of a subtle wood grain. Soft underfoot and splinter-free, Accents gives you the look of a wood deck without the maintenance of a wood deck. Not to mention the easygoing luxury of engineered durability. Is that smart or what?
Trex Designer Series Railing®.
No matter what your style is, Trex Designer Series Railing® will complement your deck while creating a seamless look for your outdoor space.
Fire regulations and codes related to flame spread continue to become more important in the building industry. TimberTech is committed to manufacturing fire resistant decking products that are compliant with these requirements and safe for customers in any region.
TimberTech Decking Meets California Fire Codes
Based on extensive testing, the following TimberTech products meet the California State Fire Marshal and San Diego County requirements for use in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)* areas:
XLM®: All colors; Class B Flame Spread Rating
Earthwood®: All colors; Class B Flame Spread Rating
TwinFinish®: All colors; Class B Flame Spread Rating
DockSider™: All colors; Class B Flame Spread Rating (This plank must be installed with a 1/8" gap to be in compliance in San Diego County)
*A listing of TimberTech compliant products is available in the Wildland Urban Interface Compliance Handbook published by the State Fire Marshals office in California. The handbook can be viewed online at http://osfm.fire.ca.gov.
XLM Decking - Industry Leader in Fire Resistance
XLM decking is engineered from PVC to provide unparalleled scratch, mildew and stain resistance. XLM is the decking of choice for ultimate low maintenance and peace of mind.
Available in four attractive colors: Harvest Bronze, Mountain Cedar, RiverRock, Harbor Stone and SandRidge
Flat Grain surface pattern
Grooved or Solid profile
No pre-drilling required
No visible screws when installed with CONCEALoc® hidden fasteners
Spans a maximum 16" on-center
Actual dimensions: 1" x 5.4"
Available in 12', 16' and 20' lengths
25-year limited warranty for residential applications
A boat dock, marina or boardwalk is a big investment – and TimberTech composite decking protects it by making sure it weathers the elements and high traffic for years to come.
Boat docks, marinas and boardwalks built with TimberTech's DockSider Plank look great and wear better – year after year. The VertiGrain surface withstands foot traffic and reduces slippery surface conditions when wet, perfect for areas near fresh or salt water. Unlike wood, it also resists rotting, warping and fading – and provides a splinter-free surface that never needs painting, staining or sealing.
Blue-sky days or warm, breezy nights. Intimate conversations or holiday celebrations. Low-maintenance TimberTech composite decking turns your swimming pool or spa deck into an outdoor oasis made for relaxing. Because TimberTech won’t rot, warp or splinter – and never needs painting, staining or sealing – you'll spend more time enjoying family and friends.
Whether you’re building a new pool deck or replacing an old one, TimberTech's wide range of decking, colors and accessories let you create a one-of-a-kind dream deck with unlimited design possibilities.
Beyond beauty, TimberTech also enhances the safety around your pool or spa. You'll never have to worry about warped planks or splinters – and it's far more slip-resistant than wood. Best of all, bare feet stay comfortable because, unlike other composites, TimberTech planks dramatically reduce heat build-up thanks to our reflective, inorganic pigments.
Replace Your Existing Wood Planks and
Upgrade to Low Maintenance Outdoor Living
Is your deck ready for a makeover? Are you ready to step up to all the benefits of a beautiful, low-maintenance TimberTech deck without starting from scratch? If so, then we have a solution for you.
Taking advantage of a sound, existing wood substructure offers a simple, and many times, more affordable solution compared to building a new deck from the ground up.
• Faster installation
• Cost effective
• No more painting, staining or sealing
• Adds value to your home
Watch video of a deck replanking using TimberTechWatch video of a deck replanking using TimberTech
Ready to Replank?
Imagine the possibilities.
Browse TimberTech's product line, and use our design tools to discover the look that's right for you.
See samples and ask questions. Locate your nearest TimberTech dealer or contractor.
Make it happen. Select a professional contractor and start creating the backyard of your dreams.
ChoiceDek's advanced technology resists stains, mold and mildew all the way to the core. Our boards can be used in any non-structural application. Install them on or in the ground and even underwater. ChoiceDek® Foundations™ provides even better fading performance than our previous products. Plus check out our unique engineered profile that creates less weight while adding stiffness. It also allows air circulation between the deck boards and framing to reduce damagingcondensation build up. Accept no imitations or limitations.
Decking Systems
Available exclusively at Lowe's, the wide range of ChoiceDek Foundations decking and railing products gives you the flexibility to create a truly distinctive, custom deck. Expertly designed to be safe and easy to work with, every piece is created with an unmatched level of durability. Our boards come in 8, 12, 16 and 20 ft. standard lengths, but feel free to stretch your imagination with various color combinations.
Railing Systems
All of our color options are available with matching accessories. Choose our railings, trim boards and post caps for the complete package.
Color Choices
We offer a variety of colors and matching railing systems to complement any home.
Some are in-stock today, others can be special ordered simply and quickly.
Low maintenance decking has come a long way over the last few years. There are over 100 products currently on the market. The obvious advantage of alternative materials over wood is that it doesn't require staining and sealing. Most low maintenance materials are sold with a warranty as a safeguard against problems. There are a variety of colors, textures, and hidden fastening systems.
Composite Decking
Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials.
EverGrain composite decking uses a compression molding process that produces a beautiful wood grain texture in 9 natural colors. Evergrain composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20 year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage.
PVC Decking
Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material.
Gossen solid core cellular PVC decking is 100% American made and is backed up by a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Use the Gossen color visualizer to design the perfect outdoor living area.
Co-Extruded Composite Decking
Co-extruded composite decking offers strength and ultra-low maintenance preformance. Latitudes, offers a more natural-looking surface, realistic grain pattern and is available in two Capricorn tropical colors. Koa and Arabica, and three Captiva colors, gray, cedar and walnut.
Aluminum Decking
Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a water tight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust.
LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in 5 colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days.
AZEK Deck should be installed using the same good building principals used to install wood or composite decking and
in accordance with the local building codes and the installation guidelines included below. AZEK Building Products Inc.
accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product. AZEK Deck may not be suitable for
every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure that AZEK Deck is fit for the intended use.
Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specific requirements for each Deck
application. AZEK Building Products recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local
building official before installation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call AZEK Customer
Service at 1-877-ASK-AZEK, (877) 275-2935 or visit our website at www.azek.com.
TOOLS REQUIRED
AZEK Deck materials can be installed using similar tools as you would use to install wood decking
or composite decking.
• Corded or cordless driver/screw gun may be used.
• Self-feeding screw guns can be used.
• Miter saw with a fine-toothed, carbide-tipped finish trim blade (12”-60 tooth minimum) works well for cutting.
• As with wood or composite decking, safety glasses should be worn during the entire installation process.
AZEK Deck Installation Guidelines
STORAGE
• Store AZEK Deck on a flat and level surface.
• Do not stack bundles over 8 units high.
• When possible, leave factory applied protective wrap on the product to help protect against dirt and debris.
• Use care when handling product with a forklift as forks can easily damage the material.
• If banding is used, use protective corners to prevent indents from the bands.
PREPARATION
Follow these guidelines for best deck installation.
• AZEK Deck is one-sided with the grain side up for the walking surface.
• If using AZEK Deck materials on an existing joist structure, check to make sure all joists are level, structurally
sound, and there are no nails or screws protruding.
• Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation.
For correct joist spacing:
• Do not exceed 16” center to center for applications with deck board perpendicular to joists.
• Do not exceed 12” center to center for commercial applications.
• For deck boards on a 45° angle, such as a herringbone pattern, the joists should not exceed 12” center to center.
16”BASIC INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
16” on center maximum joists.
(12” for commercial applications)
1.
PICTURE FRAME INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
16” on center maximum joists plus additional
support for picture frame structure
(12” for commercial applications)
2.
DIAGONAL INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
12” on center maximum joists.
3.
FASTENERS
AZEK Deck materials can be installed using similar fasteners as you would use to install wood or composite decking.
• Due to the durability of AZEK Deck products, a high-quality fastener is recommended that meets the following
specifications:
• Stainless Steel
• Minimum Screw Size: #7
• Minimum Length: 2 1/4”
• For salt water coastal applications, we suggest using the above minimum fastener requirements in 316 stainless
steel.
• Color-matched stainless steel deck screws are also available. Your AZEK Building Products dealer can assist with
more information on these products.
• Hidden Fasteners:
• Tiger Claw® TC-P, Fastenmaster’s Cortex®, HIDfast™, and CAMO™ fasteners are some hidden fastener systems
commonly used by contractors installing AZEK Deck. Before using other types of hidden fasteners, check with
the manufacturer of the fastener and/or AZEK customer service to ensure compatibility.
*Tiger Claw is a registered trademark of Tiger Claw Incorporated. Cortex is a registered trademark of Handy & Harman Corporation. HIDfast is a trademark of HIDfast. CAMO is a
trademark of National Nail Corporation.
CONSIDERATIONS
• Please be aware that excessive heat build on the surface of AZEK products from external sources such as but
not limited to fire, or reflection of sunlight can potentially lead to damage. For example, sunlight which may be
reflected by low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can potentially lead to damage of exterior building products, including
AZEK Deck, Trim, Moulding or Railing products, due to elevation of surface temperatures which far exceed that
of normal exposure of the same materials to direct sunlight. Possible damage by such reflected concentrated
light may include melting, sagging, warping, distortion, surface discoloration, increased expansion or contraction,
and unusual weathering.
• Although AZEK Deck is cooler to the touch than many other deckboards in similar colors, all decking products will
get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the decking color, the hotter it will feel.
www.azek.com
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To keep your AZEK Deck looking its best:
• It is recommended that you wash your deck periodically with ordinary household products to remove stains, dirt
and debris.
• To remove rust stains, use a household cleaner such as a toilet bowl cleaner.
• Avoid the use of rubber-backed mats, tarps, pool toys, and other non-porous items on the deck for any extended
period of time as these items may cause discoloration to the decking surface.
• Some products, such as sunblock and insect repellent, contain chemicals that may alter the surface of AZEK
Deck. Check product labels and consult with the manufacturer as to product compatibility with plastic materials,
such as AZEK Deck, prior to use on or near AZEK Deck.
• Do not get any PVC glue or similar product on the surface of an AZEK Deck as it may discolor and permanently
damage the AZEK Deck surface.
For ice removal:
• Most products containing calcium chloride can be used without damage to the deck surface.
• These products may leave a white residue which can be cleaned using the cleaning guidelines above.
(These guidelines may not cover every care and maintenance scenario encountered. For additional questions about care and maintenance, call (877) ASK-AZEK.)
EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION
AZEK Deck boards will have minimal expansion and contraction with changes in temperature, unlike wood whose
size will fluctuate with moisture changes. The expansion and contraction encountered may result in slight gaps
which might be noticed at the ends of boards or in splice joints. Fastening the deck boards according to the Installation
Guidelines will help minimize expansion and contraction.
• Expansion and contraction are most significant where extreme temperature change may exist.
• Best practice is to cut and fasten the deck boards as soon after cutting as possible.
• When ambient temperature is above 32°F, install the boards together tightly at splices or miters.
• When ambient temperature is 32°F or below, allow approximately a 1/16” gap on each end of the run.
• Be sure to fasten ends of boards, splices, or abutments to building or structure securely into framing using 2
screws which are positioned within 1/2” of each board end or joint.
• Provide a 1/8” to 1/4” gap between deck boards.
• For best results, stagger splices and miters across deck surface so that all splices and miters do not break on the
same joist.
Some area building codes may require double joisting when joining boards end to end. Always check with your local
code authority for specific requirements before installation.
7.500
STAIR CODE COMPLIANCE
In order to meet the AC174 Requirement for stair loading, follow one of the methods below.
ADIG 03/2011
Which Composite decking is the best? Wow, when I first wrote this blog back in either ’09 or 10 the products offered by Timbertech were quite different. They have dropped the Valueplank and created the Reliaboard, they now have a plastic capped surface on the Earthwood series, there are several new colors, and there is more to offer in the railing department too. I was just looking at how many clicks I get on this article and I realized I better update it so it has current information. Timbertech is a very innovative company and is constantly coming up with new products. For your information, I am currently updating this in February 2012. Whenever I talk to someone interested in getting a new deck built people usually have a lot of questions about composites. Many people are interested in a long lasting maintenance free deck, but composites are a fairly new technology so there are still questions to be asked. This article isn’t meant to be a complete guide to all composites, there are too many to list and new ones are coming out all the time. Rather it is just our opinion gained from our experience in installing composite decks and from the research we have done. After checking out the prices, appearance, track record, and innovation of various composite companies, we at Deck Masters, llc have come to the conclusion that Timbertech is the best overall composite decking manufacturer. In case you are wondering, no, they don’t pay us a dime and we don’t get any special manufacturer’s discount. We like their product for a variety of reasons. First, they have a few levels of different price ranges and appearances to their decking products. The entry level is the Reliaboard, it comes in the two colors of Cedar and Grey, cannot be used with their hidden fasteners and runs approximately (to my company specifically, we do get a contractor’s discount FYI) $2.10 a foot as of 2/20/2012. Next up is the Twin Finish board, it comes in the same two colors as well as Redwood but can be used with the hidden fasteners and runs about $2.70 a foot. The next level is the Earthwood Evolution series, it is the most realistic looking and beautiful composite and comes in Pacific Rosewood, Pacific Walnut, and Pacific Teak. There are intentional color variations in this series that make the boards look like exotic hardwoods and the boards are capped with pure plastic so they are very stain and fade resistant. So much so that the Evolution series is actually the first composite by Timbertech to come with a fade and stain warantee. Plastic capped composites are being made by all the major manufacturers now and it seems to be the way of the future, it is a little more expensive but the added scratch resistance, fade resistance, and stain resistance is well worth it. This series runs about $3.19 a linear foot. Actually, new for 2012 Timbertech has added three new colors to the Evolution series but they are solid colors instead of streaked, so they aren’t imitating exotic hardwoods in appearance. The new colors are slate, brick, and brownstone. They are made in colors to compliment the original colors of redwood, cedar, and grey and can be used in combination for a nice border. The other main category we will cover here is their pure PVC decking which they refer to as their XLM series. While PVC decking is not a true composite because it has no actual wood fiber content, it is included here because it is a decent product and is often used in place of composite material. Update 8-20-12: We have recently had reports of XLM turning chalky or dark in color and having to be replaced by Timbertech. The good news is that they pay for both new material and labor, the bad news of course is that this means the product isn’t as stable as we thought. With this information in mind we no longer recommend PVC decking, XLM or any other company. We will still install it if requested, but we think the Earthwood Evolutions line is better. So why use PVC instead of a composite board? That’s a good question. In the early days of composite manufacturing there were mistakes that were made and lessons learned. One problem was that boards would “delaminate” or come apart after being used for a few years. This was caused by problems in the manufacturing process such as unequal moisture contents in the wood being used, the wrong types or amounts of plastics being used, or inconsistent ingredients in general. Fortunately those days seem to be a thing of the past. Some companies went out of business and some had to replace some people’s decks, but now everyone seems to have their manufacturing process down and problems like those are much less likely (although I was just called in the summer of 2011 to provide a quote on replacing a five year old Trex deck that was delaminating, so apparently it is still a problem for some companies.) One of the responses to those early problems however was to go with an all PVC board so that there is no chance of it coming apart. PVC decking tends to look more like plastic and less like wood so that is a drawback for some customers, but it is very long lasting, stain resistant, and scratch resistant. Invariably when presented with this option, people ask me which is better, Earthwood Evolutions or XLM? In terms of durability they are about the same except that you can’t leave a rubber mat on the XLM because it does something weird and the moisture that gets trapped underneath turns it white. The white can be cleaned off though. In terms of appearance, I personally think the Pacific Teak, Pacific Walnut, and Pacific Rosewood are the most attractive because thy look the most like real wood and have rich fade and stain resistant colors. One other thing to note is that Consumer reports came out with a review of the XLM series in 2010 and said it was slippery when wet, so while I have not noticed it to be a problem myself, I want to note that report. Azek PVC vs. Timbertech PVC Besides being a decent product by itself, Timbertech went the extra mile when developing its XLM series by giving it an extra thick outer layer of plastic. When you look at a cross section of PVC decking from any company, you will notice the inside is softer than the shell. If you look at the shell you will notice that Timbertech’s PVC decking is about 1/16th of an inch vs. competitors who only make theirs about 1/32nd of an inch, so the XLM decking will last longer and is more scratch resistant. Depending on which color you go with, the XLM series will run about $2.95 to $3.80 a linear foot. The newest decking to hit the market is usually the most expensive and right now it is the Harbor stone decking which has dark streaks which imitate a stone look. The darker colors are more expensive than the light colors and the ones with color streaks in them are the most expensive of all. Back to our discussion on true composites though, there is still the issue of inconsistent moisture or wood content in the composite deck boards being made. You hear a lot about using recycled materials in composite and how this is good for the environment. We agree that recycling is an important part of the solution for taking care of the planet, but what we choose to make out of the recycled materials is another question altogether. In other words, given the issues that plagued some composite companies early on, does it really make sense to use recycled plastic in an outdoor building product instead of virgin plastic that is more consistent? We agree with Timbertech and the answer is, in general, no. Timbertech products are made with about 85% virgin plastic because it makes a better more long lasting product. It might feel good to install a recycled material deck, but if it has to be replaced in ten years neither the homeowner nor the Earth benefits from the added materials and resources being used. A deck board gets more abuse than any other part of a home. It gets walked on, rained on, blasted with sun, and even frozen, so this isn’t the best place for using a potentially inconsistent product. This brings up another point as well, what about the wood fibers used in the manufacturing of the boards? Again, many companies advertise and use all recycled wood for their composite decking. This is another potential mistake because the content of the recycled wood is less consistent and therefore more prone to problems. Timbertech gets around this by using a minimum of 70% pure walnut, coming from the end cuts from hardwood furniture manufacturers so that they can monitor exactly the type of wood being used and the moisture content of that wood. This is wood that was headed for the recycling plant anyway, they just get it before it gets co-mingled with everything else. As a result of taking these measures in their manufacturing process, Timbertech is able to offer a 25 year warantee on all its decking products. No one has a longer warranty in the industry and this is one of the reasons we feel confident using their product. One more thing to note is that there are two other categories of decking made by Timbertech, one is the Docksider board which is extra thick for docks and the other is the Floorizon board. We don’t recommend the Floorizon board for use in this area but the Docksider board is great if you need a dock. The final reason we think Timbertech is the best composite board out there is their hidden fastener system. Most companies require you to use a third party hidden fastener system in order to fasten their boards, Timbertech is the only company that designed their own Concealock fastener to be used exclusively with their own product and it is the best made hands down. It is stainless steel, powder coated brown or black to make it virtually invisible, and installs quickly and securely. In short, Timbertech is a great innovative company that makes some of the best composite and PVC decking on the market. We hope this has been informative and will help anyone who reads it understand some of the qualities to look for when choosing a composite decking material. Good luck if you are planning a new deck and don’t hesitate to call us if you would like a quote! The best composite, plastic, and aluminum decking in our tests still looked good after a year outdoors without the usual refinishing. You might also prefer the more natural look of wood decking, provided that you stain it and repeat the process every one to three years. If you're looking for information about decks, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ deck reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our deck buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and deck reviews to help you choose the best deck for your needs.
