Alternative Deck Materials Simplify Maintenance

By Paul Bianchina

On a warm summer afternoon, it's tough not to appreciate the outdoor ambiance of a beautiful backyard deck. What can be tough, though, is the maintenance that's often associated with keeping that wood looking beautiful year after year.

Combining the desire for lower maintenance with an environmental consciousness for recycling and reduced lumber usage, several manufacturers have turned to new technologies and alternative materials. The result is a new generation of decking products that are attractive, stable, highly weather-resistant, and virtually maintenance free.

Trex

Trex, one of the first of the new decking materials, utilizes a combination of reclaimed plastic from products such as grocery bags, mixed with wood fiber. The resulting mix is formed into planks that are installed in much the same way as regular boards.

Trex decking is highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as well as other forms of weather and exposure-related damage. As a result, the boards will not warp, split or rot, and splinters are a thing of the past. The plastic coats the wood fibers to protect them from moisture, so sealers are unnecessary as well. The plastic also makes Trex an unappealing meal for termites, carpenter ants, and other insects that attack wood.

Trex can be used for decking, landscaping boarders, docks, walkways, pool surrounds, and many other outdoor uses. Trex is available in seven distinctive colors and three unique finishes.

TimberTech

TimberTech decking is a high-tech composite material made from recycled wood fiber and polymers. TimberTech materials are highly resistant to moisture, and won't split, splinter, decay, rot or warp. It is also termite-resistant, and very slip-resistant when wet.

TimberTech offers a variety of products to help you construct or repair a deck of any size. There are tongue-and-groove planks and 2x6 planks. The TimberTech line also offers posts, pickets, and everything else you need to make a complete matching railing.

TimberTech weathers to a driftwood gray color. If desired, it can be coated a different color after about 10 weeks of weathering, using any quality oil-based paint or stain.

Dream Deck

Dream Deck is a solid vinyl product that also offers superior performance in harsh weather conditions. Here again, the product is free of all the warping, splitting and splintering associated with wood.

Dream Deck is available in planks that are textured with a slip-resistant surface. There is a wide range of accessories to compliment and complete the deck, including railings with two different spindle options, posts, post caps in four different styles, and even gates.

You can get Dream Deck in three different colors - white, gray, and earth-tone. Once installed, it requires no sealers or other surface coatings, is UV- and fade-resistant, and requires only occasional washing to keep it looking good.

Explore Your Options

Trex, TimberTech and Dream Deck are only three of the options now on the market. Each has its own look and installation advantages, and you need to look at some samples -- and preferably a complete deck -- before you make up your mind. Most of these products are available at lumberyards and home centers, either in stock or by special order, and your dealer can provide you with costs, options, and installation instructions.