Some capped composites have a thick, hard shell that will hold up to heavy abuse, while others are less satisfactory. Coronavirus Update: We are open for business! Types of Composite Decking Fasteners. Uncapped composite decking is the costlier method. Capped composite decking has a cover that is bonded to the core during manufacturing. Capped composite decking. This protective shield and the core of the deck are extruded together under a very high temperature simultaneously, creating an impermeable protective barrier against moisture, ultra-violet … Additionally, the composite was prone to fading from sun exposure. This skin covers the top and sides and leaves the bottom side uncovered and free to breathe. Because TimberTech capped polymer and capped composite deck boards feature 3- or 4-sided capping and robust polymer bonds in the core, so moisture doesn’t stand a chance. As the name implies, capped composite boards have an outer layer of plastic, serving as an extra shield against the elements, making them even more resistant to fading and staining than their uncapped counterparts. This material is made using recycled lumber (from deforestation projects) and plastics like shampoo and detergent bottles. Trex has never cut down a single tree in the making of their boards, and is currently the world’s largest recycler of plastic shopping bags. Capped Composite decking has an inner core made of recycled wood and plastics. For more seasoned DIY pros though, this material is a great option if you want to save money by doing your own installation work. Composite decking is decking material made from an engineered wood product. Eva-Last® sets a new standard for durable outdoor composite decking & accessories. Some of the main benefits of composite decking are its increased resisance to rot and damp. Capped composite decking comes in a variety of grain patterns, colors and finishes, each made to look like actual stained or painted wood. Decks made from capped composite boards can last for at least 25 to 30 years. Capped composite decking also offers a realistic, wood-like surface which lasts for 25 years or more, all without any regular maintenance. In fact, a 500 square foot capped composite deck is made up of over 140,000 recycled plastic bags. Capped composite decking is a kind of wood plastic composite product with a surface layer and core layer, which is made of functional plastics (mainly HDPE, PP) and natural fiber (wood powder), adding a certain amount of additives (anti UV agent, antioxidant, coupling agent, lubricant, colorant, etc. Because capped composite decks do not incur ongoing expenses, many of our customers have told us the up-front investment is well worth it. This cover protects the board, eliminating the issues that previous generations of composite decking had. Call us at (734) 931-6700 or complete the form below – we’ll get back with you within two business days. Capped composite decking has a core-to-cover bond that when manufactured has a surface coating bonded to the composite during the co-extrusion process. The resulting boards need far less maintenance than traditional wood decking whilst looking more authentic than plastic alternatives. Current capped composite decks are safe, maintenance-free and extremely long-lasting. Capped composite decking is made of functional plastics (mainly HDPE, PP) and natural fibers (wood powder), with a certain amount of additives (anti-UV agent, antioxidant, coupling agent, lubricant, color powder, etc. As with wood itself, composite decking comes in an array of colors and degrees of quality. As of today, composite decking is available in two key varieties: capped and uncapped. The process of capping composite deck boards has skyrocketed the popularity of composite decking among homeowners who want the beauty of a wooden deck without the associated maintenance. In short, composite decking needs far less maintenance than traditional wood decking which means you can spend less time up keeping your space and more time enjoying your garden. Wood Plastic Composite. The 'capped' nature of these boards means that the boards have a much longer life … The more expensive of the two options is capped decking. From 2010 onward, most composite decking materials have been capped. ... Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. Like Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon offers capped composite decking materials in a wide range of colors and grains. Mid-priced boards may have two or three colors to look more like wood. Capped composites are the fastest growing segment of the composite decking market, referred to by some as “ultra-low maintenance.” TimberTech’s premium capped composites like this Tigerwood decking emulate tropical hardwoods. Since a non-capped composite deck won’t last nearly as long as a capped composite, we don’t offer nor recommend installing a composite deck which isn’t a capped composite brand or model. The biggest name in the composite decking industry is Trex, the largest manufacturer of wood alternative decking products in the market. They are similar to other kinds of composite decking boards, but the difference is the plastic coating that protects the surface. Currently the king of the hill among high-end deck builders, capped composites are popular because they mimic the look of wood but require almost no maintenance. Durability and fade resistance may be the same for all three levels, or the higher-end boards may be better quality. Capped composite decking has a core-to-cover bond that when manufactured has a surface coating bonded to the composite during the co-extrusion process. Our premium composite capped deck boards are engineered to fight the signs of weathering, with the non-organic material of its capped shell packed with a unique blend of UV inhibitors. Composite decking, Capstock, PVC, cellular PVC, Wood plastic composites, aluminum decking …etc. In fact, a 500 square foot capped composite deck is made up of over 140,000 recycled plastic bags. It's also called capstock decking. Capped Composite Decking Boards A capped WPC decking board has an extra layer or covering of plastic on its top. Wood-Alternative Decking, Man-made Decking, or Synthetic Decking, like PVC Decking or Capped Composite Decking has become quite popular due to longevity, maintenance, and increasing lumber costs. Composite decking is smooth to the touch, barefoot-friendly and provides excellent traction. We are a certified TrexPro Platinum builder. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Hidden fasteners allow for a fastener-free deck surface and a seamless finished look. The more expensive of the two options is capped decking. And top-end boards will have sophisticated patterns that use multiple colors; the patterns may repeat so seldom that you would have a difficult time seeing any repeats. No problem – just rinse it off with water. For example, DuraLife decking is produced using a unique co-extrusion process that places a tough, capped composite polypropylene shell around three sides of the board. With some manufacturers, their web sites are not clear on whether their version of composite decking is capped. When it comes down to which brand or model is a better choice for you, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each. Hiring a professional installer is always ideal for outdoor decking if you don’t have considerably do-it-yourself experience. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly choice for 2 main reasons. Because of this, moisture could get into the boards which allowed for mold growth, and as a result, these composite models were not long-lived. The “cap” refers to a top layer that is fused to the material that adds an extra measure of protection. Composite decking is a high quality blend of wood fibers and plastics designed to be aesthetically pleasing while also being long-lasting and easy to maintain. This capping contains UV inhibitors and … Send us a message, and we’ll text you back shortly after we reopen. Capped composite decking gives the material added longevity compared to its uncapped counterparts. While wood has historically been the primary choice for deck materials, composite decking hit the market as an alternative choice in the early 1990s. Although both are excellent choices for you deck project, capped composite decking has one big advantage over non-capped materials. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Our unique co-extrusion formula and 360-degree full coverage technology can protect the decking from moisture, high temperature, dust, and stains. Man-made decking materials have developed greatly since the late 90s with the introduction of Composite Decking. TimberTech offers capped composite decking, to find out more about the difference between traditional wood composites and capped decking click here . Now most composite decking is capped. Capped composite deck boards are composed of a traditional composite wood / plastic core with a durable polymer protective shell. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice that does not contribute to deforestation. Premium capped and uncapped composite decking. Its composite materials make it resistant to spills, fading and abrasions, keeping it looking fresh and new long into the future. Capped composite decking is a more modern (and improved) version of composite decking. That’s why we developed a heat resistant composite decking solution. This decking board capping further extends the resilience & durability of the standard WPC decking boards. Capped hollow composite decking is a new type of environmental-friendly material, which is composed of recycled plastics and wood fiber. Capped Composite decking is generally made from 75-95% recycled material. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking materials are a blend of modern plastics and wood fibers. Our capped composite decking features Dino Shield™, which is the thickest polymer sleeve on the UK market. Capped composite decking is also non-porous which provides resistance to mold, mildew, splintering, rotting, and staining. ), processed by special mixing and molding equipment. Both composite and PVC decking materials can be either capped or uncapped. Capped composite deck boards are composed of a traditional composite wood / plastic core with a durable polymer protective shell. Because the cap locks out moisture, capped composite decking won’t crack, peel or splinter, and they also won’t grow mold. Choosing capped composite for your deck will save you time and money, and it will stay looking new for years. Capped composite decking, with its durable capped surface, is a breakthrough alternative to both all-wood decks and earlier generations of composite decking. Drag your furniture over your capped composite deck – don’t worry, it won’t scratch. Ever. And because composite deck is so dense, it also won’t become infested with termites or other insects – insects can simply not bore into the material. But What Does “Maintenance-Free Decking” Really Mean? The only “maintenance” required is the occasional rinse with your garden hose when debris falls on your deck, such as leaves or pollen. Capped composite decking is also non-porous which provides resistance to mold, mildew, splintering, rotting, and staining. 6 Financing Options For Your New Deck or Patio. The “cap” in capped composite refers to a protective cover, coating the composite material. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection (gray). Capped composite decking has an extra layer of protection that’s fused onto the outside, which covers the core and makes it impervious to fading, staining, and mold. This additional layer … Capped boards with composite cores are more environmentally friendly because they are mostly made of recycled products. Capped composite decking is composite decking, with a thin, approximately 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm), PVC -like veneer, or cap. For NewTechWood’s fully capped composite decking, they use a patented technology called Ultrashield, made from a special engineering grade polymer (Dupont Surlyn). The ratio of wood to plastic varies depending on the brand. It can be purchased at many home improvement stores and construction suppliers in addition to being ordered directly through manufacturers. (You cannot expect a warranty against scratching, because no product can hold up against severe scratches.). Our high quality, low-maintenance composite is created without felling a single tree, and saves you from the hassles of traditional timber decking upkeep. These are essentially composite boards with a wood plastic core and a layer of textured plastic around the board. Composite decking is an excellent building material because it lasts longer than wood and looks great without staining, painting or sanding. This makes capped composite decking an ideal choice since you no longer need to invest time and money in deck maintenance after the initial installation. The protective sleeve allows the boards to be wiped clean with ease. Earlier generations of composite decks – up until about 2010 – did not have a coating, or cap. Capped composite decking boards are WPC boards that have had an extra a durable, moisture-resistant polymer sleeve added during the manufacturing process. Capped composite boards also have an additional warranty that covers both stain and fade resistance. Both capped composite and capped polymer boards feature proprietary polymer caps — but in the case of capped polymer boards, the core of the board contains NO organic material, like wood flakes. Capped decking offers extra protection in the form of a hard outer shell. Capped composite decking requires no maintenance, so you will be able to enjoy your deck without having to worry about any regular maintenance. They come in a range of quality and price, so you’ll need to do some research to get the best deal. Types of composite decks. SLS Capped Composite Decking Boards in Brown / SKU: 15243760 It’s Easy to Install. Capped composite decking will not grow mold, crack, or peel. Capped composite decking is specifically engineered for long-lasting functionality and enduring aesthetics. This cap provides protection for the composite underneath. The capped layer is fully bonded to the substrate to prevent delamination. Capped Composite Decking DuraLife decking is designed to stand up to the harshest weather conditions. Decks made from capped composite boards can last for at least 25 to 30 years. Fiberon capped composite decking products are the only ones on the market that solves the three problems composite decking customers complain most about – Colour fade, staining, and mould/mildew. Used to secure grooved boards. While the regular maintenance required for traditional wood decks is a hassle, it also becomes expensive over time. This blend often comes from recycled materials, too, which makes it a particularly eco-friendly choice. By design, most composite decking is not waterproof, but water-resistant. Capped decking is the latest development in the world of composite decking and outdoor landscaping. Adding a capped composite deck to your home isn’t a cost you won’t see any financial benefits from. These boards come in virtually every color, so with capped composite we can design and build the custom deck of your dreams which you’ll enjoy maintenance-free for decades. There will be no splinters, no nail pops, no flaking of old paint or stain. Capped composite decks, on the other hand, will last more than 25 years. Better yet, capped composite decking boards come with a protective polymer sleeve for enhanced durability, particularly shielding against moisture. Our designs stand out, while our install processes exceeds expectations. As composite decking became more popular, issues began to emerge. But do you know the differences so that you can make the best decision for your family? Just let us know if you would like a no-contact appointment via phone or video conferencing. Capped composite decking is the very latest in composite decking products. More specifically, it uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a type of plastic commonly used to make milk jugs, buckets, and detergent bottles. Capped composite decking is a mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastics such as recycled plastic shopping bags. An eco-friendly choice. Capped Composite Benefits . 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