Tag Archives: Fiberon composite decking

Archadeck creates a bigger and better deck in macon!

Our recent job in Macon takes us to a property where the homeowners had initially built the deck.  Homeowner-built decks are something we see on a regular basis. The existing deck wasn’t necessarily built incorrectly, however, building codes change on a regular basis so they contacted us to take a look.

Before Archadeck of Central GA began the new redesign project.
Before Archadeck of Central GA began the new redesign project.

The impetus of homeowner’s scheduling a design consultation with Archadeck of Central GA was to enhance their outdoor living space. Not only did they want a bigger deck, they wanted a better deck too!

One of the main obstacles we had to address was the home’s existing water line. The water line lays under the area where the deck is placed. In addition, the original deck substructure was built using blocks with no footings. We had to make sure the new deck was built in such a way that delivered strength to support the new decking, but also one that did not infringe on the water lines present in the area.

 Low Maintenance and More Space!

Archaeck of Central GA put together a deck re-design that included bigger stairs across the front of the structure to open up the view.  We wanted to retain the visibility into the backyard looking into deck from within the home. Where railing once obstructed the view, we opened that up with larger, sweeping stairs that can double as seating.

Macon GA Fiberon Deck Builder
Look how we opened up the view!

Another element we addressed was making the deck level (flush) with the home. Before, the homeowners had to step down iinto the deck from the sliding doors. We redesigned the new deck to make sure you could easily flow from home-to-deck without having to step down. 

Along with the larger footprint and structural updates, we makde sure the new decking would require as little maintenance and worry to keep it looking the part.  Archadeck used low maintenance Fiberon Good Life decking in the color called  Escapes Beach House. This decking delivers durability, beauty and longevity over pressure treated wooden decks.  It will not crack, splinter or decay and the 3-sided capped layer will resist staining and fading over time. 

Macon Deck Extension and Redeck
The new deck offers more room and less maintenance!

We also used black Fortress iron pickets along with a Fiberon rail cap that matches the deck to finish off the deck perfectly.  The homeowners are elated with their new deck as it is lower maintenance, easy to clean and adds drama to their backyard gatherings. 

Are you ready to redesign your outdoor living space? Archadeck of Central GA is ready to help!  Get in touch with us by calling 478-745-2000 or via email @ centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

 

 

 

AZEK vs. Fiberon, who will come out the winner?

fiberon-deck-river north-macon GA Warner Robins
This Fiberon deck in River North mimics the color of Ipe without the maintenance and it is easier to clean than other composites.

This Fiberon deck in River North mimics the color of Ipe without the maintenance and it is easier to clean than other composites. As an outdoor structure builder I use many synthetic decking brands. My customers always ask me which brand is best.  Each brand has its pro’s and con’s. Below is some information about 2 of the top brands we use.

AZEK vs. Fiberon

I drew a comparison on these brands because they’re both strong high-performance, low-maintenance brands that are attractive to boot. Here are some of the differences. Fiberon is a composite with a PVC wrap which means the thermal density is higher so it may retain more heat than AZEK does. In the hottest part of the day, both brands will retain heat, but AZEK cools off faster. AZEK is a full PVC product that does not contain any wood fibers. Wood fibers can cause a product to retain moisture and swell causing expansion and contraction. A good example of a structure that would be best suited to build from AZEK is a dock. Since Fiberon is a capped product it has exposed ends where the water from a dock or other structure can penetrate the ends and cause the decking boards to expand. This is only a concern if the material is going to be submerged or will be heavily exposed to water for long periods of time.

macon-azek-morado-acacia Archadeck Central GA
This deck was built using the beautiful Morado and Acacia colors in the Arbor collection by AZEK, just two of the many stunning colors they offer.

Each manufacturer has a wide variety of colors and patterns. Our local distributor carries the most popular color options. Fiberon popular colors include Ipe, Rosewood and Gray Birch. Among the most popular AZEK colors are Morado, Acacia, Cobre, and Tahoe (which is a gray). AZEK also comes in a white that is often used on rail caps.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

All of today’s composites simulate the undulation, streaking and graining of natural wood to some degree. The methodology behind achieving this true-to-life look of wood is different with each brand. The wood grain pattern apparent on AZEK is indented. The Fiberon pattern uses a raised pattern to achieve undulation and graining. Fiberon contains more streaking, which mimics the look of tropical hardwoods such as Ipe.

Though both AZEK and Fiberon are low-maintenance and stain resistant, Fiberon is often easier to keep clean. Cleaning AZEK requires more work to get down into the grooves where the dirt can gather. Fiberon also offers an economy-grade composite that is PVC on only one side and offers some of the same benefits of traditional Fiberon. This makes a great alternative to homeowners that are on a set budget but still want a quality low-maintenance decking product.

AZEK Morado deck
This deck was built using the Morado color in the Arbor collection by AZEK.

In closing, keep in mind there is no perfect decking that will be all things to all homeowners. Individual opinions and needs will determine which decking choice is right for you. Since most of the low-maintenance brands have very similar features and benefits, aesthetics are often the determining factor.

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about Fiberon and AZEK and which choice is right for your new outdoor living structure. We offer many other decking choices such as hardwood and traditional pressure treated wood as well. Call us for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at
centralgeorgia@archadeck.netStephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA.

See more examples of low-maintenance decks by visiting our composite, vinyl and PVC deck gallery located on our website.