Category Archives: AZEK

A note of caution when working with composite decking: Don’t try this at home

Fiberon ProTect deck in Warner Robins
Fiberon ProTect deck in Warner Robins

At Archadeck of Central GA, we build with an array of low-maintenance building materials. In decking, these include decking boards by Trex, Fiberon and TimberTech. If you are thinking about adding a composite or synthetic (low maintenance) deck to your home, it’s wise to contract with a professional deck builder that’s experienced in working with these materials. There are a couple key reasons why you want a contractor who has specific experience working with these materials.

Mistakes can be very costly

Composite and synthetic decking boards cost 3-4 times as much as pressure-treated wood decking boards. You essentially can’t afford a mistake. This could quickly run into a $1,000 mistake or more.

AZEk Deck with seating area
AZEK Deck with seating area

Experienced contractors are familiar with ways to work with costly materials in a way that mitigates any unnecessary expense. For example, our design recommendation takes into account the standard length of the boards and ensuring that a non-standard configuration doesn’t leave enough waste to make the materials much more expensive than they need to be.

Composite decking expands and contracts differently than does pressure-treated wood. For example, depending on the board, composite decking can expand up to 1/4″ lengthwise and compensation is necessary for this fact. In the event that the design calls for decks abutting each other, this consideration requires accommodation for the 1/2″ expansion.

Preserve your warranty

Red tape. The fear when consulting any warranty paperwork is whether we’ve done something that may make the warranty void. With composite decking, this is certainly the case. For example, because of the weight of composite decking, the deck joists must be set at 12″ on center. A configuration for a wood deck does not require joists to be that close. While there is a cost in adding more joists, this cost is nothing compared to the expense if your decking had problems and the required substructure, for warranty consideration, was not met.

If you’re thinking about adding a composite deck to your Macon and Warner Robins area Central GA home, give us a call for a free consultation. We look forward to your call!

TimberTech composite deck with black metal pickets Warner Robins lrTake a look at a recent deck we built in Warner Robins. This deck uses TimberTech decking boards for the deck and also used for the rail caps. With composite decking, you have to order different boards for flooring, rail caps, and stairs. An experienced composite deck builder will know to order and use the correct materials. With this Warner Robins deck, we used diagonal decking for visual appeal. The contrasting black metal pickets add even more visual appeal. Although not seen in this picture, the deck includes a gate so the owners can decide whether to keep the dogs on or off the deck.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrIf you are considering adding a new outdoor living space to your Central GA area home, contact us for a free consultation.

Call: (478) 745 – 2000

Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our website for more great design ideas and inspiration

 

Just because you’ve been waiting a long time for the right time to build, you don’t have to wait a long time for it to be built with Archadeck of Central GA

AZEK deck South Macon GA lrPerhaps you have been thinking about adding a new outdoor living space for a while– maybe a really long while, but when you decide you want to get started you don’t want to wait.  We have some clients who had been thinking about adding a deck to their home for 10 years, since they purchased the property in ‘04.  They had the perfect spot for it: the house has three exterior doors that are at the same height.  They had even taken out some trees to make way for the project.  It took us just a little over a week to build it.  The deck was completed so quickly they may still be surprised when they look out their window and see it.

The house was built in 1997 and has the look of a farmhouse; it’s in a very rural area between South Macon and Warner Robins, GA.  Two of the exterior doors led to a patio and one was oriented to the garage.  We built a very small roof, similar to a portico, to provide protection from the rain when using the door to the garage.  The owners like the look AZEK deck builder Warner Robins lrof angled boards so we created a traditional Archadeck angled deck.  Angled decks have superior stability and provide subtle visual cues between changes in elevation.  They chose AZEK PVC decking in the Redland Rose color.  AZEK is impervious to moisture and insects and has terrific durability.

The owners selected wooden rail posts with white metal pickets in Fortress Iron and AZEK decking for the rail caps.  In the past, iron railings were often custom made in local shops, were expensive and took time to fabricate to order.  Fortress offers the look of custom railings at a fraction of the cost.  They are extremely durable and allow a superior view to the yard beyond.  This will be especially desirable if the owners decide to add the pool they are considering in the future.  The AZEK rail caps visually integrate the railing to the deck flooring.

Warner Robins AZEK deck lrThe house also has a balcony above the deck.  We built around the balcony supports; they remain undisturbed.  Since the deck is low to the ground, we decided not to use skirting on this project.  There are nice wide steps on the front which can be used for benches to enjoy the view.  We are proud to be the Macon deck builder chosen to create this great area where this family can sit, entertain and eat outside.  Instead of taking three steps from their home onto the ground, our clients now exit to a lovely outdoor living space designed to their specifications.

If you are considering creating a great new outdoor living space for your Macon/Warner Robins area back yard, or if you want to give a fresh new look to your existing backyard space, give us a call for a free consultation. We are the composite deck builder which will identify the best structures and materials to create the perfect outdoor living space just for you.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GACall: (478) 745 – 2000

Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit the pool deck photo gallery on our website for more great design ideas and inspiration

 

Little things mean a whole lot on this AZEK deck and pergola in Macon GA

pool side deck and pergola-macon GATake a look at this deck and pergola in Macon GA. The stairs that flank either side of the deck previously went across the entire deck. That didn’t provide enough room for the family to fit their furniture and move comfortably around it. By splitting the stairs and extending the deck over that area provided the right amount of space for the eating area. Two feet doesn’t seem like a lot but it makes a huge difference when expanding an outdoor area to better fit the furniture and traffic on the space.

The next thing the family wanted was some shade on the area. Pergolas are unique in that their designs can vary to allow a small amount of sun protection to providing a good deal of sun protection. The orientation of the pergola to the sun is one way to provide sun protection. In addition, the orientation of the joists and the distance of the lathes helps determine the amount of sun protection.

Pergola with sun shade screen-macon GAThis family decided to use a product called SunScreen by Phifer. This screen provides visibility while providing UV protection at the same time. The area covered with SunScreen can truly feel 5-10 degrees cooler. In addition, we installed a fan under the pergola to keep the air moving.

The surface of the project was re-decked using AZEK low-maintenance decking. AZEK is a solid PVC that provides ultra low maintenance. Since the existing deck was structurally sound, we were able to re-surface or re-deck the existing deck.

With this Macon-area deck, 2 extra feet of deck space and a thin cover over the pergola made a huge difference.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GAIf you are considering adding a new deck, porch, pergola, patio or other outdoor living structure to your Macon-area home, give us a call for a free consultation at (478) 745 – 2000 or send us an email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net. Please take a look at our website for more pictures and to fill out a contact form. To see more Macon area pergolas, take a look at the photo gallery on our website.

AZEK vs. Fiberon vs. TimberTech for your Macon Warner Robins deck or porch?

Composite deck in Warner Robins
Avoiding splinters and low maintenance were the two major requirements in picking composite for this deck in Warner Robins.

Which line is the best? AZEK? Fiberon? TimberTech? You probably guessed that the answer starts with… it depends. When synthetic woods first came out, they only had composite materials which combined wood fibers with plastic – hence the word composite. Some of the composite woods had problems based on the formulation and the materials that were used. Since then, the composites on the market today have the benefit of many years out on the market, product improvement, and enhanced designs.

Not only do low-maintenance composite products last longer but they are easier to clean. And, they provide a great warranty. TimberTech composite products are guaranteed against termites, checking, splitting, decay, rot and splintering for 25 years. Most synthetics are installed with a hidden fastener system to provide an outdoor space with a flawless finish.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line of Capstock decking
TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line of Capstock decking.

Fiberon’s Horizon line’s warranty indicates it will not check, splinter, de-laminate, rot or suffer structural damage from fungal decay when installed and maintained correctly. Fiberon also comes in a wide range of colors and various realistic wood finishes complete with graining and undulation which rivals the look of real wood!

Since then, the synthetic wood products have evolved to include a higher end solid PVC and then a composite with a PVC coating. Solid PVC products are a bit more expensive than traditional composite. Many synthetic manufacturers offer solid PVC products, but the first to do solid PVC was AZEK.  Solid PVC’s are stain, scratch and split resistant and are impervious to mold, mildew and damage associated with insects.

The greatest benefit is having the PVC on the outside. So, a capped product which consists of a composite core which is wrapped in a PVC coating, can really give you the best of composite and PVC all in one. TimberTech has an excellent capped product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which comes in three distinct product colors; Tropical, Natural and Terrain.

macon-azek-morado-acacia Archadeck Central GA
This stunning pool deck in Macon GA, was built using a combination of AZEK Morado and AZEK Acacia.

When it comes to choosing the best material for your anticipated deck or porch addition, what is best for you is dependent on your needs, your personal taste and your budget. Traditional composites work great in a myriad of applications and provide low maintenance qualities with less investment. Higher end, solid PVC materials deliver optimum results in a low maintenance material and perform especially well around backyard locales exposed to constant moisture, such as pool decks, and even docks.

Keep in mind that all synthetic materials are in it for the “long haul” as they are going to last 25 – 30 years or more – warrantied. So making an informed decision is crucial, and that is where Archadeck of Central GA can help. We can meet with you to discuss the benefits of choosing TimberTech, Fiberon or AZEK for your intended outdoor living space needs. I will provide samples for you to see and feel to help narrow down your choices to make the daunting task of choosing a synthetic an enjoyable experience. I can help you with deciding what type of outdoor living structure is the best fit for you and your family. I can give you guidance for making your choice on the materials, and Archadeck of Central GA stands behind what we do with our own warranty.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today to learn more about the many low maintenance outdoor living space material options available for your upcoming project. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

To see more examples of the versatility and beauty of owning your own Central GA low maintenance deck or porch, visit our composite and PVC deck photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

Give your home a facelift for 2013 with a new or upgraded front porch or portico from Archadeck of Central Georgia

Central GA front porches and porticos
This front porches is heavy on rustic influences by combining hardscape and wood mediums that give this space old world charm.

Adding a small structure to the front of your home can make your house look completely different. This could not be more evident than when adding a front porch or portico to your home. The door to your home welcomes not only you in but also welcomes in your guests. Adding to or updating your home’s entrance can make a huge impact on the aesthetic appeal of your home’s facade. In addition, a portico or front porch also serve the practical purpose of keeping you dry on rainy days and, depending on the structure, providing a great place to hang out and enjoy your front yard.

 A better design for structural integrity

Sometimes we are called in to replace an existing front porch. The front porch may be structurally deteriorating, may not be functional, or may be in need of an aesthetic overhaul.

We recently updated two front porches for our customers in the Macon Warner Robins area. These spaces were built with railing atop that gave the appearance of a second level. Many times this design has a tendency to leak. Builders typically don’t spend as much time being careful about water leakage in this type of area because the space underneath is not enclosed. With flat roofs,  if the area is not cleaned off on a regular basis, it will harbor moisture and take on weight to make the area weak and susceptible to rot and decay. On both of these two projects we came up with a design that better suited the existing home and decreased the chance of future rot and decay with a hip roof, and a gable roof respectively.

forsyth-front-porch-azek-trim-board
These before and after images show the difference adding a front porch or portico can make in the overall look and feel of your home and landscape.

We also have two other projects that consist of building new front porches from scratch. These homeowners wanted to improve for the aesthetics of the front of their homes. The first home had nothing above the front door which is typical in Williamsburg and Saltbox home facades. In many cases homes they have no barrier above the front door and thus no capacity to preventing wear and tear to your front door. Front doors can take a beating from the elements such as wind, rain and sun. This is especially true if there is a wooden frame atop the door. The panels on the door will buckle and warp over time and exposure. In both of these projects building the front porches also required replacement of the front door because the existing front doors had taken such a beating from ole’ Mother Nature.

Who doesn’t love a front porch?

portico-macon-entrance
This portico in Macon, GA provides a welcoming entry to this classic home

It is true that making a good first impression is important. Much the same can be said about how others initially visually perceive your home for the first time.  Having an aesthetically appealing front porch or portico not only provides a welcoming entrance to your home but adds curb appeal as well. Many times we install custom hardscape paths, sidewalks and even pergolas to add even more pizazz to the entrance to your home. We can upgrade side entrances and back doors too.

If you are ready to upgrade an existing front porch or portico, or even start from scratch, Archadeck of Central Georgia can ensure that all who enter will be treated to a beautiful first impression. Contact us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

See more beautiful custom entrances by visiting our Macon Warner Robins front porches and portico photo gallery located on our website.

Top 11 building and design trends, as well as upgrades, for your outdoor space in 2013

hardscape builder macon GA warner robins
Screened porches as well as hardscape designs such as patios and outdoor fireplaces remain at the top of many homeowner wish lists as we look to 2013.

Each of us starts off the New Year with aspirations and hopes of improving our lives in the upcoming year. These improvements can include freeing ourselves of bad habits and making changes to improve our health and appearance. Many homeowners begin making changes that will improve our lives and our lifestyle. Adding and upgrading areas in and around your home to get more enjoyment out of your home is at the top of many homeowners’ lists. With this in mind, Archadeck of Central Georgia has compiled a summary of what we see for hot building and design trends for 2013.

Building and design trends in outdoor living for 2013

Central Georgia Belgard hardscapes
This beautiful walkway was built usng Belgard hardscapes.
  1. We are continuing to watch the screened porch market grow. This is especially true when the screened porch becomes a room that can be utilized for 9 months out of the year or even longer with the inclusion of an outdoor fireplace. This is an inexpensive way to add a big living space to your backyard and home.
  2. Hardscapes will continue to be a growth area for us in 2013. Patios are becoming more and more popular in the Central GA market. We expect growth in the higher-end patio build and design market which includes outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. This is an ideal choice for a patio home with a flat yard or those homeowners who already have a concrete patio which is too small or does not provide adequate function.
  3. Among the top choices for hardscapes is Belgard’s Chattahoochee blend. This beautiful blend contains purples and browns. We continue to get requests for this color, in particular because it contains enough brown to hide dirt effectively.
  4. Multi-area outdoor spaces will continue to grow as well. Multi- area spaces and outdoor living combinations provide multiple uses for one space. People will continue to want to build more outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. These areas can be used on patios and decks to increase the length of usable time for the space.
  5. Fire pits continue to grow in popularity within our market. Not only is the fire pit a relatively inexpensive way to add ambiance and rustic beauty to your outdoor setting, but people really love them.
  6. Interest in composite and PVC (synthetic) decks will continue to grow in popularity in the New Year. Adding a synthetic deck make sense for less maintenance and maintaining your deck’s beauty and value over time.
    Screen Porch - Macon GA
    Screened porches continue to be one of the most requested outdoor spaces for 2013.
  7. AZEK PVC trim boards have started to become popular for people who also want a more finished look to their outdoor space. We can use these to wrap the deck, edge band, column posts and risers in white. Most houses have white windows and trim so the white PVC finishes match really nicely.
  8. A great way to add pizzazz to a deck without adding really expensive custom elements is to use a two-tone color design. This can be achieved with an outline, or even parting boards. This kind of design trend adds little additional cost to the homeowner and adds loads of personality to your deck.
  9. One thing we’ve seen is a great deal of repair work that has been put off with homeowner’s existing outdoor spaces because of the recent economy. The economy is improving and if you are thinking of selling your home, the needed repairs will have to be addressed in order to place your home on the market. Personally, I have seen a number of decks that need repair so we foresee a great deal of safety inspection and repair work in 2013.
  10. Beyond minor repairs, we anticipate there will be some re-decking without changing the size and shape of existing decks as well as adding new railing to many decks to improve the salability of homes. Re-decking can be a valuable way to add beauty and longevity to your deck, this is the case whether you are staying in your home or plan to sell in the near future. Deciding to upgrade to a synthetic will add value over time, and will leave you more time to enjoy your outdoor space without the worry of constant maintenance.
  11. With existing screened porches we are seeing the popularity of converting their screens to EZE Breeze windows. This is the case with many porch owners because it extends the amount of time you can enjoy your space. It also offers versatile function that can enable your porch to function as a three-season, or even a four-season room with minimal effort.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Whether you are considering a new outdoor structure addition this year, or are looking to upgrade an existing outdoor space to deliver more enjoyment and appeal, Archadeck of Central Georgia can transform your outdoor space into everything you always hoped it could be. Contact us today to learn more. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net Visit our deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our screened porch gallery located on our website to see more examples of trending outdoor structure designs for 2013. learn more. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our screened porch gallery located on our website to see more examples of trending outdoor structure designs for 2013.

Archadeck of Central Georgia explores the differences and similarities in TimberTech XLM and Earthwood Evolutions decking

Archadeck Central GA round deck
This stunning rounded deck in Central Ga., was built with TimberTech decking and adds a worry -free, durable material to the already long list of positives in regards to this deck.

Many of our customers here are Archadeck of Central GA look for low-maintenance materials. Low-maintenance materials are available in decking boards, railing, trim, and many of the other building materials for decks, porches, pergolas and other outdoor structures. Of the low-maintenance materials, many customers are familiar with and request composite or synthetic decking. We work with a couple different brands including AZEK, Fiberon and TimberTech.

This week we are focusing on two of TimberTech’s heavy hitters; Earthwood Evolutions and TimberTech XLM. Each of these lines have a lot to offer when you are looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance decking materials.

TimberTech deck Hawkinsville GA Archadeck
This TimberTech deck by Archadeck of Central GA is located in beautiful Hawkinsville, GA.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions is what is referred to as a “capstock”composite decking material. This means that the boards have a composite core which is derived from plastic and wood fibers. This core is then wrapped, or capped, with a fully protected poly shell that protects the plank from everyday accidents endured by most decks.  This line comes with a 25-year stain and fade warranty. One drawback to this product is since it is softer than a solid PVC product it can scratch more easily. Over time, these scratches will fade and TimberTech also recommends using a Minwax product on any scratches since capstock is neither harder nor softer than wood. A general rule of thumb to consider when dealing with capstock is if an outside influence is capable of scratching a wood decking board, then it is also capable of scratching your wrapped synthetic product too.

The Earthwood Evolutions line includes realistic looking planks in an array of hues with streaking and shading that mimic the look of exotic hardwoods. The colors include Brick, Brownstone, Slate, Pacific Rosewood, Pacific Teak, and Pacific Walnut. Although all of the colors are available some are easily found in stock and some must be special ordered. The special ordered materials are going to be slightly higher in cost. Be sure to ask

Color swatch for TimberTech earthwood evolutions
Color swatches for TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions
xlm-colors
TimberTech XLM colors

TimberTech XLM is another popular synthetic decking board. It is made of solid PVC, which means it doesn’t contain any natural wood fibers. This makes it harder and denser than regular composites or capped composite. Along with added strength and durability, XLM is also backed by one of the strongest stain and fade warranties in the industry. TimberTech XLM decking has a flat-grain surface which aids in being slip resistant which is a huge plus when used next to pools and spas.  XLM colors include Mountain Cedar, River Rock, Sand Ridge, Rustic Bark, Harvest Bronze, Harbor Stone and Walnut Grove. This palette includes colors from white, to gray and many shades of brown offering enough diversity to suit any taste and match any color needs you may have.

Hawkinsville-GA round deck Archadeck
Another view of this stunning TimberTech rounded deck in Hawkinsville, Ga.

From a performance standpoint, the solid PVC attributes of XLM gives it the advantage. From a budgetary standpoint, XLM is heavier and a little more costly to ship from point A to point B than it’s lighter counterparts. To ensure you make the best decision for your individual needs and circumstances it is important to discuss your options with your outdoor structure professional.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are looking for a low-maintenance decking plank that delivers on its promises, TimberTech is definitely leading the pack. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about this and other synthetic decking choices that will best suit your lifestyle. We can help you decide which product is the right fit for your outdoor living needs. Call us for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000.
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more example of synthetic decks including TimberTech and many others reputable brands by visiting our composite and PVC decking gallery located on our website.

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.

Archadeck of Central Georgia looks at the many faces of synthetic decking

Warner Robins GA composite deck
This composite deck in Warner Robins, GA exemplifies the beauty of composites.

Among the many options available when choosing the materials for your new deck or re-deck, synthetic decking is often one of the top choices. Within synthetic decking, there are quite a range of choices and all are not the same. Synthetic decking comes in many colors, finishes, dimensional designs and brands. Synthetic decking includes composite decking, solid PVC and capstock  decking, each one of which has certain similarities as well as differences. We have outlined each of  of the three below.

Composite decking

Your traditional wood/plastic composite material, such as TimberTech, Trex ,  and Fiberon composites, have a combination of  wood fiber and resin. This pairing of wood and plastic sets the stage for durability that wood  has never been able to provide. TimberTech’s Reliaboard for example, resists splintering and rotting and never requires staining or painting. These 1st generation composites are very economical as well. The downside is that since there is the presence of wood, stains can occur. Wine, oil and grease can stain the deck because of the wood, the board is porous. High traffic areas are also a concern and are prone to mark over time . Making sure your deck builder uses a high-quality composite decking material, such as the ones mentioned above is critical. These products are covered by warranties that exceed those of any wooden deck on the market, so rest assured composite itself is a solid choice for decking.

Fiberon deck in Macon GA
This Fiberon deck in Macon, GA includes a custom pergola in the design.

Solid PVC decking

Solid PVC decking such as AZEK is impervious to just about anything you can dish out. From red wine, to grease from your grill and even the kid’s fruit punch. This cellular PVC product offers superior stain resistance, scratch resistance, fade resistance,  and split resistance. It is also insect, and mold/mildew resistant. There is never a worry from your patio furniture or your pet scratching your deck with solid PVC. The only downfall is that since it is solid PVC (plastic) it may not look as authentic as natural wood. We use a large amount of AZEK decking and our customers love it. AZEK even offers a line of railing to compliment their large color selection.

Capstock decking

Capstock is what we also refer to as a wrapped or covered product. This takes the benefits of composite as the core and wraps it with a PVC covering. This product can be seen in the Fiberon Horizon line. Capstock uses the best of both worlds through superior stain, fade, scratch,  and insect resistance and still giving you the beauty of real wood. The veining and colorations  used in the Trex Transcends line are so realistic and beautiful it will leave you having to lean in a little closer to see whether or not the product is real wood with hues that even mimic the look of exotic Ipe, and other tropical hardwoods.

Composite deck Chippendale pattern Milledgeville GA
We installed this Milledgeville, GA composite deck using a unique Chippendale pattern.

No matter which of these synthetics you choose to build your dream deck,  each one is packed with versatility and beauty. Choosing a synthetic doesn’t need to be incredibly expensive. Archadeck of Central Georgia is a trusted and respected leader in the community. We have the experience to consult effectively with our customers on material selections. We are well-versed and really know the business of synthetics top to bottom. We can help you select and choose the right material to suit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget.

Contact us today to learn more about synthetic and other outdoor living material options. Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautiful images of synthetic decks by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery located on our website.