Category Archives: Composite

What does comprehensive service look like to you? At Archadeck of Central Georgia, we are deeply invested in the long-lasting happiness of our neighbors, and that’s why we often have repeat customers! This was exactly what happened when this customer approached us about redecking a deck we built for them back in the ’90s. Unfortunately, outdoor structures won’t last forever. Indeed, given long enough, even stone will degrade over time. However, age doesn’t necessarily spell the end for your deck. Archadeck is an industry expert in assessing older outdoor living structures and proceeding with necessary repairs and replacements. For example, deck surfaces will often degrade more quickly than their support structure, which means an outright deck replacement might not be necessary! Such a scenario was a reality for this customer. Let’s dig into the exciting refurbishment we delivered to them.

What does the Macon GA redecking process look like?

Aging, but well built, decks have been known to sustain their structural integrity despite the appearance of their flooring. Archadeck, a national expert in decking, has a long track record of installing additions with robust structural integrity, as this customer can attest to. So, what is redecking? This process involves removing the boards of your old deck, installing new decking, and making other adjustments if necessary. This process is more economical than installing a brand new deck, and modern materials ensure a dramatic increase in your deck’s longevity.

This deck was originally made of wood only. Wood was still an option for this Archadeck of Central GA return customer, but modern materials like TimberTech, a composite imitation wood, are far better at resisting damage from the elements, and they also maintain their appearance for substantially longer. As a replacement for their deck surface, this customer decided to go with TimberTech Pro Reserve Decking in the color Antique Leather. Even if you look closely, it’s incredibly hard to tell that this innovative material isn’t real wood!

TimberTech Pro Reserve Decking in the color Antique Leather

In combination with the TimberTech boards used for the deck’s flooring, we used pressure-treated wood to construct much of the stairs and replacement railing found on this project. This pairing of synthetic and genuine wood creates a gorgeous mesh of colors and further enhances the deck’s aesthetics. To improve the longevity of the rails, we added a composite cap to help defend the underlying wood from water and elemental exposure.

Your Macon GA deck builder cares about the fine details, that’s why we also resurfaced this customer’s small potting shelf off to the right of their deck. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best outdoor living experience possible, and it’s our excellent service that keeps our customers coming back for more – even 20 years later!

You can learn more about redecking and our low-maintenance decking materials by visiting our website. You can also contact us to see if redecking is an option for you!

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

Composite, Dock Builder, TimberTech composite decks

Our dock addition in Lake Wildwood makes lakefront living even sweeter

February 28, 2017 admin

Waterfront living is something many Central GA residents only dream about. Whether it is a permanent home on the water, or a second home used for weekends and getaways, owning waterfront property is overflowing with benefits. Having a dock or pier that allow extended enjoyment of these benefits makes it even sweeter.

Dock-Macon GA-Lake Wildwood

One of our most recent dock projects is located on Lake Wildwood in Macon. The neighborhood features an 186-acre lake, with easy access to swimming, boating and fishing. The lake is also stocked with bass and bream. Since most of the homes within Lake Wildwood are built around the lake itself, having access to all the lake has to offer is key to enhancing the area’s enjoyment.

Dock Construction-Macon GA

The project consisted of building a new dock with access for parking the clients’ pontoon boat and installing cleats to tie the boat with a bumper all the way around. It is typical for this neighborhood to lower the water level on the lake every 3-4 years. This allows residents a chance to repair or refurbish their docks as it only possible to work on the foundations of the docks when the water is down. Archadeck of Central GA scheduled this project while the homeowners were out of town and able to get the project completed before the water level rose back up. As is the case with any dock project we do, it is crucial we have access to the footings. We do not have a way to drive new pylons.

LakeWildwood-Dock-Macon GA 2

The dock is built with TimberTech Terrain decking in brown oak. There are many advantages of using a low-maintenance material, such as TimberTech, for a dock addition. These include durable decking for high-traffic areas, resistance to mold and mildew growth and moisture damage. This decking is also texturized to retain the look of natural wood, the texture also aids in slip resistance.

The clients are elated with their new dock! They especially love the custom built-in benches. These were designed in a way to not obstruct the view but serve as an added safety measure to keep the children from falling off the end — not to mention a great seat for casting a line!

If you are interested in enhancing the ambiance and function of your lakefront or lakeside home, call us for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

AZEK, Composite, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks, TimberTech composite decks

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

July 8, 2013 admin

: 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.

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.

: 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

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.

Composite, Deck builder, Synthetic decks

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges buyers beware and don’t fall prey to decks gone bad

November 14, 2012 admin

bad composite decking — This photo is a good example of GeoDeck composite decking that has gone bad.

The term “decks gone bad” sounds like one of those crazy videos that you see advertised late at night when everyone but you is already asleep. Sadly, being in the business of outdoor living we can attest to the truth behind the term. Shoddy workmanship and inferior products can cause any well-meant deck to go bad. This is even true when it comes to composite decking. Many homeowners think that just because they are getting a composite deck that nothing can go awry. Unfortunately all composites are not created equal.

Manufacturing defects composite decking — In this photo the manufacturer defects and inconsistencies are evident in this piece of composite decking.

Composite decking materials have been evolving since their introduction onto the scene. Since their inception, every few years another composite product will come out that looks better, requires less maintenance, and holds up longer than the last. However, all composites aren’t the same. Composites as a whole are a manufactured product and there have been issues where the product was not made properly. In some cases the formulation for the composite was composed incorrectly. We have seen this happen with the recycled products in particular. In each instance where we have dealt with a composite deck that has gone bad, it was attributed to incorrect manufacturing and production issues. Although it is easy to identify bad product as soon as it begins to be used in the field, it is difficult to track down the people that have purchased and used the product in order to communicate the problems with the product to the customer.

crumbling composite decking — The GeoDeck composite used on this deck is crumbling.

When material is ordered it is not improbable to receive material coming from different lots. When this happens sometimes just a few boards out of a particular order can be deemed bad. When this happens it can become a nightmare. The good thing about working with Archadeck of Central Georgia is if the unfortunate happens, we not only warranty our product, we are going to replace it. Although the manufacturer will not reimburse the contractor for the labor involved in replacement, we will always make things right. A good contractor will always stand behind their products and their work and will make whatever goes wrong on your project right as rain at all costs.

defective synthetic decking — This photo illustrates defective Epoch synthetic decking by Tamco.

The vast majority of inferior composite materials come from smaller, lesser known and new composite companies. A good rule of thumb is to talk with your contractor about which companies he/she has found to be the most reputable from their experience. We have worked with many composite companies and will only do business with those that have a long track record of positive results. Archadeck also has a good relationship with all the reputable composite companies which is very important in delivering peace of mind to our customers through the products we offer.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are planning a new composite deck addition, or maybe you are thinking of refurbishing an existing deck, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. We can ensure a quality composite and the quality ethics and workmanship that go beyond your everyday contractor. We go the extra mile, for your safety, satisfaction and to protect your outdoor living investment. Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our composite and PVC deck gallery located on our website to see examples of quality composite paired with quality design and workmanship.

AZEK, Composite, Deck builder, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

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

October 1, 2012 admin

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.

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.net.

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

Composite, Ipe decks and outdoor structures

Archadeck of Central GA explores the differences in maintaining a pressure-treated deck with that of Ipe and composites

September 10, 2012 admin

deck - river north - macon GA by Archadeck — We cleaned and sealed this deck and railing in River North. Notice the solid white sealer on the railing.

Maintaining your outdoor living structure can be a big headache but it doesn’t have to be. The allure of an outdoor living space is relaxation. But in order to keep your outdoor space running smoothly and looking beautiful it will require some degree of maintenance. Some materials require more intensive maintenance than others. But keeping in time with your maintenance schedule is the difference between keeping your beloved outdoor structure looking like new and allowing it to look tired because of lack of maintenance. In fact, there are many low maintenance products available which maintain their like-new look without all the work.

All maintenance requirements are not created equal

Are you trying to decide between a pressure-treated, Ipe, or composite deck? Each material is characteristically beautiful in its own right, but the level of maintenance required on all three materials is quite different. Standard and premium grade pressure-treated decks require pressure or chemical washing followed by an application of a sealer which will protect the lumber from absorbing water. This is usually required on an annual basis or possibly more depending on the amount of exposure to the sun. Pressure-treated boards have the capacity to soak up a great deal of water. Humidity and moisture mixed together will cause the rapid expansion and contraction of the wood which will cause your deck to weather faster which is why it is so important to seal your pressure-treated deck. Vertical elements of your pressure-treated deck don’t require the level of maintenance that the floor, steps and rail cap will, this is because the water does not sit on the wood but runs off.

Georgia on my mind with this Central GA composite deck — These Central GA homeowners have Georgia on their mind when using this stunning composite deck.

With pressure-treated decks maintenance is the key to keeping the deck beautiful and structurally sound. If you miss a year or two it can ultimately cause irreversible damage. On the other hand, if you love the look of natural wood there is another option called Ipe. Ipe is a dense and exotic looking hardwood that requires less maintenance than other wood options for your deck.

Ipe pool deck in Warner Robins GA — Ipe is perfect for use around water features because of it;s density and resistant to water that would cause other wood mediums to degrade rapidly.

Ipe is a Brazilian hardwood that is literally harder than nails. Its density makes it desirable in outdoor structure settings. Ipe is so dense that it needs to be pre-drilled before the pieces can be connected. We recommend sealing an Ipe deck with a good sealer to retain the material’s dark, rich tone. If Ipe is left to weather it will age to a beautiful grey patina over time. The maintenance required for Ipe is not as tedious as that of pressure-treated wood. You can let Ipe go for a few seasons and then seal it and it will then look like new again. Good quality sealers can be found by checking with Consumer Reports, but we also highly recommend Cabot stains and sealers, and Olympic also makes a good quality sealer as well.

The key to successfully sealing any wood deck is to do so when it is dry. Make sure the deck remains dry after application up to 48 hours if possible. You will want to check the forecast before starting your maintenance. A good rule of thumb to check to see if it is time to seal your wood deck is to sprinkle a little water on it, if the water beads up then it is not necessary to apply sealer. When the sprinkle test reveals that the water blends in with the deck within 15-20 seconds of application then it is time to treat your wood deck.

ipe deck - macon GA by Archadeck — We replaced and sealed the flooring only on this deck. The railing is original with the original sealer

One of the lowest maintenance options is composite decking. Today’s composites come in a wide array of finishes, textures and tones that rival the look of real wood. Composite decks do not require sealing or annual maintenance to keep them looking new but they do need to be cleaned periodically to remove dirt and debris. Most brands only need soap and water cleanup to keep them looking new. Common sense practices come into play when talking about maintaining composites. Materials that stain such as ketchup, grease spillage from the grill and even wet leaves should be cleaned up immediately to avoid damage to the deck’s surface. Compare your reaction time when dealing with composites to that of any surface in the home. If you would rush to clean it up on an indoor hardwood floor, then you should take the same care for any outdoor flooring material. The end result will be a composite deck that stands the test of time and looks new for many years to come.

Forsyth GA Ipe deck — Ipe delivers beauty and strength ; the beauty and the beast of decking material.

If you are on the fence about what material to choose for your new deck, take the amount of time you are willing to spend on maintaining that deck to keep it performing and looking like new into consideration. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about the material options that would best suit your needs, your wants and most of all your outdoor living lifestyle.

Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
Email:centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

To see more inspiring images of decks built with various medias, visit our wood deck gallery, our Ipe deck gallery and our composite deck gallery located on our website.

Composite, Deck builder, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, Synthetic decks

Fiberon composite decks in Central GA

July 25, 2012 admin

Fiberon Horizon deck in Macon GA — The realistic beauty of Fiberon is apparent in this close-up of a Fiberon deck we built in Macon, GA.

Using composite or engineered wood for decks is becoming more and more popular. Composites, unlike many wood mediums used in deck and outdoor structure construction, is impervious to many of the hazards that befall decks due to weather, wear, and tear. Composite decking is manufactured by many companies, and many offer a superior product. The front-runners of the industry include TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon.

Today’s focus is on Fiberon composite decking. The Fiberon Horizon line of decking offers a 25-year stain and fade warranty. Fiberon decking boards use the newest technology called Perma-tech which means the composite is wrapped all the way around each board to make it impenetrable for insects including termites, mold and issues caused by inclement weather.

Macon Ga fiberon deck and pergola — This Fiberon deck in Macon, GA also includes a stunning pergola.

A deck built with Fiberon means less maintenance with only the need for soap and water cleanup. You’ll also never have to worry about staining or painting your Fiberon deck because the color will stay fresh and vivid.

Not only will Fiberon composites look new for years to come, they come in five beautiful colors which have natural wood grain patterns that mimic the real thing. The boards are available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths and come in Ipe, Rosewood, Tudor Brown, Castle Gray and Greystone colors. The most popular among Central Georgia homeowners are Ipe and Rosewood. Another popular color choice is Tudor Brown, but is not currently stocked by our supplier but can possibly be special ordered.

No matter what color you choose for you composite deck you will get peace of mind knowing you have a quality product that uses the most cutting-edge technology to add to your outdoor living enjoyment. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about Fiberon composite decking and the many other brands we offer to make your backyard the favorite room in the house.
Call for a free consultation:(478) 745 – 2000 or email us at:centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautiful composite decks by visiting our composite and vinyl deck gallery located on our website.

AZEK, Composite, Deck builder, Free deck safety inspection, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

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

April 23, 2012 admin Leave a comment

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.

Archadeck of Central GA