Tag Archives: Central GA AZEK deck builder

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.

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.

Deck builder, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

An AZEK synthetic deck is low maintenance and nice looking to boot

August 6, 2012 admin

There have been many advances in composite/synthetic decking since it debuted on the market. For one, the category was previously classified as composite decking when the products within the category were all a “composite” of wood and plastic. Since then, the category was reclassified as “synthetic” products were introduced such as decking boards made of solid PVC. Now, the term “synthetics” captures composite and man made materials as well as the a new hybrid board.

Composite decking was the first synthetic material to hit the scene. It consists of a wood pulp blended with plastic for added strength and durability. Composite is readily used today and still provides a stronger and lower maintenance deck than that of pressure treated, and other woods commonly used in decking.

A new product called capstock is composite that is wrapped with a durable layer of vinyl PVC around a composite core. Many in the industry refer to it as a “composite hybrid”.

Chippendale patterned deck in Midgeville, GA — Intricately detailed features such as this Chippendale patterned deck in Milledgeville, GA respond beautifully with the use of capstock synthetic decking.

Synthetic decking has the highest level or performance. While composite provides protection from splitting, splintering, rotting, termites or fungal decay, synthetic PVC decking provides all of these protections and also provides protection from stains and fading.

At the top of the solid PVC list is AZEK decking. AZEK is a solid PVC which is stain and scratch resistant. This includes resistance to scratches made from patio furniture and pets. It will also stand up to the all-American cook out better than any synthetic on the market because it is resistant to spills like grease, ketchup and even red wine. AZEK is highly recommended for use around pools, spas and even on piers and docks because it is impervious to moisture as well as insects because it is constructed of solid PVC. This material is also split resistant and mold and mildew resistant as well. A deck built with AZEK is truly the deck that keeps on giving year after year.

Synthetic decking is not the perfect choice for everyone. One major objection is the initial cost vs. the cost of pressure treated southern yellow pine decking. However, if you are going to live with the deck or porch for more than 5 to 7 years the cost of paying someone to maintain the decking will be recouped. And afterwards you are saving money!

Once upon a time, synthetic decking had limited color choice options which was a drawback for homeowners. That is not the case with modern synthetics. In our area the two most popular colors are Acacia and Morado, which are both part of AZEK’s Arbor Collection. Each one of the AZEK colors has graining and undulation that mimics the look of real hardwoods beautifully. Acacia is a stunning, rich dark brown and Morado is a mid-tone that is similar to the look of antique walnut. We are also starting to see their new color Cobre come into the spotlight with its tan-brown appearance that we anticipate will be the next most requested AZEK color.

Choose a beautiful deck with longevity to give you more time to enjoy outdoor living at its best. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about AZEK, and the many other high-quality synthetic decking choices we offer. We can ensure you will be enjoying your new deck rather than maintaining it.
Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

See more stunning synthetic decks and view the many options we have available to suit your lifestyle and your wallet by visiting our composite and Vinyl (PVC) deck photo gallery located on our website.

Macon Warner Robins Decks, Patios, Porches, Pergolas, Gazebos and more