If you're in the market for new decking for your Naperville home, you may be considering composite decking. Composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendliness. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best composite decking for your specific needs. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose the perfect composite decking for your Naperville home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Composite Decking
Determine Your Budget
Consider Your Needs
Research Brands
Check For Warranties
Hire A Professional
Determine Your Budget
Composite decking can vary in price, so it's important to determine your budget before making a decision. While some high-end composite decking may be more expensive upfront, it may save you money in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance. Be sure to factor in the cost of installation and any additional materials you may need, such as railings and stairs.
Consider Your Needs
Consider how you'll be using your deck and what features are important to you. Are you looking for a specific color or texture? Do you need a non-slip surface for safety? Are you looking for a decking material that is resistant to fading or staining? Consider these factors when choosing your composite decking material.
Research Brands
Researching different composite decking brands can help you make an informed decision. Look for brands that have a solid reputation for quality and durability. Read reviews and testimonials from other homeowners who have installed the decking to get an idea of its performance over time.
Check For Warranties
Make sure the composite decking you choose comes with a warranty. A good warranty will protect your investment and give you peace of mind in the event of any defects or damage. Be sure to read the warranty carefully to understand what is covered and for how long.
Hire A Professional
While some homeowners may opt for a DIY installation, hiring a professional can ensure that your composite decking is installed correctly and safely. A professional can also provide guidance on the best materials to use and can help you with the design and layout of your deck.
Best Composite Decking Brands for Naperville Homes
Some of the best composite decking brands for people living in Naperville and its environs are:
Trex
TimberTech
Fiberon
Azek
DuraLife
Trex
Trex is one of the leading composite decking brands on the market, offering a wide range of decking options. Their decking boards are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, creating a strong, durable material that is resistant to fading, staining, and mold. Trex decking is available in a variety of colors and finishes, including options that mimic the look of natural wood.
Trex offers a variety of composite decking options, including:
Trex Transcend Lineage: Trex Transcend Lineage is the award-winning next generation of composite decking from Trex, featuring heat-mitigating technology for a cooler surface in warm weather. It's available in four tranquil colors and offers elevated aesthetics with superior performance. The protective shell on this decking option resists fading, staining, and mold growth, and it comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Trex Transcend: Trex Transcend is a high-performance composite decking option available in eight multi-tonal and monochromatic colors. It features a protective shell that resists fading, staining, and mold growth, making it a low maintenance option for homeowners. Trex Transcend decking also comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Trex Select: Trex Select is a composite decking mid-range option that balances price and minimal maintenance. It's available in five Earth Tones colors and features a protective shell that resists staining and fading. While it's a budget-friendly option, Trex Select still offers excellent durability and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Trex Enhance: Trex Enhance is a composite decking option that offers the beauty of wood with the ease of composite at a reasonable price. It's available in five streaked and monochromatic colors and features a protective shell that resists staining and fading. Trex Enhance decking is a low maintenance option and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Pros:
Highly durable and resistant to weather and wear
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Available in a variety of colors and styles
Eco-friendly, made from recycled materials
25-year limited warranty
Cons:
Can be more expensive compared to other composite decking brands
Overall, Trex offers a range of composite decking options to meet the needs and preferences of homeowners. From the premium Trex Transcend Lineage collection with heat-mitigating technology to the budget-friendly Trex Select collection, each option offers excellent durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, the range of color options available in each collection makes it easy to find a decking solution that will complement your outdoor living space.
TimberTech
TimberTech is another well-known composite decking brand that offers a range of decking options. Their decking boards are made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, creating a strong, low-maintenance material that is resistant to fading, staining, and mold. TimberTech decking is available in a variety of colors and textures, including options that mimic the look of natural wood.
TimberTech offers a variety of composite decking options, including:
TimberTech PRO: Their top-of-the-line decking option, featuring a protective cap technology for added durability and resistance to fading, staining, and mold. Available in a variety of colors and finishes.
TimberTech EDGE: A mid-range option featuring a protective cap technology and available in a variety of colors.
TimberTech AZEK: A premium option featuring a polymer capping around a composite core for added durability and resistance to fading, staining, and mold. Available in a variety of colors and finishes.
Pros:
Highly durable and resistant to weather and wear
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Available in a variety of colors and styles
Eco-friendly, made from recycled materials
25-year limited warranty
Cons:
Can be more expensive compared to other composite decking brands
Fiberon
Fiberon is a composite decking brand that is known for its excellent durability and slip resistance. Their decking boards are made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, creating a strong, low-maintenance material that is resistant to fading, staining, and mold. Fiberon decking is available in a range of colors and finishes, including options that mimic the look of natural wood.
Fiberon offers a range of composite decking collections, including:
Concordia™: A premium collection that combines classic and on-trend colors with unbeatable performance. The collection includes three lines:
Astoria: A mid-range option featuring multi-tonal colors and a durable surface.
Horizon®: A top-of-the-line option featuring a protective PermaTech cap layer that provides resistance to fading, staining, and mold. Available in a range of classic and on-trend colors and grain patterns.
Symmetry®: A premium option featuring a reversible surface and a protective PermaTech cap layer that provides resistance to fading, staining, and mold. Available in a range of classic and on-trend colors and grain patterns.
Sanctuary®: A budget-friendly option featuring a durable surface and bold, multi-tonal colors with rustic embossing for a beautiful, easy-to-maintain look.
Good Life: Priced closer to wood, this collection includes two lines:
ArmorGuard: Available exclusively at The Home Depot, this collection features rich, exotic wood colors and low-maintenance durability.
Pros:
Highly durable and slip-resistant
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Available in a variety of colors and styles
Eco-friendly, made from recycled materials
25-year limited warranty
Cons:
Can be more expensive compared to other composite decking brands
DuraLife
DuraLife is a composite decking brand that offers a range of colors and textures, including options with a co-extruded polypropylene outer shell for added durability. Their decking is also resistant to staining and fading, making it a low maintenance option for homeowners.
When choosing a composite decking brand, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider your specific needs and preferences. Each of these brands offers high-quality composite decking with a range of colors and textures to choose from, so it's important to do your research and choose the option that best fits your home and lifestyle.
DuraLife offers a range of composite decking collections, including:
The DuraLife Hardwoods Collection offers a range of rich, wood-tone colors with a nature-inspired design that replicates the look and feel of real wood. This collection features unique and non-repeating color variations, giving each deck a truly custom look. The Hardwoods Collection is an eco-friendly option that is low maintenance and highly durable.
The DuraLife Resort Collection is a contemporary collection of eco-friendly composite decking with three warm, neutral colors. This collection features subtle tone-on-tone linear grain variegation, giving the deck a sleek and modern look. The Resort Collection is highly durable and resistant to fading, staining, and mold growth.
The DuraLife Landscapes Collection features solid, earth-tone colors that complement any outdoor living space. This eco-friendly composite decking option is highly durable and offers low maintenance requirements, making it a great choice for homeowners who want to enjoy their deck without the hassle of constant upkeep.
The DuraLife InstaDeck Outdoor Flooring System is a DIY dream come true. This system features tiles that easily snap together to create a freestanding, ground-level deck. It can be assembled on any flat surface, using minimal tools, and can be built in just a few hours. This system is a cost-effective alternative to traditional decks or pavers and offers a highly durable and low maintenance option for outdoor living spaces.
Pros:
Durability
Low Maintenance
Added Shell Protection
Cons:
Color Fading Issues Over Time
Limited Warranty
Overall, DuraLife offers a range of decking options to choose from, each with its unique features and benefits. From the nature-inspired look of the Hardwoods Collection to the contemporary design of the Resort Collection, DuraLife has a collection that will meet your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the best composite decking for your Naperville home requires careful consideration of various factors, such as budget, color, durability, and warranty. By selecting a high-quality composite decking brand, you can enjoy a low-maintenance deck that adds beauty and value to your home. Remember to consider the texture and slip resistance of the decking to ensure safety and stability. With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose the best composite decking for your home.
FAQs
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking is typically made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic.
Is composite decking more expensive than wood decking?
Composite decking can be more expensive upfront than wood decking, but it requires less maintenance over time, which can save you money in the long run.
How long does composite decking last?
Composite decking can last up to 25-50 years, depending on the brand and quality.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Some composite decking brands can be slippery when wet. It's important to choose a brand with a textured surface that provides good slip resistance.
Can composite decking be painted or stained?
Most composite decking cannot be painted or stained, as it is already finished with a protective coating. However, some brands offer decking with a reversible finish that allows for different color options.
