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When planning the perfect outdoor space, you need to consider many factors: material, design, budget, lighting, and accessories. Among all these things, the material is a fundamental factor. Choosing the wrong material could mean a deck that is uncomfortable or won’t last as long as it could. We often recommend composite, because of its inherent durability and the fact that it barely needs any maintenance. However, even if all quality composites share many qualities, some brands offer specialty products that are unique to them. Here’s an overview of the top-rated brands offering the best composite decking in Canada.
What Brand Is the Best Composite Decking?
Composite is always a wise choice when building a deck. It’s a bigger initial investment compared to other materials, but it will last for decades and won’t require much maintenance. This is true for all good composite decking brands out there.
Even if some of the advantages of composites are common between all top-rated brands, there are still some differences. You’ll find a slightly different price range between brands and between lines of the same brand. Colours and textures will also vary. Even though this shouldn’t be the main reason for choosing a specific composite, it can still be a deciding factor.
More than anything, individual brands decide to focus on distinctive qualities. For some, it’s about staying cool under the sun. For others, it’s a material that can be used for flower beds or even underwater. Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of the best composite decking brands available in Canada.
| Brand | Pros | Cons | Warranties |
| Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) | – Impossible to break – Zero risk of humidity damage and crack – Stays cool under the sun – 40% more traction when wet – Flame retardant – Made of PVC | – Can crack if not installed properly | – 50 years against fading and stains – Limited lifetime warranty on structure |
| Deckorators™ | – Stays cool under the sun – Can be used underwater and directly on soil – No thermal contraction or expansion – Made of recycled plastic and mineral fibres | – Not as eco-friendly as other options | – 25 years against wear and stains – 50 years on structure |
| MoistureShield | – The best composite decking for full sun – Non-slippery when wet – Extremely resistant to wear – 95% recycled wood and plastic – Most eco-friendly option – Can be installed directly on the ground | – Can curl up if not installed properly | – 50 years on structure – 40 years limited fade and stain warranty for Meridian™ – 50 years limited fade and stain warranty for CoolDeck™ |
| Timbertech™ | – 85% recycled plastic and wood – 13 colours available – Stunning appearance | – Becomes hot under the sun | – 30 years against fading and staining for Legacy and Reserve – 25 years against fading and staining for Edge Prime+™ |
| Trex | – 95% recycled wood and plastic – Eco-friendly | – Becomes hot under the sun – Slippery when wet | – 50 years against wear and tear |
Also, remember to be careful when shopping. You will find other brands on the market, and you might find inexpensive materials online. However, when it comes to composite, cheap isn’t a real bargain. You’ll risk having material that won’t last and could even be dangerous. If you are on a budget, it’s better to choose a more economical line from a trusted company.
Does a Trex Deck Add Value to a Home?
Adding a deck can add value to your home, especially if you use a reliable and sought-after material such as Trex. A well-built deck is a major selling point for buyers and choosing a guaranteed material that will last for decades makes it even more appealing.
Choosing Trex composite decking material offers many undeniable advantages. Guaranteed for 50 years against wear and tear, this well-established brand started manufacturing composite wood in 1996. To this day, it’s the biggest composite manufacturer on earth. Their warranty is among the best for residential use.
Their product is made of 95% recycled materials, both plastic and wood. The plastic part usually comes from products such as dry cleaner bags and other plastic bags. The wood part comes from furniture manufacturers’ waste, such as wood chips, sawdust, and tailings. By using material that would otherwise end up in the landfill, Trex offers its clients an eco-friendly product.
Thanks to this smart mix of organic and non-organic materials, Trex is extremely resistant. It will never chip, fade or crack.
Maintenance is minimal. You only need to sweep your deck occasionally to avoid debris that could cause extra moisture. You can also clean it with water and soap from time to time. Trex composite is protected by a patented shell that resists mould. Sanding, sealing or staining are never needed. Trex decking offers you peace of mind.
In terms of colours, Trex comes with an impressive choice of nine colours in total, split into two lines. For Transcend™ Premium Tropical, you’ll find rich colours inspired by warmer climates, such as Island Mist, Tiki Torch, Havana Gold, Spiced Rhum and Lava Rock. The other line, Transcend™ Lineage™, is specifically designed to remain cool, with relaxing soft tones like Biscaine, Rainier, Carmel, and Jasper. Whichever colour you choose, it will retain its original look for years.
Is Deckorators™ Decking Good?
Choosing Deckorators™ when building a deck is a smart choice, especially if you need something extra robust.
Unlike some other composite materials, Deckorators™ doesn’t contain any organic material. Its composition involves a mix of polymer plastic and mineral fibres, which means that rotting is simply impossible. It also means the material won’t contract and retract with extreme temperature changes.
Deckorators™ can be used on and in water, making it the perfect option for pool decks or projects involving water and high humidity. It can also be used directly on soil, giving you the option of a simply designed deck, directly on ground level. You can even use it to create flower beds or garden structures.
Deckorators™ is also among the composites that don’t get too hot under prolonged sun exposure. Since it’s also highly resistant, it’s a perfect material if you have children or big dogs. This composite will be comfortable to walk on barefoot…or bare paws.
The composite offers a 25-year warranty against wear and tear, coupled with a 50-year warranty for the whole structure.
Deckorators™ decking boards are also 25% lighter than similar composites, thanks to the mineral component. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference for transport and construction.
Maintenance is minimal – just sweep off debris as needed. For a deeper clean, simply wash with soap and water. That’s it!
As for designs, Deckorators™ offers excellent flexibility in terms of colours and board sizes. Five colours are available in the Voyage series: Sedona, Sierra, Tundra and Costa. You’ll also find four different board widths and three length options available in grooved and not-grooved models. For an extra streamlined design, you can install it with hidden fasteners.
Is MoistureShield a Good Composite?
MoistureShield is a fantastic composite, no matter which criteria you use to rate its quality. Of course, it always depends on your needs, but it remains a great choice for most projects.
First and foremost, MoistureShield is specifically designed to resist humidity. If most composites need to be elevated about 18 inches above the ground, MoistureShield can be put directly on soil without problems. It can be used near or even in water and doesn’t get slippery when wet, making it a champion of pool decks and other similar projects.
It is capped with a highly resistant coating, protecting the composite against scratches. Both the CoolDeck™ series and the Meridian™ series are unbeatable at staying cool under sunlight, even at the height of summer. Other composites can do a fair job, but the MoistureShield CoolDeck™ series is currently the most effective material available on the market. It stays as comfortable as natural wood.
Made of 95% recycled materials and LEED-certified, the brand is a leader in respecting the environment.
MoistureShield is available in nine colours, split into two lines. CoolDeck™ has soothing natural colours: Cathedral stone, Cold Brew, Mochaccino, Sandstone, Smokey Gray and Spanish Leather. Meridian™ series comes in three colours and a lower-profile texture: Citadel, Shoreside, and Catalina.
Both lines have a structural warranty of 50 years. CoolDeck™ has a fade and stain warranty of 50 years, and Meridian™ is covered for 40 years.
What Are Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC)?
Technically speaking, Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) composite isn’t a composite. What is Azek material? It is a high-quality PVC, containing no organic material, which provides several advantages.
First, no organic material means that there’s no risk of rotting. Made of 100% recycled material, virtually nothing lasts as long. For this reason, there’s a limited lifetime warranty on the structure. It’s extremely resistant and is guaranteed for 50 years against fading and staining.
Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) are also one of the few non-organic materials that stays cool under the sun. The PVC is designed to absorb heat and release it quickly, so it can be used without problems for a deck that faces south. It’s also remarkably non-slippery, making it a great option for pool decks. It was even tested for its flame-retardant capacity. For houses at high risk of wildfires, an Azek deck or rooftop terrace can be an excellent and safe option.
Even though it contains no wood, its appearance is baffling. Thanks to two distinct lines in the Azek Series (TimbertechTM Advanced PVC), you can choose from a total of nine colours and a range of natural textures. The Vintage line offers an exotic vibe with five rich colours: Dark Hickory, Mahogany, Coastline, English Walnut, and Weathered Teak. For a more rustic look, the Landmark line offers four soothing tones: Boardwalk, French White Oak, American Walnut, and Castle Gate.
When choosing Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC), you practically avoid all maintenance. Sweeping of debris and dead leaves is all you need to do. If needed, you can clean it with water and a mild soap.
What Is Timbertech™?
Timbertech™ is a fantastic composite material that mixes plastic and wood. Eighty-five percent of its composition comes from recycled materials like milk jugs and wood waste like sawdust and shavings.
Timbertech™ deck boards are covered by an ultra-resistant polymer coating that protects the material against humidity and problems like mould and fungi. It’s a highly durable material, especially if you choose the Reserve line. The boards won’t crack or peel and will last decades without ever having to sand, seal, or paint your deck. Sweeping the deck a few times a week is enough to keep it clean. A mild soap and water suffice to remove any stains or dirt.
Beyond its quality, Timbertech™ is known for its incredible beauty and versatility. With three lines in varying price ranges, you can choose between 13 colours. All three lines offer natural textures and various size options to fit your design.
Legacy is their higher-end line. Inspired by nature, it comes in six colours: Whitewash Cedar, Mocha, Ashwood, Espresso, Pecan, and Tigerwood.
Reserve stands in the middle, with a more rustic look. Fans of old woods will love their four colours: Reclaimed Chestnut, Driftwood, Dark Roast and Antique Leather.
Edge Prime+™ is their most affordable line and comes in three colours: Coconut Husk, Sea Salt Grey and Dark Cocoa.
Finding the Right Composite Brand for Your Needs
When building the deck of your dreams, high-quality composite will be a worthwhile investment. The key is to trust reliable brands and assess your needs correctly. The brands we mentioned are all trustworthy and offer beautiful composites. However, some offer specific characteristics that may be a priority for you. To obtain the best composite decking for the money, you’ll have to choose one that fits your needs. With the appropriate design, you’ll add value to your home and create an outdoor space you can really enjoy, improving your quality of life.