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Composite is a fantastic material for creating the deck of your dreams, but choosing between all the different brands can be a challenge. Compared to regular wood, composite is more resistant and will last longer, all while not requiring much maintenance. However, it can be pricey. Thanks to the myriad of brands and options, you’ll surely find the right composite for your needs.
What’s the Best Composite for Decking?
Many composite brands are available on the Canadian market, but not all are trustworthy or worth the money. At Arga, we limit ourselves to five brands, which is plenty enough to suit our customers’ needs and budgets.
Choosing between Deckorators™, MoistureShield, Trex, TimberTech™, and Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) can seem like a lot, but once you’ve identified your priorities, the task will be much easier. After all, all of these brands are trustworthy and offer a great warranty, with all the benefits of using composite for your deck. It’s only a question of specifics. For example, if your deck is directly on the soil or will most likely be drenched in water most of the time, opt for MoistureShield or Deckorators™. If you want an incredibly resistant classic, try Trex. Whatever you need, you’ll find a composite that works for you.
Is Trex Really Worth It?
Trex has revolutionized the world of decking, and its reputation needs no introduction. It’s no less than the most important manufacturer of substitute wood materials worldwide. Made of 95% recycled material, it means less forest loss. Protected by a patented shell, Trex is resistant to mould and won’t ever split or crack.
Trex decking prices range from $3.65 to $10.76 per linear foot, depending on the series. Transcend™ Premium Tropicals is more affordable and comes in five rich, natural colours. Trex Transcend™ Lineage™ is more comfortable in the heat than the other line and comes in four softer tones specially designed to reflect sun rays.
Trex decking cost can seem pricey, but the product’s longevity, beauty, and ease of maintenance make it well worth the price.
Why Choose Deckorators™?
This brand is a leader in innovation, offering a range of composite products that meet various needs. Deckorators™ features a traditional line of composites made from 95% recycled plastic and sawdust, offering durability, sustainability, and a timeless style. Each board is protected by a stain- and fade-resistant cap, ensuring low maintenance and long-lasting beauty.
However, the Voyage series stands out thanks to the integration of mineral-based fibers in its composition, making it more resistant to water and soil while expanding and contracting much less during temperature changes. It’s a perfect material for decks in Quebec, as well as for flower beds and other structures that require high durability. Since it contains no organic matter, it will not rot.
The Deckorators™ Voyage series is available in five different colors: Sedona, Sierra, Tundra, Costa, and Khaya. Thanks to its limestone-based composition, this series acts as an insulator and retains less heat, making it an ideal option for decks that receive direct sunlight during the summer.
Deckorators™ decking prices vary depending on the selected product line, with competitive rates ranging from $3.89 to $8.56 per linear foot for the traditional line, while Deckorators™ Voyage pricing is approximately $18.67 per square foot.
What Is MoistureShield Best For?
As the name might hint, MoistureShield is the best product for high-moisture environments. Their composite can be used directly on soil without problem and even underwater. Made of 95% recycled material, it’s also a champion in terms of eco-friendliness. It also doesn’t become slippery when wet, making it ideal for a rainy climate or decks close to bodies of water.
MoistureShield has two specific products: Vision™ Series (CoolDeck™) and Meridian™. Vision ™ is the material many choose for a composite deck facing south, as even in the summer sun, the material remains cool on the feet.
Vision ™ is available in six natural colours (Cathedral stone, Cold Brew, Mochaccino, Sandstone, Smokey Gray, Spanish Leather) and Meridian ™ comes in three tones: Citadel, Shoreside and Catalina.
MoistureShield decking cost is between $3.65 and $9.25 per linear foot.
Is TimberTech™ Right for Me?
TimberTech™ offers the natural appearance of wood without maintenance. Made of 85% recycled material, this composite combines wood and recycled plastic and is coated with a mould—and humidity-resistant polymer coat.
TimberTech™ has three different series: Legacy, Reserve, and Edge Prime+ ™. Combined, this means 13 colours to choose from. The three series also offer a price range, with Legacy being the most expensive line and Edge Prime+ ™ being the most affordable one. All series are covered by a fade and stain warranty, making sure that, no matter which colour you choose, said colour will remain the same for years to come.
TimberTech™’s cost varies from one series to another. TimberTech™’s price per square foot ranges from $9.16 to $21.16, or between $4.09 to $9.45 per linear foot.
How Good Are Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC)?
Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) are made from a very high-quality PVC that contains absolutely no wood, making it one of the most resistant decking materials. Made by TimberTech™, the line offers a very broad variety of sizes and colours, with a warranty of 50 years against fading. It also remains cool under your feet.
Two series, Vintage and Landmark, boast a total of nine colours specially mixed to give unique nuances and textures. Azek Products (Timbertech™ Advanced PVC) is the dream of any designer with a very specific look in mind. It also has one of the best limited lifetime warranties for the structure and a 50-year warranty against fading.
As for Azek decking prices, you can expect to pay between $7.09 and $10.20 per linear foot.
Choosing the Right Composite
Composite, PVC and other alternatives to wood can be very interesting, especially if you don’t like the idea of maintenance. With this type of material, forget about sealing or sanding. All you need is some appropriate soap and water and a broom occasionally. The brands we work with also offer a generous warranty, giving you the peace of mind you need when building a deck.
Don’t hesitate to contact us about the specifics of each brand. We are the experts and will be happy to help you choose the best composite option for your deck.