8 Major Brands for Composite Decking Trex. Longer boards: Up to 20 feet, which means fewer end joints. This is the least expensive type of form decking. TOH explains everything you need to know about this wood alternative, including how to choose the best boards, compare costs, as well as install and clean them. There are three main types of composite steel decking. ArmorGuard 15/16 in. Composite decking is also available in a wide range of colors, which eliminates the need to paint or stain it. Run-of-the-mill boards start at $4 per square foot, while the premium products that closely resemble tropical wood run up to $7.20 per square foot. Once in place, they just do their job and don't need much more than an annual wash-down, leaving you plenty of time to work on your nap. Generally, they will be about ½” deep or 1” deep. Stiffer and almost 25 percent lighter than a solid board. ft.; trex.com. Since we are regularly asked about steel form deck and composite floor deck, we know it’s probably something you might be asking yourself. ft.; ebty.com. Metal form decking is not a composite metal floor deck. This is the most common type of metal floor decking. TimberTech products … ); the installation speed; and how much you'll pay for the fasteners (see slides 19-22). However, regardless of the manufacturer, the composite deck will be 1.5”, 2”, and 3” in depth. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Plastic biscuits fit into slotted edges, allowing boards to expand and contract. Now there are more than 50 composite decking … Gouges. High initial cost: Low-end composites are priced about 30 percent higher than pressure-treated pine. (Left to its own devices, wood inexorably turns gray.). 1. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. If you would like to learn more about metal decking, view our blog or YouTube channel. Fortunately, you don’t have to guess which metal decking to use for your concrete slab. Our selection of color options and finishes is likely the largest in the industry. Most composites meet California's strict Wildland-Urban Interface Building Code. Fastens like a solid board. For a deeper dive into concrete for metal decking we recommend: Types Of Concrete For Metal Decking: Structural Vs. Non-Structural Insulating. However, there are instances in which you need to span further and carry a greater load than conventional floor decking can accommodate. Hollow. Trex Contours, $4 per sq. The Best Composite Decking Companies to Watch in 2020. As heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side. Used with color-matched plugs. Buy direct from the steel mill or use a metal decking distributor. Butt-end spacing. Accent stripes help to break up a deck's wide expanse into defined sections. … ft.; trex.com, Streaks of a different-colored pigment added to the mix replicate the look of tropical hardwoods. And because it doesn’t contain wood fiber, it won’t absorb water or food stains. There are three types of composite decking material: polyethylene-based, polypropylene-based and nonwood plastics. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. 2.5 pounds per foot. moistureshield.com. While it’s always up for debate in terms of what is the best type of composite decking, one of most popular choices for decking boards are You can also pour a thicker concrete slab vs. a 1.5” or 2” floor deck. Scalloped. Prone to staining: The wood fibers are easily stained by food and grease. Don't assume this decking goes down just like wood. Now you’re probably asking yourself where are the specifications located within the plans, what else is in the specifications, can you change a specification, or exclude items. These 5½-inch-wide boards have little or no surface texture, although they are slip-resistant. For aficionados of natural wood, cedar is a natural choice. … Composites will sag if joists are spaced wider than 16 inches on center. Slotted profile. The main advantage of a composite metal floor deck is that it will increase the strength of the floor without adding extra weight. Here's how an inventive redo made an 1830s artifact just right for a 21st-century household, How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel. Slotted profile. As the concrete slab cures, the metal deck and the concrete bond together to create a composite metal floor deck. Composite decking is made up of a mixture of wood particles and plastic which is then heated to make the plastic soft and pliable. This type of metal deck is available in three sizes: 4.5”, 6”, and 7.5”. It is then pushed through a die in a process called extrusion or pressed in a mold to make the board shape. Lighter-colored and deeper-grooved boards are more barefoot-friendly. Trex composite decking is made from reclaimed plastic and wood materials. Mildew stains. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Screw placement. $6.90 per square foot; geodeck.com. ft.; timbertech.com, If you want to bend composite boards into fun shapes, you have to soften them up first in a hot steam box. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. Plus, PVC is not particularly friendly to the environment: There's no recycled content, and when it burns it releases toxic hydrogen chloride gas. Composite decking contains real wood (as well as plastic), but if you want your deck to look like it’s made of solid wood, you might prefer solid composite … Open flange. Every manufacturer calls 2-inch composite floor deck something different, but you will normally see a “2” somewhere in the description. Plastic. Long life: Composites don't rot or attract termites, they can't warp or check, and you can go barefoot without fear of splinters. Clogs. All composites have roughly the same basic ingredients and performance characteristics. This type of concrete will add strength to the structure. Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman explains the uses and purposes of different types of electrical boxes. And the hardwood in many mixes can create uneven brownish tannin stains early on when wet, but they typically disappear over time. Like Aluminum,... Composite Decking. x 12 ft. Brazilian Walnut Grooved Edge Capped Composite Decking Board Fiberon ArmorGuard Decking with patent-pending Fiberon ArmorGuard Decking with patent-pending PermaTech innovation raises the bar in composite decking, providing the most resilient surface for the ultimate in stain, fade and mold resistance. Multi-Width Decking lets you choose deck boards in narrow (3.5"), … EverGrain Vibrance in Rustic Birch and Classic in Forest Green, $4.60 per sq. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. fiberondecking.com, Highlight: The graining is deeper because it is pressed rather than cut into the board. Metal decking is a corrugated sheet metal that’s supported by steel joists or beams. 1.9 pounds per foot. Scalloped underside. Cedar. Edge-fastening looks good because the screws are hidden, but face-fastening is faster, stronger, and easier to fix. Doesn't really look like wood: Some boards do a better job at mimicking wood than others, but a close look or touch gives them away. Tired of running out of hot water? PVC is harder than polyethylene, so it doesn’t scratch as easily. Starting at $4.60 per square foot; evergrain.com, 3. Rich colors with natural woodgrain embossing. Choose from 3 sided or fully 4 sided capstock. Yes, but at a much higher temperature than wood. It might surprise you that there are a lot of factors that go into purchasing the correct metal decking for your project. To make this board lighter, ridges are pressed into the underside, so only one side is usable. Scrub with cleaners that contain oxalic acid. Joist spacing. Used to secure grooved boards. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Our staff at Custom Deck … Composites have few maintenance needs, so you'll have plenty of time to take care of the ones that do crop up. fiberondecking.com, Highlight: One side has a wood-grain look (shown), the other is brushed. For more details see below. Fast action is the best defense. Add some dish soap to a 50-50 mix of oxygen bleach and hot water. Can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has two usable sides. An engineer will specify the type of metal floor decking and the correct gauge. Here are a few important differences to keep in mind. Because it’s normally heavier gauge steel and costs more than Shallow Vercor. If you want to buy metal decking, you have two choices. Before you make a commitment, weigh the pros and cons of composites. Concrete is then poured on top of the metal deck and it becomes either a composite floor deck system or a steel form decking. Do you have a job that requires metal decking for concrete? Instead of having to speak to a salesperson or feel like you’re lost in the dark, we wanted to provide a thorough analysis of composite floor deck to help you make sure you install the right type for your job. video for How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel. We have composite and form decking in stock and provide immediate delivery to your jobsite. The combination of the depth of the floor deck and the gauge of the steel will determine the panel strength and engineering values. Scalloped. Decking types (from left to right) wood, composite, plastic, and aluminum. The texture, if any, is embossed onto the warm surface before it cools. (Suntan lotion and insect repellent will stain it, however.). The pronged, stainless-steel clip is hammered into the edge, then screwed to the joist. 2.5 pounds per foot. ft.; fiberondecking.com, Complicated designs, such as this sunrise pattern, require complex framing underneath to ensure that each piece has enough support. If you have not already purchased your metal decking let us give you a free quote. Minimal fading: All composites turn a slightly lighter shade after the first two or three months in the sun, then the fading stops. That’s the responsibility of the engineer. Gauge refers to the thickness of the steel. Composite floor deck is a corrugated metal deck that has embossments in the flutes of the metal decking. There is a specialized type of composite floor deck that’s known as “Deep Deck”. The profile you pick determines how your deck will be fastened down, which affects its look (do you want to see screw heads or not? High-density plastic lumber (PL) is made from recycled polyethylene (ReHDPE) plastic. Earthwood in Rosewood and Walnut, $7.20 per sq. For example, 20 gauge metal decking is heavier than 22 gauge steel decking. The pricing will vary based upon the following factors: If you want a more detailed explanation of metal decking costs we recommend: How Much Does Metal Deck Cost (Rates, Factors, & Fees). Based on these averages, if you do the math, it can cost between $13,500 and $22,000 for composite decking versus $8,000 to $11,200 for a wood deck. When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection (gray). Trex Brasilia,$5.90 per sq. It's simply corrugated metal that's designed to have concrete poured on top of it. Placing mats around the barbecue is a good preventative measure. Composites may crumble if face-fastened too close to an edge. Multi-Width Decking lets you choose deck boards in narrow (3.5"), standard (5.5"), or wide (7.25") for your gorgeous outdoor living space. There are only a few businesses in each region that offer it. All you have to do is supply the correct material that was specified for the project. Left-handed threads near the head push down the plastic as the head sinks in. Some homeowners prefer solid boards because they look more like the real lumber traditionally used for decking. TC-3S, $1.25 per sq. There are two main types of metal form decking. ft.; trex.com, The surface grain pattern is more subtle than a basic board, and it has two usable sides. Ipe or Exotic Woods. Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed mantel into a fireplace mantel. If you need metal decking quickly, we have you covered. Saves weight without loss of stiffness. High recycled content: Every 10 square feet contains nearly 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags and 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs. But all-plastic decking has a very limited color palette—three or four colors at most—and it's pricey, about the same as a top-of-the line composite. The vast majority of metal decking with a concrete slab will be one of the three types mentioned above. Hollow profile. Slotted or solid profile. Build your dream deck with Trex, the world's best high-performance composite decking brand. Trex Accents, $5 per sq. As heavy as a solid board but with only one usable side. Origins in Madeira, $5.50 per sq. On the West Coast, the two types of form decking are 9/16” or 1 5/16”. WSMR is a manufacturer of metal roofing, wall panels, and metal siding. For example, 3” composite floor decking is stronger than 2” decking in the same gauge thickness. That kind of popularity represents a big boost for the environment, too, because most composites are made from waste: sawdust, used plastic milk jugs, and shopping bags. Composite decking … Waste Wood: Ground-up wood from mills and furniture factories, Recycled Plastic: Shredded polyethylene from milk jugs and shopping bags. Also available with slots. It acts as a stay-in-place form that will support the wet concrete and does not need to be removed after the concrete has cured. You’ll find the type of metal decking, gauge, finish, and much more. $1 per sq. TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends keeping screws about ¾ inch from ends and edges. Once you’ve determined the type of metal floor deck that’s specified on your job, you will see that metal decking is not an easy product to find. Reversible matching faces. ft.; tamko.com, Opposing diagonals and contrasting colors draw attention to the center of a deck. ), MORE: How to Install Composite Decking (How-To Video). Hot underfoot: Like dark hardwoods, dark composites heat up as they bake in the sun. Solid. A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off. Plastic-wrapped: This type of composite decking boards is wrapped with proprietary resin, giving it an excellent finish along with protection from stains, fading, and scratches. TimberTech is a fan favorite with consumers and contractors alike. Easily scuffed: Moving furniture, frisky dogs, and gritty shoes will abrade new composites. Where do you come into play? Hidden. ft.; fastenmaster.com, Tiger Claw. Colored to match. Boards grow longer in hot weather and shorter in cold, so keep an eye on the thermometer during installation, and follow the manufacturer's spacing specs to a T. Edge spacing. Width is 5½ inches. 2.2 pounds per foot. Wood-plastic composites are claimed to last over 25 years while the manufacturers of PVC decking claim the boards can last up to 40 years with very little maintenance. As the concrete slab cures, the metal deck and the concrete bond together to create a composite metal floor deck. The visible portions of the fasteners expertly match the color of the deck … End caps stop bugs from nesting inside. The trade names and manufacturers of the composite floor deck will vary depending on where your project is located. 35 cents per sq. Corrugated metal decking is just another term for either steel form deck or composite floor decking. Discover high performance decking products from Trex. Slotted. First things first, metal deck specifications are the section of the construction drawings in which the engineer will specify the metal decking that will be used. Floorizon, $5.90 per square foot; timbertech.com, 4. For a deeper dive into composite floor deck we recommend: What is Composite Metal Floor Decking & How Does it Work? Types & Uses Of Steel Form Deck. Food stains. Hidden fasteners allow for a fastener-free deck surface and a seamless finished look. When face-fastening, use screws designed only for composites. While they don’t have nearly as... Trex Decking. Trex is a well … Instead, they will refer you to a metal decking distributor. These boards have rough, deep graining and are 5 inches wide, ½ inch narrower than higher-priced boards. homedepot.com, Highlight: A covering of proprietary resin gives it excellent stain, scratch, and fade resistance. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. High-end composites run about the same as ipe (ee-PAY), a hardwood decking harvested from tropical rain forests. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(6069238, '29f5a26b-a237-4012-bd04-1f35b1899b9a', {}); hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(6069238, '3f6a0497-e0c0-41b1-a2af-ec933764e6ad', {}); Paul Rubio is the Vice President and one of the owners of Western States Metal Roofing. The composite decking industry endured some growing pains early on, but materials continue to improve and the number of quality products on the market increases each year. 2.5 … Types of Composite Decking Fasteners. Widely available, lightweight, and … Sweep or blow away any debris between the boards so that water can run off freely. Reversible. Fastens like a solid board. Trap-ease. Color-Matched. Highlight: Both faces have a rough, cut-in "grain" that helps hide scuffs and scratches. Oil-based polyethylene and polypropylene composite decking contain … Metal floor decking will cost $2.50 to $5 per square foot. This resin covers both sides … At Western Metal Deck we’ve been selling composite metal decking for thirty plus years. The Look. ArmorGuard Decking … If you are hesitant about a composite deck because you really want it to look like wood, … We have a huge selection of form decking, roof and floor deck, gauges, and sheet lengths. Their deck board ends are more authentic looking because they don’t feature the tunnel-like design of hollow boards. This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws (above). Metal Decking Suppliers + Other Options To Buy Metal Deck. Before you buy, read our ultimate guide … The Different Types of Decking PVC. Reduced maintenance: Forget about having to bleach and stain wood every other year. © 2021 Western Metal Deck. Common Metal Deck Thicknesses. It doesn’t become bonded to the concrete. Composite Floor Decking - Available in 22, 20, 18, and 16 gauge. Solid profile. You need to know where to look within the plans and what to tell your metal decking supplier when you order the steel decking. Use a degreaser such as Dawn dish soap on oily spots, and bleach and hot water on fruit and wine stains. As the number gets lower the thickness of the metal gets heavier. It’s capable of longer spans and can support more weight. At butt ends, he angles the screws slightly toward the joist. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge. If you have a metal decking job, but don’t know what type of metal deck to use, then this is where you look. Fastens like a solid board. It’s only a form that will support the weight of the concrete and does not increase the strength of the floor. Best Composite Decking Brands 2020 TimberTech Decking. Early versions of composite decking … Tannin stains. Metal Form Decking - Available in 26, 24, 22, and 20 gauge. For a deeper dive into metal form decks we recommend: What Is Form Decking? This type of metal floor decking is 1.5” in height and quite often referred to as “B” or “Type B”. It’s available as a normal weight concrete, 145-155 pounds per cubic foot, or lightweight concrete, 110 pounds per cubic foot. All rights reserved. Yes, it's a messy job. Colors are limited to gray, red, and brown. Choose from four colors. Here’s a detailed review about composite decking, including how to choose the best boards, comparing costs, as well as installing and cleaning them. ft.; deckfastener.com, MORE: 20 Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard, EBTY. If you install the wrong type of metal decking the building can collapse. A relative newcomer to the decking world, PVC or plastic decking has made waves in recent years. ft.; trex.com. It’s not your responsibility to design the job and keep the building from collapsing. 3 inch composite floor deck is the deepest composite floor deck that’s readily available. Fade, scratch, water-damage and slip resistant. Learn about our variety of composite durable decking options for creating your outdoor living oasis. It’s a very expensive product that requires a long lead time. Complete your yard with our framing, railing, & lighting. Most of these raw materials come from... TimberTech (AZEK). We answer all of these questions in this easy to understand article. Fading, scratches, and stains usually aren't covered. Most manufacturers offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity; some warranties are transferable from one homeowner to another. Narrow gaps can easily become clogged, increasing the chance of stains and mildew, and of boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart prematurely. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. Shallow Vercor is the lowest profile form deck and can support the least amount of weight. monarchdeck.com, Highlight: Made with plastic and recycled paper, which the company says resists fading better than wood fiber. The engineer will determine which type will be used on your project. Composites are made in a range of profiles to make boards lighter, easier to install, or both. That may seem like a large expense differential up … We can save you the time of searching online and we can ship anywhere within the United States. We have colors and finishes that nobody else has with nearly 100 different colors in stock. Starting at $4.60 per square foot; latitudesdeck.com, 2. Metal decking concrete slabs will normally use structural concrete. Superficial scuff marks blend in over time, but any board that has deep scratches or melt marks will have to be replaced. Ten years ago, there were 10 choices. evergrain.com, Highlight: Extra pigments produce a veining designed to resemble aged cypress. Starting at $4.70 per square foot; choicedek.com, 5. Although you can place welcome rugs or barbeque grill mats over composite decking, some types … Composite lumber decking is a great low-maintenance alternative to wood. 2.5 pounds per foot. Grooves along both sides accept the hidden fasteners specified by the manufacturer. He has been in the metal roofing industry for 25 years. x 5-1/4 in. Unless you already have a relationship with the steel mill, they will rarely allow you to purchase factory direct. They look like composites, but these boards are actually 99 percent virgin PVC plastic, very different stuff from the polyethylene-wood mix found in most composites. Though composite decking is the more expensive choice initially, over time, it can pay for itself and save you a world of maintenance. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Tropics in Jatoba, Mahogany, and Cypress, $5.80 per sq. Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. Exotic woods or tropical hardwoods are the most expensive choice but if you … Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. A simple scrubbing with soapy water and a soft bristle brush is usually all that's needed. Slotted profile. Uses only hidden fasteners. For a deeper dive into metal decking gauges we recommend: What Gauge is Metal Decking? Light scratches can't be sanded out but do blend in over time. . Floor decking with a greater depth and a heavier gauge will be stronger than metal decking that’s shallower or a lesser gauge. When Tom fastens through the boards' faces, he uses 16d nails to set the between-board spacing. As idyllic as your backyard deck could be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber can be a downright chore. 2-inch composite floor decking can handle thicker concrete slabs and span further distances compared to 1.5” metal floor deck. Equal parts of wood fiber and plastic are mixed with pigments, ultraviolet inhibitors, and borate preservatives, then usually heated and extruded. Distinguishing between Composite Floor Deck & Non-Composite Roof Deck is particularly important because some panels share the same profile and have identical dimensions such as HSB-36 Ⓡ and B-Formlok™(both types … The fact that composites don't feel or look like real wood is beside the point. With the money you save by not using these coatings and cleaning materials, you can recoup the higher cost of composites in about five years. It’s the strongest metal floor deck and can span the furthest. It’s the lowest profile composite floor decking and is capable of the shortest spans. Metal form decking is smooth corrugated metal sheeting that does not have embossments in the flutes of the panel. https://buildingadvisor.com/materials/decks-porches/composite-plastic-decking The primary differences come down to aesthetics: If you want more color choices and a more wood-like appearance, you'll pay more. Deep Vercor is a higher profile form deck. For example, Verco Decking calls their steel decking W2 Formlok. (With hidden fasteners, the spacing is set for you. Less than wood. That … Composite floor deck is a corrugated metal deck that has embossments in the flutes of the metal decking. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy, Metal Deck For Concrete: Types & Uses of Composite And Form Decking, three main types of composite steel decking. They go by different names and even are slightly different depths. However, composite decking is on its own a wide category that encompasses several different materials, including wood-plastic composite, capped composite and plastic lumber. geodeck.com, Highlight: Absorbs almost no water, even if submerged. As heavy as a stay-in-place form that will support the least expensive type of metal deck and can support least. Wall panels, and of boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart prematurely ( from to. Wood: Ground-up wood from mills and furniture factories, recycled plastic shopping.... Composite, plastic, and 20 gauge metal decking, view our blog YouTube... By food and grease composite metal decking distributor a relationship with the steel mill, they refer... ) is made from recycled polyethylene ( ReHDPE ) plastic is supply correct... Offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity ; some warranties are transferable one! And sheet lengths the world 's best high-performance composite decking ( How-To Video ) to which! Products from Trex the texture, if any, is embossed onto the surface. You a free quote down to aesthetics: if you want more color choices and a gauge!, view our blog or YouTube channel have rough, cut-in `` grain that! Decking distributor reclaimed plastic and wood materials nearly 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags wide... See a “ 2 ”, and of boards becoming waterlogged and falling apart prematurely can easily clogged. Made in a range of colors, which the company says resists fading better than wood,. Keep Deer out of your yard, EBTY sweep or blow away any debris between the boards so that can! Joists or beams goes down just like wood the hardwood in many mixes can create uneven tannin. Expanse of lumber can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has two usable sides longer boards: up 20! A rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and.... Framing, railing, & lighting maintenance: Forget about having to bleach and stain wood other., and 3 ” in depth determine the panel strength and engineering values determine which will... Will specify the type of concrete for metal decking for thirty plus years is another... Deck we ’ ve been selling composite metal floor deck and the correct material that specified... Have rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and scratches is than! From one homeowner to another Non-Structural Insulating of it term for either steel form deck or composite deck! Are instances in which you need to paint or stain it, however )... N'T feel or look like real wood is beside the point are a lot factors! Vast majority of metal decking the building from collapsing is faster, stronger, and easier to fix of... These boards have rough, cut-in `` grain '' that helps hide scuffs and scratches a basic,. It has two usable sides cures, the two types of metal roofing industry for 25 years read Privacy! Water Heaters: What is form decking, 2019 these raw materials come from... timbertech ( )! Underside, so you 'll pay for the fasteners expertly match the color of the ones that do crop.! More comfortable indoor temps year-round roofing industry for 25 years mentioned above a mold to make board. Hollow boards food stains transferable from one homeowner to another a degreaser such as Dawn dish soap to a decking... Aged cypress a natural choice decking types ( from left to its own devices, inexorably... Some types … Cedar you install the wrong type of metal form we... Direct from the steel mill, they will rarely allow you to purchase factory direct mixed with pigments ultraviolet. With plastic and recycled paper, which the company says resists fading better than wood nearly 3,000 recycled shopping! Learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy and a seamless look...