 Featured Products Decking Railing Trim & Accessories Fasteners Choosing Materials Select Decking Material Select Fasteners Mark Hopkins, Deck & Rail Specialist |
Composition |
A composite deck board is manufactured with a combination of wood flour and plastic through a process known as extrusion. Composite decking has come a long way since its introduction in the late 1990s. Manufacturers have improved dies and UV stabilizers, offering a range of color options with minimal fading. Structurally, most composites offer stability at recommended spans and durability superior to pressure treated lumber. Most come with extended warranties. PVC decking has no wood fiber. This improves resistance to staining, scratching, mold and mildew. Because it does not absorb moisture or retain much heat, PVC stays cooler in the sun and exhibits minimal expansion and contraction. PVC decks provide years of enjoyment with very little maintenance. Classic hardwood decks can be stained and sealed or allowed to weather naturally. Most will weather to grey or silver if left untreated. Tropical hardwoods are extremely durable and resistant to insects and decay. Pressure treated pine remains a popular choice. Dockside Marine Supply carries 5/4 x6 premium deck boards treated with micronized copper azole. Pressure treated decking can be painted or stained. |
| Variegated Streaking |
| Variegated streaking creates a randomized pattern of dark streaking along the deck board to replicate the appearance of natural wood. No two boards will be exactly the same. |
| Extrusion |
| Extrusion is a manufacturing process in which heated material is pushed or pulled through a dye. Monoextrusion is a single step process. Co-extrusion involves a second step in which a shell is extruded around a solid core. A monoextruded deck board will be a solid color and consistency throughout the board while co-extrusion allows for deeper and more varied colors. |
| Dimensions |
| Lumber is traditionally quoted in rough dimensions and sold in smooth dimensions. The process of creating a smooth surface from rough cut lumber results in a loss of dimension, so a board that is rough cut 5/4” x 6” will measure approximately 1” x 5 ½”. Synthetic decking is quoted according to the same convention. Decks.com provides a calculator that can provide assistance in calculating your material requirements. |
| Span |
| Manufacturers provide guidelines for the minimum spacing between the centers of each floor joist. If you are constructing a new composite or synthetic deck, consider these guidelines when designing your frame. If you are resurfacing an existing deck, you may need to add extra joists. |
| Spacing |
| This refers to the recommended gap between deck boards. Spacing deck boards allows for air flow, expansion and contraction, and allows dirt to pass through without accumulating between deck boards. |
| Warranty |
| This refers to the manufacturers warranty available in full at the links below. Dockside Marine Supply does not warrantee any material, but will assist our customers in processing a manufacturer claim should it become necessary. Please see the Standard Terms and Conditions of Sales at Dockside Marine Supply Company. |
Compare Decking Products Across Styles and Brands
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| Brand | Composition | Features | Extrusion | Dimensions | Span | Spacing | Hidden Fasteners Available | Warranty |
| Azek Deck Harvest Collection |
PVC | Stain, scratch and fade resistant | monoextruded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" to 1/4" |
Cortex, Tigerclaw ProClip | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Azek Deck Terra Collection |
PVC | Stain, scratch and fade resistant, |
co-extruded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" to 1/4" |
Cortex, Tigerclaw ProClip | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Azek Deck Arbor Collection |
PVC | Stain, scratch and fade resistant, vibrant colors, variegated streaking |
co-extruded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" to 1/4" |
Tigerclaw ProClip | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Timbertech Twin-finish |
Composite | Realistic wood grain, available grooved or square edge |
monoextruded | 1x 6 | 20" | 1/8" | ConceaLoc, Cortex | 25-year Limited Residential Warranty |
| Timbertech Earthwood |
Composite | Tropical hardwood look, variegated streaking |
monoextruded | 1x 6 | 20" | 1/8" | ConceaLoc, Cortex | 25-year Limited Residential Warranty |
| Timbertech XLM |
PVC | Stain, scratch and fade resistant, Class A-flame rating |
co-extruded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" | ConceaLoc | 25-year Limited Residential Warranty |
| Timbertech Docksider |
Composite | 2x6 board for longer spans | monoextruded | 2x 6 | 24" | 1/8" | Tigerclaw TC-3 | 25-year Limited Residential Warranty |
| Evergrain Classic Collection |
Composite | Deep grain, natural wood colors |
monoextruded, compression molded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" | Tigerclaw TC-3 | 20-year Limited Warranty, 5-Year Full Start (includes labor) |
| Evergrain Vibrance Collection |
Composite | Deep colors, variegated streaking | monoextruded, compression molded | 1x 6 | 16" | 1/8" | Tigerclaw TC-3 | 20-year Limited Warranty, 5-Year Full Start (includes labor) |
| Ipe | Hardwood | Extremely durable tropical hardwood | N/A | 1x 6 | 24" | 1/8" | Eb-ty Biscuiting with grooved planks | N/A |
| Garappa Gold | Hardwood | Related to Ipe, durable and less dense than Ipe | N/A | 5/4x 6 | 24" | 3/16" | Eb-ty Biscuiting with grooved planks | N/A |
| Mahogany (Miranti) | Hardwood | Kiln-dried renewable Malaysian hardwood | N/A | 5/4x 6 | 24" | 1/4" | Eb-ty Biscuiting with grooved planks | N/A |
| 5/4 x 6 pressure treated pine | Treated lumber | Premium treated lumber | N/A | 5/4x 6 | 18" | 3/16" | N/A | N/A |