Are you considering adding a low-maintenance, long-lasting composite deck to your home? Whether you’re in Madison, Appleton, or a different city in Wisconsin, we’d love to walk you through everything you need to know about composite decks. The guide below is regularly updated to include our latest advice and information like what composite decks are made of, how they stand up to cold weather, DIY maintenance tips, and more. If you want more information about any of the topics below, click the links provided.
What Are Composite Decks Made Of?
Composite decking is quite literally a composite of wood fibers and plastic that when combined, creates a more weather-resistant material that stands the test of time. Unlike traditional wood, it’s much less likely to warp, doesn’t splinter, and best of all – doesn’t require annual staining or painting. (Say “hello” to getting your summers back.)
That said, there are a lot of composite decking materials on the market with varying degrees of cost and quality. Not all brands (or even product lines) are created equal. Discover the Top 3 Composite Decking Materials we recommend to get the most bang for your buck.
Why Composite Decks Are Ideal for Wisconsin’s Cold Winters
Wisconsin’s winters can be… brutal. Your deck will face below freezing temperatures, snow, slush, sleet, and ice. With traditional wood decks, all of the temperature and moisture fluctuation can cause warping, rotting, and even cracking from expansion and contraction. On the flip side, PVC and capped composite decks have a protective coating that resists moisture and allows the product to handle natural elements with grace. Depending on the exact brand and product line, these coatings are often embossed and can also create better traction when wet than smooth wood boards.
I know what you might be thinking… What about ice and snow removal? Can you use salt on composite decking? Find our best winter care tips here: Can You Use Salt on Composite Decks? Winter Care Guide.
How to Clean a Composite Deck
One of the biggest selling points of composite decking is how easy they are to maintain! Gone are the days of spending precious summer hours (or days) re-staining your wood deck. Instead, our favorite composite decking manufacturer recommends a quick wash one to two times per year with mild soap and water.
Curious what kind of commitment that’ll be? Or what products are best to use? Check out our step-by-step guide: How to Clean Composite Decks: Tips & Tricks.
Can You Paint a Composite Deck?
Composite decking comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and widths, but can you paint or stain the boards if you want to switch up the look later on? Honestly, it depends on the exact material type and manufacturer. If it’s capped, no. If it’s not, the answer is maybe. But if you decide to move forward with this type of project, there are some important steps you don’t want to skip!
Visit our blog post to learn more about capped vs uncapped composite and whether or not you can paint your composite decking. We’ll give you nothing but blunt honesty.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Composite Deck?
Building a deck? Most reputable contractors will take care of permitting for you. If you’re going the DIY route, check your local permit requirements before starting. In Wisconsin, many cities require a permit, especially if the deck is above a certain height! Failing to follow code guidelines and obtain proper permits can be costly (via fines) and dangerous. Learn how to identify whether or not you need a permit in this guide: Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
Ready to Build Your Composite Deck?
Whether you now know everything you need to about composite decking or still have questions, you’re in the right place. Our Wisconsin-based team would love to help you design a custom, maintenance-free design for your outdoor living space. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling, schedule your free estimate today!
