The Best Composite Decking Brands All Homeowners Should Know About
The high-tech material resists fading, staining, rotting, and more.
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Composite decking has taken the outdoor living world by storm—and for good reason. This innovative decking material offers a range of benefits that traditional wood decking simply can't match. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, creating a durable, low-maintenance surface that is resistant to weather, pests, and rotting. From its durability and low-maintenance requirements to its stunning aesthetic appeal, composite decking has become a go-to choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces.
But, while choosing composite decking for your outdoor space seems like an easy decision, finding the right brand may be a challenge. To help simplify the selection process—so you can spend more time having fun in the sun—we're breaking down the top brands you need to know, plus a few shopping tips.
What to Look for in Composite Decking
So, where to begin your search? Since your composite decking will be the backbone of your outdoor space—and everyone wants their backyard to look good—you'll want to think long and hard about color and texture. Most composite decking is built to last; however, durability and resilience to the elements are other key aspects to consider. (And, should your deck show some wear and tear over the years, what is the warranty policy?) If sustainability is a priority to you and your home, it's worth checking out your shortlist of brands that have environmental certifications or eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Last, but not least, price. Money doesn't grow on trees, so you'll want to make sure that you're getting the best bang for your buck. Depending on your footprint and preferred brand, composite decking can reportedly cost up to $60 per square foot, so check out the reviews to ensure you're getting the quality you're paying for.
How to Care for Composite Decking
Did you know that composite decks can last for up to 30 years? The key, however, is to know how to care for it. One of the most important things you can do is to keep your deck clean, which can be done with regular sweeping or rinsing with a garden hose. If your deck becomes stained or dirty, remove any buildup with warm water and mild soap. (Remember, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of your deck.) Speaking of unsightly blemishes, keep scratches and dents to a minimum by using furniture pads and mats. Though composite decks should hold up well, you'll want to periodically inspect your surface for any signs of damage or wear—such as cracking or warping— and address any issues, pronto.
How We Selected Composite Decking Brands
At House Beautiful, we want your outdoor spaces to look just as good as the great indoors—and that means helping you find a great composite decking company. When we scoured the web for the very best brands, we factored in quality, reviews, and versatility in color and materials. So what are you waiting for? You're just a few scrolls away from upgrading your backyard.
TimberTech
Ever since 1997, TimberTech has continued to make waves with its innovative approach to sustainable materials and design. The brand uses top-of-the-line technology to focus on the smallest details such as impeccable color-blending and its grain patterns that look just like the real deal—minus the fading, staining, or cracking that comes with traditional wood. Thanks to the online Deck Designer tool and its array of colors and multi-width offerings, customers are bound to have a composite deck they'll love now and decades down the road.
If TimberTech's eye for aesthetics hasn't won you over, the brand's commitment to sustainability will. The company has implemented a number of eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes, including recycling and reusing water, reducing waste and emissions, and sourcing materials from sustainable forests. In fact, TimberTech is working toward using one billion pounds of recycled material each year by 2026.
CALI Bamboo
The San Diego brand burst onto the flooring scene in 2004 for its use of bamboo, an eco-friendly material that can consistently be re-harvested without wreaking havoc on its surroundings. Made with 100 percent recycled materials—60 percent reclaimed wood fiber and 40 recycled HDPE plastic—CALI Bamboo's outdoor offerings are specifically designed to protect your deck from moisture, insects, rot, and chemicals. (Plus, each board's four-sided wrap shield will protect your space from the elements.)
The brand's composite decking comes in a curated array of colors, plus the brand is compatible with DIY enthusiasts or busy homeowners who prefer to have their deck installed on their behalf. But once everything's in place, you have some peace of mind knowing that you can enjoy a 25-year warranty.
DuraLife by Barrette Outdoor Living
Made from a unique blend of polypropylene and hardwood composite, Barrette Outdoor Living's DuraLife gives conventional wooden decks an innovative upgrade. Available in an assortment of colors, textures, and collections, DuraLife provides ample versatility to make your deck look more like...well, you.
Of course, there's more to this brand than meets the eye. A simple step-clip design provides an easy, tool-free way to install your deck, and once it's ready to go, you can reap the benefits immediately. The company's CoolTrac material composition reportedly offers 136 percent more traction and stays up to 18 percent cooler than other composite decking brands. (Plus, the brand's fade-resistant SolarGuard finish will keep your deck looking fresh for years to come.)
But don't just take our word for it: In 2023, parent company Barrette Outdoor Living won the NAHB International Builders’ Show award for "Most Innovative Building Material."
CertainTeed
For over 100 years, CertainTeed has been making smart solutions for every part of the home—ranging from roofs, siding, and fences. And, thanks to its composite decking offering, it's possible to outfit your outdoor space with the brand, too. Available in three colors—and three plank lengths—CertainTeed admittedly has a limited collection. However, what the brand lacks in versatility, it certainly makes up for in construction.
Made with non-porous vinyl, CertainTeed's composite decking is easy to clean and has plenty of traction, courtesy of the brand's non-slip tread. (The planks also screw directly into the joints for a simple, squeak-free setup.) This composite decking option is built to last, but its limited lifetime warranty will offer some extra peace of mind.
Trex
There's a reason why Trex has been a leading composite decking brand for the past two decades—and has made over $560 million in annual sales. Think of Trex as the happy medium between wooden boards and other alternative materials. (Made with 95 percent recycled materials—think plastic as well as reclaimed wood and sawdust—Trex has a high-performance, weather-resistant shell that does not warp, fade, or crack over time.
Like most composite decking brands, Trex takes its place in the sustainability conversation very seriously. Each year, the brand reportedly saves over one billion pounds of plastic film and reclaimed wood from ending up in landfills. (Yes, you read that correctly: Billion.) Plus, Trex has its annual School Recycling Challenge, a friendly competition that incentivizes students across the country to recycle.
Envision Outdoor Living
When it comes to dressing up your outdoor space, Envision has something for everyone's needs. (Pergolas? Check. Railings? Check. Lighting? Check.) Naturally, composite decking is no exception to the growing list.
Envision uses a proprietary compression process, which uses a lot of heat to squeeze out air pockets, bond each plank's cap and core together, and press its signature, non-repeating into each board. (According to the company, it's a first in the composite decking field.)
Best of all, Envision empowers its customers to create the deck of their dreams. Not only are there a handful of collections to choose from, but there's also the option to use a single color, add accents, or mix and match to find that perfect setup.
MoistureShield
If you live somewhere with inclement weather, try MoistureShield, an American-made brand that uses 95 percent of recycled content. The brand proudly makes composite decks that can be installed in the ground, on the ground, and underwater. (Not to mention that it's insect-proof, warping-resistant, and has virtually no moisture absorption.) MoistureShield says its versatile-yet-sturdy construction makes it the only decking brand that's had no structural field failures in the past three decades.
If you want to give a little oomph to your deck, select panels with MoistureShield's scratch-resistant DiamondDefense coating or its CoolDeck technology, which makes its surfaces cooler by reducing heat absorption up to 35 percent.
Of course, MoistureShield doesn't skimp on the aesthetics, either. With four collections—each with its own textures and colors—the brand strikes that happy medium between water-friendly and "wow" moment.
Lumberock
Anyone who wants to bring a style-first approach to their outdoor space will find a lot to love about Lumberock. With a handful of lengths and 12 colorways to choose from—ranging from unconventional tones like green and redwood to classic blacks, whites, and tans—customers are able to integrate their personal taste into their deck.
That said, the brand goes beyond the surface with its thoughtful construction. Lumberock makes its water-resistant, non-porous planks with a special mix of mineral-fill compounds and high-density polyethylene plastic. (Since the fill itself is free of organic ingredients, this decking is a lot less susceptible to mold, mildew, and damage.) To sweeten this picturesque pick, Lumberock also offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Fiberon
For Fiberon—a 25-year-old composite deck company with outposts in North Carolin and Idaho—the magic lies in its innovation. According to the brand, its mix of recycled wood and plastic has pioneered many special features to ensure its offerings look good for years to come. (Highlights include the first multi-tonal and embossed decking boards; hidden fastener system, and first stain and fade warranties.)
Turns out, it's also a leading brand in sustainability. Not only does it reuse 98.5 percent of the waste in its manufacturing process, but Fiberon is also aiming to save 100 pounds of recycled plastic, one million trees, and, 15,000 football fields of health forests each year.
On the aesthetics front, an assortment of neutral tones like golden tans, light grays, and rich redwoods allows a Fiberon deck to act as the perfect blank canvases.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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