There are three basic types of synthetic decking (there are a few more, but the three I’ll cover here are the most popular by far).   Below is a primer on the types of synthetic decking materials:

#1  Composite Decking.  Composite decking is made up of a mixture of sawdust, plastic and a binder to hold them together.  Composites were the first to hit the decking market.  These days, they are the least expensive of the bunch.  But saving a few dollars will eventually lead to more problems!  Composite decking material will stain and scratch much more easily than the other two types of synthetic materials.

The mixtures and contents of composite decking vary widely by manufacturer.  Studies have shown that the wood component of composites tend to deteriorate over time.  This can leave a deck surface that looks pockmarked.  It also weakens the structure of the decking.  For these reasons, I usually don’t recommend composite decking to my clients.  Some popular brands of composite decking are Trex Accents, Trex Contours, TimberTech Reliaboard, TimberTech Twin Finish and Evergrain.

#2 Capstock Decking.  Capstock is the newest player in the market.  It consists of a composite inside with a thin shell of plastic on the outside.  The outer shell negates the problems I listed pertaining to composite decking.  Capstock decking is very stain resistant and much harder to scratch than regular composite decking.

Another advantage to capstock decking is cost.  It is less expensive than its rival, PVC decking.  A few of the popular capstock deckings are Fiberon Horizons, Trex Trancend, TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions.  These are all great products that I would (and have) installed without reservation.

#3 PVC Decking.  PVC decking is solid plastic all the way through.  The better PVC’s have an embossed surface that rivals wood in appearance.  They are very stain, scratch and mold resistant and require little maintenance other than a simple hosing off once in a while.

A few of the better PVC deckings are Azek, TimberTech XLM and Trex Escapes.

All of the decking types listed above can be fastened with either screws through the top (the traditional way) or a hidden fastening system.  The new hidden fastening systems leave you with a beautiful deck surface with no screw holes – very much like an interior hardwood floor!

Jeff

www.thedeckpros.com

If you take heed of the following advice, you can minimize your chances of any of the above scenarios.

#1  Check References!  This is the most important step you can take.  If the contractor doesn’t supply you with a long list of references, be very wary.   The references should be for jobs that are similar to what you are contemplating for your home.  Call a few references and arrange to view at least one job in person.  I tell my clients I can meet them at a job at a mutually convenient time if they desire.

#2  Check Insurance!  The State of NJ only requires contractors verify their Liability Insurance to become licensed.  Check and make sure the contractor also has Worker’s Compensation Insurance.  A certificate showing this can be mailed or faxed to you.  This is important!  In case of an accident involving an employee, the Worker’s Compensation Insurance will cover the expenses.  Many “fly-by-night” contractors do NOT have this insurance as it is very expensive.

#3  Ask your builder if he will be using sub-contractors to do the work.  If you are doing a large remodel, it is inevitable sub-contractors will be used.  This is standard practice.  If you are doing a single job, like a deck, find out if the contractor will be on the job with his employees or if he will sub out the work.  At Deck Pros, we only use our own employees.  I’ve found it is much easier to control the quality of work this way.

#4  Do NOT give a large deposit months in advance.  Many reputable contractors require a small deposit to hold your place on their schedule.  This is normal.  I’ve found I don’t need to do this at Deck Pros.  If we are building a deck, porch, screen room, etc. for you, we take the first payment the day we start the job.

#5  Ask for a BID, not an ESTIMATE.  There is an important distinction here.  A bid is the price you will pay for the job.  An estimate is just an educated guess at the cost.  At Deck Pros, we only give bids for our work.

#6  Get It In Writing!  The contract should be well-worded and clear as to the scope of the work.  Any changes should be done with a written change-order form signed by both parties.

99% of the problems I’ve seen in the residential construction business could have been avoided if the client had followed the advice above.  You work hard for your money.  Spend it wisely!

Jeff Bader
www.thedeckpros.com