Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite Decking: Tips & Benefits
October 7, 2020
If you’re the owner of a pressure-treated wood deck and beginning to notice the unavoidable wear and tear that comes with traditional wood, you’re likely looking into alternatives. Replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is a surefire way to improve the overall aesthetic, performance, and long-term value of your deck. Even better news? We’ve got the tips and best practices to get your project started right.
NEED MORE INSTALLATION GUIDANCE?
Read through best practices for installing composite decking, so you can be sure to kick off your project right.
Tips for Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite Decking
Before you start any decking installation project, you should take care to consult all local building codes and thoroughly read the appropriate installation guide for the TimberTech decking line you choose.
Once you’re ready to begin, here are some of the tips to focus on.
Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite: Best Practices
Check Your Deck Frame
Inspect thoroughly for any structural damage, like mold, rot, or mildew. Signs of damage include: erosion around your deck posts; gapping between the deck frame and the house; unstable railings; extensive staining.
Make Sure Deck Joists Are Spaced Right
Your deck joists should be evenly spaced, measured from the center of each joist to the center of the adjacent joist (or, in the case of the terminating joist, from the center of the joist to center of the frame at the edge of the house.)
Make Sure Deck Joists Are Level / In-Plane
Run string lines to check the spacing and levelness of your joists. You may need to solve for crowned joists (shown above). You may also need to notch and/or shim the joists.
Cut Your Deck Boards
Measure twice and cut once. Use proper saw and blade. Cut deck boards one at a time, with the grain facing upward.
Install Your Decking
Your installation process will vary by decking line and the fasteners you use. In all cases, double check your joist and deck board spacing before application.
NEED THE FULL HOW-TO?
Explore our Deck Building Resource Center for full installation tips, project guide PDFs, and helpful videos.
Benefits to Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite Decking
There are a number of related benefits that come with replacing wood deck boards with composite decking.
Improved Long-Term Value
Traditional wood decking may* cost less to install upfront than composite, but wood deck boards become vulnerable to deterioration the day they are installed. This will mean replacement, maintenance, staining, and/or power-washing – costs that will only continue to accumulate the longer you stick with wood decking.
*Cost Example: Ipe vs. TimberTech®® Vintage Collection®
Consider highly sought after Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood. When comparing the cost of installing Ipe versus TimberTech Vintage Collection boards on a 16′ x 20′ deck, Ipe is actually slightly more expensive. Over 10 years, the associated maintenance costs for Vintage Collection boards versus Ipe will be 24% less.
NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped polymer deck boards and Ipe hardwood decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.
Bear in mind that factors ranging from design complexity to substructure health influence the cost to build a deck. Working closely with a contractor will help you develop the right budget for your project.
Unrivaled Performance
When it comes to performance, replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is a no-brainer. TimberTech offers industry-leading warranties – including a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty for our TimberTech capped polymer decking collections.
Why? When your portfolio is defined by the truism “Better Tech, Better Deck™,” it just makes sense.
Leading Design
Making the choice to invest in replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is an important decision. That thoughtful choice should be met with thoughtful design options.
Our decking portfolio is inspired by nature and defined by a wide range of colors, grain patterns, and finishes – so you can find the enduringly beautiful option that’s just right for your outdoor living space.
Design’s the Limit
Explore customizable templates with our 3D Deck Designer tool.
In the end, replacing wood deck boards with composite decking can be the just-right investment for your home. To make sure your project aligns with your needs, we recommend working with a TimberTech-registered contractor. Get started today, and move one step closer to your outdoor oasis.
Bring the Beauty of TimberTech to Your Backyard
Work with a TimberTech pro for a build that transforms your outdoor living space.
