Composite decking is decking material that combines wood fibers with synthetic materials, such as recycled plastic or virgin vinyl. Composite decking products are manufactured to closely resemble wood for the most natural look possible. The goal is to produce a product that can compete with or even outperform wood, which has traditionally been the most commonly used decking material.

Wood is beautiful, sturdy, and easy to work with, which makes it a popular decking material. Wood, however, presents a few problems. For one, it requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Wood is not indestructible. It must be periodically treated with sealers to repel wood-eating insects, and to keep out moisture that causes it to rot. Wood is also not the cheapest material, and the ongoing maintenance required of a wood deck further increases its price tag.

What Composite Materials Offer

For many people, composite materials offer an acceptable alternative to wood. They offer the natural tone and texture of wood grain, while offering more durability and requiring less maintenance. Composite materials are more lightweight than solid wood, and thus easier to handle. Also, unlike purely synthetic decking products, composite materials do not become slippery and dangerous when wet. They're also more attractive because they look like real wood, not plastic.

Some composite wood products are advertised as environmentally friendly because they've been made from completely recycled wood and plastic products. This process avoids cutting down new trees while diverting waste products from our overflowing landfills. For many people, this is an important ethic that they would like to support.