Composite Decking Materials Guide
Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of wood fiber and plastic polymers. The major brands — Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon — offer similar products at different price points. Board sizes mimic traditional lumber (1×6 equivalent, typically 5.5 inches wide and 12, 16, or 20 feet long) but use hidden fastener systems instead of face screws.
Composite boards are heavier than wood (about 2.5 lb per linear foot for a 1×6 equivalent vs. 1.6 lb for pressure-treated pine) and expand/contract more with temperature changes. This means the framing requirements are slightly different: maximum joist spacing is 16 inches on center for most composite products (check your brand's installation guide) vs. 24 inches for some wood applications.
The biggest advantage: zero staining, sealing, or painting. Ever. Clean it with soap and water once a year and it looks good for 25+ years. The biggest drawback: it gets hot in direct sun — significantly hotter than wood. In southern climates, composite decking in full sun can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot in summer.