Composite decking has exploded in popularity over the past decade—and for good reason. It's low-maintenance, splinter-free, and built to last. But not all composite is created equal. Whether you're building a backyard oasis, an RV platform, or a deck for your hot tub, here's what to know before you buy.
What Makes a Good Composite Deck Board?
1. Capping (or Shell Technology)
Look for fully capped boards, which have a protective polymer shell on all four sides. This shell resists:
- Fading from UV rays
- Stains from food, drink, or debris
- Moisture damage like swelling or mold
Avoid older “uncapped” composite boards that can absorb moisture and degrade over time.
2. Material Core
The best boards feature a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers—engineered for strength, durability, and sustainability. Some premium brands use PVC cores instead of wood flour, offering even greater resistance to moisture but often at a higher price.
Types of composite cores:
- Traditional composite (wood + plastic): most common
- Mineral-based composite (MBC): ultra-strong, lighter, and dimensionally stable
- PVC: fully synthetic, highly water-resistant, but prone to expansion in heat
3. Texture and Aesthetics
Modern composite boards offer natural-looking woodgrain finishes, wide color palettes, and low-gloss textures that reduce slipperiness. Ask yourself:
- Does it mimic real wood?
- Will it match the tone of my space?
- Is the surface too slippery when wet?
4. Board Profiles
You’ll find square-edge, grooved, and scalloped profiles:
- Grooved boards allow for hidden fasteners (clean look, no screws)
- Scalloped undersides reduce cost and weight but may sacrifice rigidity
- Solid profiles are best for strength but cost more
5. Warranty & Longevity
Most quality brands back their boards with 25–50 year warranties against fading, staining, and structural failure. Look for:
- Fade and stain protection
- Structural integrity
- Transferability (if you sell your home)
What Should Composite Decking Cost?
Prices vary based on brand, profile, and performance level. Here's a general breakdown (CAD pricing per linear foot):
Tier Price/ft What You Get
Budget $2.00–$3.00 / sq ft. - Basic scalloped boards, thinner caps, limited colors
Mid-Range $3.50–$5.50 / sq ft. - Fully capped, grooved boards, more colors/textures
Premium $6.00–$9.00+ / sq ft. - Mineral-based or PVC, rich wood looks, longest warranties
At blokDEK, we use high-quality capped, mineral based, solid composite boards designed for durability, appearance, and performance in harsh climates. Our price reflects a premium-tier board—but we bundle it into ready-to-assemble modular deck kits, giving you exceptional value and convenience.
Pro Tips When Choosing Composite Decking
- Ask for a sample – Best way to compare color, texture, and heat retention
- Check the warranty – A good warranty tells you the brand stands behind its product
- Avoid the cheapest option – You’ll likely pay more down the road in maintenance or replacement
- Think about future repairs – Is the color consistent year to year if you need to replace a board?
- Consider the deck structure – Composite boards are only as good as the frame beneath
Aluminum substructures like blokDEK are lighter, straighter, and last longer than wood or composite.
Why blokDEK?
We’ve done the hard work for you. blokDEK deck kits come with high-quality capped, mineral based, solid composite boards, a rust-proof aluminum frame, and tool-less snap-together assembly. Whether you're placing your deck on gravel, grass, concrete, or even over pavers—blokDEK is designed to outperform traditional builds with zero mess and zero hassle.
No digging. No rotting. No warping. Just snap, step, and relax.
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