Synthetic decking is becoming a better option all the time, and while it’s been around for some time, it used to only look like plastic. And the kind of plastic designed to match those white deck chairs you can buy.

There are more options available now, and some are virtually indistinguishable from wood. Synthetic decking is durable, easy to work with, impervious to insects, and weatherproof. As far as maintenance goes, you should probably sweep it occasionally, and if it’s really dirty, you can hose it off.

Synthetic decking still requires a sturdy frame, usually made from pressure-treated lumber.

Plastic Synthetic Decking

Plastic synthetic decking is made from recycled plastic, like plastic bags and milk jugs. It is virtually maintenance-free and is an environmentally-friendly choice; however, this is the decking that matches your plastic chairs. It can look very nice, but even wood-grain options look like plastic, not wood.

Composite Decking

Composite Decking offers the best of both worlds. It has the advantages of synthetic decking, and it looks like wood. Composite decking is made of a blend of recycled plastic and recycled scrap wood.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Decking

Synthetic decking is not perfect. It is a plastic product, so it has different properties than wood, and those properties can be advantages or disadvantages.

Synthetics are more flexible than wood decking, and that is an advantage in many ways, because you can easily make curved rails with it. It can, however, sag and pop fasteners out over time. Plastic decking has more flexibility than composite decking.

Because of its flexibility, synthetic decking requires a wood frame. It does not have the strength for weight-bearing joists or timbers.

Like wood decking, synthetic decking does expand and contract, but gapping the boards will prevent buckling or warping from heat expansion. The real problem, however, is that it will contract and expand to a different degree and under different circumstances than the wood frame it is built on. That will sometimes loosen the joints and/or pop fasteners. Plastic decking can also become brittle over time due to heat expansion and even more brittle in cold temperatures.

Synthetic decking can be scratched, and you can’t just sand it down and refinish it like you can with wood. Some of the newer composite decking will accept paint. Finally, synthetic decks are slightly more expensive to install than wood decks. When the cost is spread over the life of the deck, however, synthetic is less expensive.

Synthetic decking is a viable option if you are planning to build a new deck. Compare products, and determine how to use the properties of the decking to your advantage, and you will have a deck that is beautiful, durable, and nearly maintenance free.