Composite Decks
A composite deck gives you the warmth and grain of real wood without the staining, sealing, and rotting. We design and build TimberTech and AZEK composite decks for homes across upstate South Carolina.
Out With the Old, In With the New
Most homeowners' first thought when building a deck is to start with wood, which has historically dominated the decking market due to its comparatively low price point and accessibility.
This has changed in recent years. In the Northeast United States, for example, a full 50% of decking is now made of composite materials, including capped composite (and capped polymer) decking. This means half of outdoor living spaces in the region are constructed with composite or cellular PVC boards that can stand up to weathering and need little maintenance. This is true not only in the Northeast; in the West, 40% of the decking market falls to the alternative wood segment.
Even if you don't live in the Northeastern or Western United States, this move away from traditional-natural wood is a relevant one. Composite decking — such as the decking offered in the TimberTech® PRO® and TimberTech EDGE™ lines — boasts enduring use and a premium, natural wood-visual that won't warp, rot, or weather. In the showdown of composite decking vs wood, innovative wood alternatives are winning in regions across the U.S.
The Knock on Wood
When comparing composite decking vs wood, durability is one of the biggest differences. The main problem with natural wood is its staying power — or lack thereof. To maintain the boards' shape and appearance, pressure-treated wood decks require routine maintenance. That maintenance involves regular cleaning, staining, sealing, and even replacing warped and/or weathered boards. That kind of maintenance is not only costly but laborious — often taking time away from family and relaxation time.
Even if you re-stain every two to three years, there's a good chance a wood deck won't make it much longer than a decade. Bottom line: In the long run, pressure-treated wood decks mean more time, money, and attention.
What Are Capped Composite Boards?
TimberTech's capped composite decking, offered in the TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE lines, is made of up to 80% recycled material. The core is a mixed blend of wood fibers and then coated with a protective cap that increases durability and protects against weathering.
When it comes to composite decking vs wood, composite decking showcases much lower long-term costs thanks to its low maintenance and longevity. In terms of an aesthetic showdown, composite decking vs wood translates to impressive results: TimberTech offers color-blended collections and elegant wire-brushed finishes for the naturally nuanced look of real wood, as well as monochromatic boards for those who like painted wood-look finishes.
Capped Composite Decking vs Wood: No Contest
You can't go wrong with either of the innovative composite decking lines by TimberTech. TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE decking both come with the right elements for enduring beauty and minimal upkeep — because you want to enjoy your deck, not maintain it.
TimberTech leverages a non-negotiable commitment to quality to manufacture composite boards that look like real wood and promise better performance. From a variety of colors and finishes to varied grain patterns, TimberTech composite decking captures the natural nuance of wood, without the expensive upkeep. Finally, TimberTech uses innovative technology to deliver a capped composite board that won't splinter, crack, rot, or warp, and is always backed by industry-leading warranties.
Wood decks just can't deliver. When it comes to capped composite decking vs wood, it's no contest.
Who a Composite Deck Is For
Composite decking is the right choice when you'd rather enjoy your deck than maintain it. If you've spent your weekends pressure-washing, staining, and replacing warped boards on a wood deck — or you're planning your first deck and want to skip that cycle entirely — composite is built for you. It also suits lakeside and wooded homes in the upstate, where humidity, pollen, and moisture punish natural wood year after year.
Problems Composite Decking Solves
- Rot and warping — capped composite boards won't splinter, crack, rot, or warp the way wood does.
- Maintenance — no annual staining or sealing; soap-and-water cleaning keeps them looking new.
- Fading and stains — the protective cap resists fading, scratches, and food or grease stains.
- Longevity — a composite deck routinely outlasts a pressure-treated wood deck by many years.
Material Options: TimberTech PRO and EDGE
We install two TimberTech composite lines, each engineered for a premium wood-look with minimal upkeep:
- TimberTech PRO — capped composite with rich, nuanced color-blended collections and elegant wire-brushed finishes for the look of natural wood.
- TimberTech EDGE — capped composite offering enduring beauty and value, with monochromatic boards for a clean, painted-wood look.
- Up to 80% recycled content — the core blends wood fibers coated with a protective cap for durability.
As a TimberTech Platinum contractor, our team is trained to install these products to manufacturer specifications — the right fasteners, framing, and gapping for a flawless finish that honors the warranty.
What Affects the Cost of a Composite Deck
Composite decks are genuinely custom, so every estimate is built around your space. The main factors that shape pricing:
- Size and height — total square footage and whether the deck is low-to-ground or elevated.
- Board line and color — TimberTech PRO and EDGE sit at different price points, with colors that vary by collection.
- Railing and stairs — see our deck railing options; stairs and multi-level runs add material and labor.
- Framing and substructure — new framing versus reusing a sound existing substructure.
- Removal — tearing out and hauling away an old wood deck.
We'd rather give you a real number than a guess — request a consultation and we'll walk the project with you.
Composite Deck FAQs
What is the difference between TimberTech PRO and EDGE?
TimberTech PRO offers premium color-blended collections with wire-brushed finishes for a rich natural-wood look. TimberTech EDGE delivers enduring beauty and value with monochromatic boards. Both are capped composite and built for low maintenance.
Does composite decking really need less maintenance than wood?
Yes. Composite boards don't need staining, sealing, or painting — just periodic cleaning with soap and water. Wood decks typically need re-staining every two to three years and may not last much beyond a decade.
What warranty comes with my composite deck?
TimberTech composite decking is backed by industry-leading manufacturer warranties, and your installation includes a 7-Year Labor Warranty backed directly by TimberTech.
Where do you build composite decks?
We're based in Seneca, SC and build composite decks across upstate South Carolina and the Lake Hartwell area. See our service areas page for details.
Related Services
A deck is usually one part of a larger outdoor living plan. Once the boards are down, finishing details and shelter make the space complete: pair your deck with railing systems, add a screened porch for bug-free evenings, or browse completed combinations in our portfolio.
Why Homeowners Trust Deck World
We've been family-owned and building outdoor living spaces in upstate South Carolina since 1993. As a TimberTech Platinum contractor, our team is trained to install to manufacturer specifications, and every installation carries a 7-Year Labor Warranty backed directly by TimberTech. Learn more about our team or read what our clients say.
Start Your Project
We've made the renovation or build of your deck as simple as possible for you. Our experienced and passionate personnel are waiting to guide you through this process now.