Is Composite Decking a Bad Choice? 14 Problems Explained

You’ve probably heard that composite decking is the perfect low-maintenance solution for your outdoor space. Sales pitches promise years of carefree enjoyment without the hassles of wood deck upkeep.

Many homeowners choose composite materials, expecting fewer problems and lower long-term costs.

However, composite decking comes with significant drawbacks that manufacturers don’t always highlight upfront. Understanding these disadvantages will help you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises after installation.

This article highlights the significant disadvantages of composite decking, including high upfront costs, heat retention, staining problems, and repair challenges.

You’ll learn about real issues homeowners face so you can decide if composite decking truly fits your needs and budget.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic materials. These boards are made from a combination of recycled wood dust and polyethylene or PVC plastic. The result is a synthetic deck board that mimics the look of natural wood.

Most manufacturers create these boards by heating and pressing the wood-plastic mixture. This process forms solid planks that resist rot and insects. The boards come pre-finished in various colors and textures.

Although there are drawbacks, the rise of composite decking shows the benefits it offers over traditional wood.

Composite Decking Problems: 14 Reasons to Think Twice

Composite decking might seem like the perfect choice, but it comes with serious drawbacks you need to know about. Here are the primary issues homeowners encounter with composite deck boards.

1. Higher Upfront Cost

Composite decking costs 2 to 3 times more than pressure-treated wood. You’ll pay $8-$ 15 per square foot for composite boards, compared to $3-$ 6 for wood decking. This price difference adds up quickly on larger deck projects. Many homeowners are shocked by the total material costs when they get their first quote.

Key Point: Budget carefully – composite materials require a much larger initial investment than traditional wood options.

2. Surface Gets Hot

Composite decking absorbs heat and becomes extremely hot in direct sunlight. You won’t be able to walk on your deck barefoot during summer days. The surface temperature can reach 150°F or higher when exposed to the sun. This makes your outdoor space unusable during the hottest parts of the day.

Key Point: Plan for shade structures or choose lighter colors to reduce heat absorption on your composite deck.

3. Fades Over Time

UV rays cause composite decking to fade and lose its original color within 2 to 3 years. Darker colors show fading more noticeably than lighter shades. The fading occurs unevenly, resulting in a patchy appearance across the deck surface. Most manufacturers acknowledge this issue but offer limited warranty coverage for color changes.

Key Point: Expect visible color changes that can’t be prevented, even with regular maintenance and cleaning.

4. Prone to Staining

Composite decking stains from oil, grease, food spills, and organic matter, despite marketing claims. These stains penetrate the surface and become difficult to remove completely. Mildew and algae growth also create dark spots on composite boards. You’ll spend time scrubbing stains that would easily sand out of wood decking.

Key Point: Clean spills immediately and expect permanent staining from common household accidents and organic buildup.

5. Not Easily Repairable

You can’t sand, plane, or refinish composite decking like natural wood. Scratches, gouges, and surface damage are permanent on composite boards. Repairing damaged sections requires removing and replacing entire boards. This process is more expensive and time-consuming than simple wood repairs.

Key Point: Factor in replacement costs for damaged boards since surface repairs aren’t possible with composite materials.

6. Scratches Easily

Composite decking scratches from moving patio furniture, pet claws, and normal foot traffic. These scratches show up as white or light-colored marks on darker boards. The scratches can’t be sanded out or touched up like wood damage. Heavy furniture legs and deck chairs create the most noticeable scratching problems.

Key Point: Use furniture pads and be careful when moving items to prevent permanent scratch marks.

7. Mold and Mildew Buildup

Composite decking is prone to mold and mildew growth, particularly in shaded or humid areas. The grooves and texture patterns trap moisture and organic debris. This creates perfect conditions for mold spores to grow and spread. You’ll need regular cleaning with specialized products to control mold growth on composite surfaces.

Key Point: Expect ongoing mold issues that require consistent cleaning and maintenance in moisture-prone environments.

8. Slippery When Wet

Many composite decking brands become slippery when wet from rain or pool splash. The smooth surface lacks the natural grip of wood grain patterns. This creates slip hazards around swimming pools and during damp weather. Some homeowners add anti-slip strips or opt for textured composite options to enhance traction.

Key Point: Test slip resistance before installation, especially in areas with frequent rainfall, such as pool areas.

9. Requires Specific Cleaning Methods

Composite decking requires specialized cleaning products and techniques to prevent damage. Harsh chemicals, pressure washing, and abrasive cleaners can void your warranty. Each manufacturer has different cleaning requirements and approved product lists. Using the wrong cleaning method can permanently discolor or damage composite board surfaces.

Key Point: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines exactly to maintain warranty coverage and prevent surface damage.

10. Expansion and Contraction

Composite boards expand and contract more than wood in temperature changes. Poor installation leads to warping, buckling, and gaps between boards. You’ll notice these problems most in climates with extreme temperature swings. Professional installation with proper spacing is essential to prevent structural issues.

Key Point: Hire experienced installers who understand composite expansion rates to avoid costly structural problems.

11. Limited Color and Texture Variety

Composite decking offers fewer color and grain pattern options than natural wood. The manufactured appearance looks artificial compared to real wood variations. You won’t get the unique character marks, knots, and grain patterns found in lumber. This limits your design options for creating a natural outdoor look.

Key Point: Accept a more uniform, artificial appearance that lacks the natural beauty and variation of wood.

12. Heavier Than Wood

Composite decking weighs significantly more than traditional wood boards per square foot. This extra weight necessitates stronger support structures and a more complex installation process. You may need additional joists or beams to handle the increased load. The heavy boards are also more difficult to handle during installation projects.

Key Point: Plan for additional structural support and a more challenging installation due to the composite board weight.

13. Potential Chemical Emissions

Lower-quality composite decking can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These chemical emissions may pose health concerns for individuals with sensitive health conditions. The off-gassing is most noticeable when boards are new or heated by direct sunlight. Choose products with low-VOC certifications to minimize emission problems.

Key Point: Research VOC ratings and choose certified low-emission products if chemical sensitivity is a concern.

14. Not Always Environmentally Friendly

Many composite products aren’t recyclable at the end of their lifespan despite using recycled materials. The manufacturing process involves chemicals and energy that offset environmental benefits. Some composite decking ends up in landfills after 20-25 years of use. Research end-of-life disposal options before choosing composite materials for environmental reasons.

Key Point: Verify actual environmental impact and disposal options rather than assuming composite decking is eco-friendly.

Alternatives to Composite Decking

• Pressure-treated wood offers the most affordable option with easy repairs, though it requires regular staining and maintenance every 2-3 years.
• PVC decking offers true low-maintenance benefits without the staining issues of composite materials, but it costs even more than composite materials.
• Aluminum decking never rots, fades, or requires maintenance, making it an ideal choice for harsh climates, despite its higher installation costs.
• Tropical hardwood offers unmatched natural beauty and durability for over 25 years, but comes with premium pricing and environmental concerns.

Final Thoughts

Composite decking isn’t the perfect solution that many homeowners expect it to be. From the high upfront costs to heat retention problems, these disadvantages show the real challenges you’ll face with composite materials.

The biggest issues include permanent staining, scratching, and fading that can’t be repaired like wood. You’ll also deal with mold growth, slippery surfaces, and specific cleaning requirements that add maintenance tasks back into your routine.

So what should you do next? Consider your specific situation carefully. If you live in a hot climate, have pets, or need a budget-friendly option, traditional wood might serve you better.

However, if you’re willing to accept these trade-offs for reduced annual maintenance, choose high-quality composite brands with strong warranties.

What’s your biggest concern about composite decking? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Complaints About Composite Decking?

Heat retention, permanent staining, scratching, fading, and high costs are the main complaints.

Why Do People Not Like Trex Decking?

It gets too hot, scratches easily, fades quickly, and costs much more than wood.

Is Composite Decking Really Worth It?

Only if you accept higher costs and trade-offs for slightly less maintenance.