A Mid-Cape project: AZEK weathered teak deck
There was a time when pressure-treated wood was all the rage when it came to decking. Every new home had it. But, as time went on, homeowners came to realize that pressure-treated wood may not have been all it was cracked up to be. It requires maintenance. It splinters. It cracks with age and, unless it’s properly maintained, it can warp, fade or succumb to rot.
With that in mind, today’s composite decking options were created for easy maintenance, and are manufactured to look just as brand new 20 years from now as they look today. The two most popular brands of composite decking are Trex and AZEK. Each has its benefits, and both are exceptional products.
“A composite deck will, in theory, last a lifetime, but the warranty is 20-30 years on most new products,” stated Ken Leandre, Outside Sales Rep for Mid-Cape Home Centers. “Trex has a 25-year and AZEK has a 30-year warranty. The new technology has really changed the longevity of the product. There are decks that I installed in the early 90s that are still functional, but have lost their luster. The new products hold their color and character much longer.”
Trex is a composite material that has the traditional look of natural wood. The design on the boards mimics the subtle imperfections found in real wood grain. In addition, its durable outer shell resists scratching, which means that when a chair is pushed out from under the table or the dog is let out onto the deck, the material won’t become damaged. Trex is also environmentally friendly. 95 percent of their product is manufactured from recycled materials, including recycled sawdust. Trex has claimed to manufacture the most eco-friendly decking material on the market.
Decking display at Mid-Cape Home Centers’ Dennis location
AZEK offers a cellular PVC material that’s made using weather-resistant technology. The core contains no wood fibers. It won’t absorb moisture or become susceptible to rot, and is resistant to termites. The Alloy Armour shell contains UV protection and is scratch-resistant. It won’t fade under the harsh sun or become damaged with use. Mid-Cape Home Centers carries both Trex and AZEK decking, but supplies several other PVC decking lines as well. Not only that, but Mid-Cape supplies several brands that manufacture the popular IPE Decking material.
“We carry AZEK and Trex, in my opinion, because they are the leading brands in quality and color selection,” Leandre said. “Our vendor support with these products is second to none. In the rare instance you come across an issue, they are a phone call away. You couldn’t go wrong with either product. Trex offers a product made of mostly recycled elements, making it a great choice for the eco-friendly-minded folks. AZEK has developed products that closely resemble real wood in color and texture.”
Homeowners can delay structural problems by staining and sealing a wooden deck regularly, in hopes of keeping moisture out. However, it’s a lengthy process that can become expensive over time. Trex and AZEK pricing is slightly higher than other brands, but their materials are guaranteed to last and do not require as much regular maintenance, making the investment worth the cost over time. Mid-Cape offers high quality decking materials for every price point.
Trex decking is available in 18 colors and AZEK is available in over 30. “We only stock a few colors, but can have most of them within a day or two from the time of order,” said Leandre.
“The maintenance on these products is pretty simple,” he said. “If you keep on top of it, you could spray it off with the pressure of a spray nozzle on your garden hose without any cleaner. I’m a fan of Simple Green and a push broom if, for some reason, you need something a little stronger. I would never pressure wash or use bleach. They have other PVC deck cleaners that are very effective, but Simple Green seems to be a household staple.”
He added that composite decking requires very little upkeep. Spray it off with a hose regularly to keep debris off of it, such as leaves and grass. It’s also recommended to not use bug sprays or sun screen/lotion on the deck. “The over-spray of these products could stain the deck. Rubber mats and such things are frowned upon and will leave a mark on the deck, so it’s the first thing I tell every customer considering composite decking,” said Leandre.
The bottom line is this: composite decking holds its rich color for many years with very little effort. You have the ability to get virtually any color you desire. The warranties on composite decking far outweigh their wooden counterparts. Composite decking allows the mixing of colors, and the creation of designs and patterns of which wood does not allow.
Since 1895, Mid-Cape has offered the highest quality building supplies. They supply all the AZEK and Trex products you need to build an attractive, long-lasting deck. Not only that, but Mid-Cape offers a variety of other quality decking brands such as Iron Woods, Kayu, KOMA, and many more. Visit www.midcape.net/decking/ for more information on materials and brands, or stop by one of their many locations to discuss your client’s decking needs with a Mid-Cape team member. The ‘Experience that Builds’ is what drives Mid-Cape, so let them provide a valuable experience for you and your client.
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