Capped for Durability and Aesthetics One of the biggest changes in the composite market in recent years was the release of capped composite decking. A thin (approximately 1/16”), PVC or PVC-like veneer, or “cap,” is applied to the composite boards during manufacturing. This cap protects the composite board at its core, and provides durability in the form of fade, stain, and scratch resistance. Since the process is more involved, of course, the product is more expensive; however, it has fast become something of an industry standard itself. In 2014, for instance, Trex stopped manufacturing traditional compos-
ites completely in favour of capped composite decking, Zambanini points out. “It’s been a six year evolution since capped product became available. In 2012 or 2013 it became more widely available, and the majority of the market today is capped.” He says the scruff, scratch, fade and stain resistance of capped composites better lines up with what consumers have been expecting from composite decking for the past 20 years. “It’s what they always thought it should be.”
Easier-to-Sell Aesthetics Capped composite boards also come in a wider range of colours and “natural”-like patterns coming closer
to wood in appearance. Since aesthetics may be becoming as or more important than deck maintenance and durability—which could be seen as the ante for consideration—this is an important shift. “It’s aesthetically capped composites (and PVC) are much more pleasing,” Urquhart says. “Once you’ve budgeted for composite decking or PVC, it’s actually small step to pay for the best looking product.” He compares it to homeowners buying a kitchen refrigerator and deciding between standard white and stainless steel models. “You’ve made a mental leap to afford something… The hurdle is really between wood and composite or PVC.”
Photo courtesy of Trex
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JULY / AUGUST 2016
CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE
Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!