Composite and PVC decks
Boards that don't need a weekend of scrubbing and sealing every few summers, and what to check before you choose one.
Composite decking blends wood fiber and plastic; PVC decking is all plastic. Both are made to resist rot and skip the stain. Around Grand Traverse Bay, where a deck can spend months under snow and summers in damp lake air, that's the main reason people choose them.
What are the trade-offs?
- Up-front price. Composite and PVC cost more than treated wood. Owners weigh that against years of cleaning, sealing and replacing split boards.
- Mildew. The boards won't rot, but a shaded deck near the water can still grow mildew on the surface. It washes off, and some product lines resist it better than others.
- Movement with temperature. Boards expand and shrink between a January cold snap and a hot August afternoon. Gaps and fasteners have to follow the manufacturer's instructions or boards can buckle or open up.
- Heat underfoot. Darker colors get hot in direct sun. Lighter shades help on a south- or west-facing deck.
- Snow removal. Many manufacturers specify plastic shovels and certain ice melts. Ask what your board's warranty allows before the first storm.
Can composite go on my existing frame?
Sometimes. If the footings reach frost depth and the posts, beams and joists are solid, a builder may re-deck over the existing frame. But many composite boards call for tighter joist spacing than older wood decks used, and the frame now needs to last as long as boards with long warranties. Expect the builder to probe the joists, check the ledger flashing and hangers, and possibly recommend new framing.
Protecting the frame underneath
A composite deck still sits on treated lumber, and that lumber is where these decks fail. Tape over the tops of joists and beams, good flashing at the ledger and hardware rated for treated wood help the frame keep up with the surface. That's especially true on a deck that rarely gets shoveled, where snowmelt can soak through gaps for weeks.
Matching railings
Most composite lines sell matching railings, and aluminum or cable railings pair well with them, especially where you want to keep a view of the bay. See railings and stairs for the guard rules.
Pricing comes from the builder after they've seen the house, measured, checked the soil and access, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any number you hear before a site visit is a guess at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is composite worth it around Traverse City?
For many owners, yes, because it avoids the cleaning and sealing that wood needs after long, snowy winters. It costs more up front, so compare the totals over the years you plan to stay.
Can I shovel a composite deck?
Usually, with a plastic shovel and an ice melt the manufacturer approves. Metal blades and some de-icers can scratch or stain boards, so read your product's care guide.
Related services
More background: Traverse City deck guide.
A deck that's gone gray and soft, or one you've only pictured over the bay?
Call the number above and a Grand Traverse area deck builder will talk through what makes sense for your house.