Best Composite Deck Builders in Bloomington

Composite decking offers several advantages over traditional wood, including minimal maintenance, resistance to rot and insects, and superior durability. As your premium deck contractor, Composite Carpentry specializes in creating composite decks that retain their beauty for years without the need for constant upkeep.

The real benefit of composite decks lies in their minimal maintenance requirements. You simply have to ensure that you regularly clear away debris, including dirt, dust, or leaves. For a more thorough cleaning, also use a brush, hose, and a mild household cleaner at least twice a year. It is also important to avoid using power washers at too high of a setting, as they can cause damage to the deck. Unlike wooden decks, composite decking eliminates the need for staining, waterproofing, or sealing.

Given that the deck material is infused with a lasting dye, the life span of which will match the deck's lifespan, we advise against painting or staining your composite deck. This material can also be very difficult for paint to bond to. If you choose to paint or stain the deck, please note that it will need consistent upkeep, similar to the maintenance required for wooden decks.

The expansion and contraction of composite decking are affected by temperature variations. The specific amount of expansion or contraction may vary based on the temperature difference during installation and the maximum temperature in your local area. As a general rule, it is advisable to leave gaps of 3/16 inch to ¼ inch between the boards. This gap will accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the material and facilitate the natural flow of dirt and water. As your expert deck builder, Composite Carpentry will ensure that the proper installation steps are taken to account for this expansion and contraction.

As with all projects, costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. Our average cost for a 400-500sq ft deck with framing, stairs, composite railings and skirting in the Bloomington-Normal area ranges anywhere from $25,000-$40,000.

Composite decking is generally made up of a few different materials: wood fibers, recycled plastics, binders, additives and often a PVC coating on top. Some decking lines are made up of up to 95% recycled materials, and Trex states that their average 500sqft deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags!

Composite decking, made often from recycled materials, offers a durable and low-maintenance alternative, lasting 25-30 years with consistent appearance. In contrast, treated wood decking provides a natural wood look but requires regular upkeep, such as staining and sealing, and typically has a lifespan of 10-15 years. While composite decking has a higher upfront cost, its reduced maintenance can make it more cost-effective in the long run. The choice between the two often hinges on personal preference, budget, and desired maintenance commitment.

Composite decking can easily be cleaned with good old-fashioned soap and a soft-bristle brush. It can also be pressure washed at a low setting (under 1500psi.)

The short answer is yes, composite decking can get hot in the sun. This of course can be remedied by your color selection - as darker colors will hold more heat from the sun than lighter colors will.

There are also products such as TimberTech’s Advanced PVC decking (which comes at a higher cost) manufactured to remain 30° cooler than competing composite products.

Here at Composite Carpentry we always recommend to go with a high quality composite deck manufacturer like Trex or TimberTech. Trex offers a 25 year color/fade warranty on their decking and Timbertech offers a 30 year color/fade warranty. These warranties guarantee the decking will look just the same at year 25 or 30 as they did on day 1.