Composite Decks
A Custom Deck With Less Routine Upkeep
You want a beautiful outdoor space, but you may not want the recurring staining, sealing, or refinishing associated with many traditional wood decks. Composite and PVC decking can offer another path.
Stellar Decks builds custom decks across the Phoenix metro area using materials from manufacturers such as TimberTech, AZEK, and Trex. We help homeowners compare appearance, performance, maintenance expectations, price, and warranty information before selecting a product.
- Owner-led on every project
- No subcontracting
- 25+ years of experience
- Financing options available
What Varies
Low Maintenance Should Not Mean Low Attention
Composite decking is sometimes presented as a simple, one-size-fits-all solution. It is not.
Products can vary significantly in:
- Core construction
- Protective capping
- Color
- Surface texture
- Heat retention
- Scratch resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Warranty coverage
- Price
- Installation requirements
The quality of the finished deck also depends heavily on the design, framing, fastening, transitions, ventilation, and installation.
Choosing a premium deck board does not automatically create a premium deck. Stellar Decks keeps the focus on the complete project.
Materials
Composite and Alternative Decking Options
Traditional Composite Decking
Composite decking is generally created using a combination of manufactured materials, which may include plastic polymers, wood fibers, mineral fillers, and other additives. The exact composition varies by manufacturer and product.
Composite decking may offer reduced need for staining or sealing, a consistent manufactured appearance, multiple color and texture options, resistance to many common forms of splintering, and coordinating trim and accessory options.
Capped Composite Decking
Capped composite decking includes a protective outer layer around part or all of the board.
Depending on the product, this cap may improve resistance to moisture, staining, fading, scratching, mold and mildew growth, and everyday weather exposure. Product performance varies, so the manufacturer’s documentation should guide expectations.
PVC and Vinyl Decking
PVC decking is made primarily from synthetic material rather than a wood-fiber composite core.
Potential benefits may include reduced moisture absorption, resistance to many forms of rot and insect damage, reduced need for staining or sealing, and a range of manufactured colors and finishes.
PVC decking still requires cleaning and proper installation. It should not be described as maintenance-free.
TimberTech Decking
TimberTech offers several decking collections, including composite and PVC-based products. Collections may differ in appearance, core material, protective capping, board profile, price, warranty, and installation requirements.
AZEK Decking
AZEK is commonly associated with PVC decking products and is part of the broader TimberTech product family.
Trex Decking
Trex offers composite decking in multiple collections, colors, profiles, and price categories. The right Trex product depends on the design, budget, appearance, exposure, and performance priorities of the project.
Exotic Hardwood Decking
Exotic hardwoods offer a natural wood appearance and may provide strong density and resistance to certain forms of decay and insect damage.
Homeowners should also consider regular maintenance, natural color change and weathering, material sourcing, surface temperature, expansion and movement, installation requirements, cost, and availability.
How to Choose
Choosing the Right Decking Material
Appearance
Consider color, grain pattern, board width, texture, edge profile, trim, and how the material relates to the home.
Arizona Heat
Any outdoor surface can become hot in direct Arizona sun. Surface temperature may be affected by material, color, sun exposure, airflow, time of day, surrounding surfaces, and product composition. Product-specific documentation should guide comparisons.
Maintenance
Composite and PVC decking generally reduce certain maintenance tasks, but they still need routine cleaning and care. Exotic hardwoods may require periodic oiling or sealing if the homeowner wants to preserve the original color rather than allow the wood to weather naturally.
Warranty
Warranty coverage varies by brand and product collection. Review the length of coverage, fade and stain coverage, structural coverage, labor coverage, transferability, exclusions, required maintenance, and claim procedures.
Budget
The board price is only part of the total investment. Framing, fasteners, trim, stairs, railings, demolition, access, structural work, and site conditions may all affect the final cost.
Composite Deck Projects
Composite Decking in Finished Projects
Colors, board directions, borders, and railing systems from completed TimberTech, AZEK, and Trex installations.
Modern Rooftop Deck
Composite Decks • Arizona
Wraparound Composite Deck
Composite Decks • Arizona
Picture-Frame Border Detail
Board Layout
Low-Profile Courtyard Deck
Composite Decks • Arizona
Long-Run Deck with Cable Rail
Composite Decks • Arizona
Waterfront Composite Deck
Composite Decks
Multi-Level Composite Deck
Composite Decks
Raised Deck with Stair Access
Composite Decks
Questions
Composite Deck Questions
No. Composite and PVC decking may reduce the need for staining, sealing, or refinishing, but the surface still requires cleaning and care.
There is no universal answer. The best option depends on appearance, budget, exposure, warranty priorities, product availability, and the design of the deck.
It can. Any decking material exposed to direct Arizona sunlight may become hot. Surface temperature varies by material, product, color, airflow, and exposure.
Yes. TimberTech is one of the decking brands offered by Stellar Decks.
Yes. Stellar Decks offers AZEK decking options.
Yes. Trex is one of the composite decking brands offered by Stellar Decks.
Yes. Exotic hardwood decking is available as an option. Species, availability, maintenance expectations, and installation requirements should be reviewed for the individual project.
Get Started
Compare Your Decking Options
You do not need to choose a brand before contacting Stellar Decks. Tell us how you want the deck to look, how much maintenance you expect, and what matters most to you. We can help you compare the available options.