Composite Decking Product Guide

Composite decking is a low-maintenance product made from recycled materials that mimics the look of traditional wood decking, highly resistant to fading and wear. Composite decking is designed to:

  • withstand harsh weather conditions
  • thrive during constant use in all seasons
  • be resistant to fading, and to maintain their original color
  • be visually versatile in all kinds of settings

Further, composite decking has been well proven in the areas of:

  • providing a more lightweight decking option to traditional wood decks
  • presenting easily sawn and nailed decking materials
  • featuring installer-friendly clip systems
  • providing smooth, tailored, splinter-free surfaces
  • Low-maintenance decking

Easy-To-Install Decking Option

Choosing composite decking signifies that you value convenience along with quality.  It is a very lightweight material and can be sawn and handled just like real wood.  It features a hidden clip system which ensures straightforward deck installation while maintaining a smooth deck surface for everyone to enjoy.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

With composite decking, all you need to do is a garden hose and a broom to remove dust and debris that may have accumulated on the surface.  There is also no need to stain and seal the deck.  Pests and wood-rot are not issues with composite decking.  The low-maintenance of composite decks gives you more time to spend for things that you enjoy, like the company of your friends and family.

Composite decking also doesn't splinter, making it a great choice for families with small children.  It also has a subtle grain-like texture for enhanced slip resistance.  Children can walk and run barefoot without risking injury.

Where Best to Use Composite Decking

Composite decking is manufactured with environmental stresses in mind.  However, your composite decking is best installed in an area not known for constant direct sunlight and continuous harsh weather conditions. For sites with uneven surfaces, consider building multi-level decks.

A Note About Load Bearing

While it looks just like wood, composite decking lacks the tensile strength required as a support element to a property.  Consult the professionals regarding your deck plans and how suitable composite decking is for what you have in mind.

Delivery Options

In terms of delivery of composite decking, there are a number of choices open to you when you are at the “select delivery type” stage of your order:

    1. Residential delivery.  This is a curb-side delivery, which means that you will be responsible for unloading the vehicle yourself.  Make sure you’ve got enough resources to make sure you’re not overextending yourself.  Get as much help as you need, usually a couple of people.  There are no liftgate options for this type of delivery
    1. Commercial delivery.  A warehouse address with an unloading ramp, and access to a forklift will be necessary for this type of delivery.  
    1. Terminal delivery.  You can arrange to have your order delivered to your closest delivery point as specified by our trucking partners.  For this, enter your zip/postal code in the pulldown menu at this stage in the ordering process.
    1. Distribution point pick-up.  BuildDirect has a number of distribution points from which you can pick up an order of composite decking, currently in Tacoma WA, and York, VA. You will need a flat-bed trailer or truck which can be loaded by way of industrial forklift to enable this type of delivery.

Quick Composite Decking Buying Tips



  • Consider the location of your composite decking. Composite decking is manufactured with environmental stresses in mind.  However, your composite decking is best installed in an area not known for constant direct sunlight and continuous harsh weather conditions. For sites with uneven surfaces, consider building multi-level decks.
  • Choose deck plans and get local building code approvalDeck plans are available from a great many sources including the Internet, how-to books, and local decking contractors.  Always check that any deck plans you choose are according to local building codesbefore proceeding.
  • Hire a professional decking installer.  Although composite decking is designed to be easy to work with and install, it is sometimes worth the additional resources to hire a professional decking installer. This decisions has advantages, the avoidance of costly errors as made by the inexperienced being one of them.
  • Choose a color. Composite decking from BuildDirect offers a choice in colors – cottage gray and cedar brown.
  • Choose a length. 8’ to 16’ composite decking lumber are common choices in length.
  • Order more than you need.  Allowable damage for composite decking is 5% of your order.  To make up for any shortfall per lineal foot, it is a good idea to add this much onto your order.  Leftover lumber can be easily used for other projects.
  • Buy composite decking clips.  The use of clips is required to install composite decking. The general ratio of bags of clips to composite decking boards is 1 Bag of Clips per 10 pcs. of 12' or 1.5 Bags per 10 pcs. of 16' Decking
  • Note all weights and dimensions.  Make sure to record the physical details of your order for your own reference when considering your delivery method.  Also, make sure that you have all resources, equipment, and physical conditions in place well in advance.
  • Inspect Your Batch.  Should there be damage to your order beyond the allowable 5%, make a note of all such damages on shipper/warehouse paperwork.  Be prepared to take digital pictures of damaged lumber as well as pictures of packaging.  Keep all materials, including packaging and copies of paperwork, and contact BuildDirect   to begin a smoother claims process.