Decking

BuildDirect carries composite decking boards and deck tiles. Composite decking is designed for built decks and permanent outdoor structures, offering the look of wood with significantly lower maintenance requirements. Deck tiles are modular, interlocking squares that install directly over existing hard surfaces like concrete patios, rooftop terraces, and balconies without fasteners or framing. Both options are designed for outdoor use and built to handle exposure to sun, rain, and temperature changes.

Composite decking is among the most durable options available for built outdoor structures. It resists rot, insect damage, splintering, and warping that affect natural wood, and most quality composite products are fade and stain-resistant with minimal maintenance requirements. For longevity, look for a composite product with a protective capped surface, which adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and UV exposure. With proper installation and basic cleaning, a quality composite deck can last 25 to 30 years or more.

The right choice depends on your project. Composite decking boards are used for building or replacing a traditional deck structure from the framing up -- they require joists, fasteners, and a subframe. Deck tiles are a faster, simpler solution for covering an existing flat surface like a concrete patio, balcony, or rooftop. If you are building a new deck or replacing old decking boards, composite is the right format. If you want to upgrade an existing outdoor surface without construction, deck tiles are the practical choice.

Yes, with the right product selection. Composite decking and deck tiles designed for outdoor use can both be used in pool surrounds. Look for products with slip-resistant surface textures and verify the COF (coefficient of friction) rating for wet conditions. Composite decking stays cooler underfoot than some darker materials in direct sun, which is an important consideration for bare feet around a pool. Avoid untreated wood decking near pools as it warps, stains, and deteriorates quickly in wet conditions.

Composite decking and deck tiles both require minimal maintenance compared to natural wood. Clean periodically with a deck brush and soapy water or a composite-safe cleaner to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew buildup. Avoid pressure washing at high intensity directly on seams or board ends, which can force water into the structure. Remove leaves and debris from between boards to prevent moisture retention. No staining, sealing, or painting is required for composite or most deck tile products.

Yes. Deck tiles are specifically designed to install directly over flat concrete surfaces without framing or fasteners -- they click together and rest on the existing surface. Composite decking boards can also be used over concrete with appropriate sleeper framing to create a raised deck surface. For deck tiles, the concrete surface should be reasonably flat and have adequate drainage so water does not pool beneath the tiles after rain.