Best Composite Decking of 2024
To determine which composite decking holds up, we evaluated planks from Azek, Fiberon, TimberTech, and other brands
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
Composite decking has a lot to offer that traditional wood can’t.
It’s easier to maintain, for one thing. Composite decking—an amalgam of ground-up wood and plastic formed into planks—doesn’t ever need to be sealed, stained, or painted. Real wood may need to be restained as frequently as every two years and resealed as frequently as once a year.
Composite decking has always cost more than wood. What you pay will depend on where you live, the decking you buy, and other factors. The price difference narrowed somewhat during the pandemic, as wood prices rose, but now the gap has widened again.
Best Composite Decking
Composite vs. Wood Decking: CR's Test Results
Our tests turn up benefits and drawbacks to using composite decking.
Among the nonwood decking choices, which also include aluminum and plastic, we find composite to be best for providing the look of wood without the need for wood stain. Most composite decking models do a top-notch job of resisting staining from ketchup, mustard, and other common spills.
But some products offered far less resistance than wood provides when it comes to slips, flexing, and sag in our tests. And most choices are more expensive and heavier than traditional natural pine. (We also test western red cedar, ipe, and redwood.)
The extra weight of composite planks can make them more difficult to handle if you’re doing the job yourself.
And even a composite deck that resists staining will need to be cleaned periodically to rid it of everyday dirt and grime. Cleaning guidance varies, especially with regard to pressure washing, so check the maker’s website for tips about your specific model.
For a look at all the considerations, start with our decking buying guide.
How CR Tests Decking
Ideally, the composite decking you choose will look good, and remain solid and safe for many years. Consumer Reports’ performance tests address these factors.
We use specialized instruments to test each decking sample for resistance to flexing. That ensures that boards won’t bow or bend if you’re entertaining a crowd or if you park a heavy grill in a particular spot all summer long.
Next, we size up which materials resist staining from spilled ketchup, mustard, and other common items you might use while eating outside. We also evaluate each sample’s slip resistance, which is very important if you’re installing a deck near a pool.
We drop weights of various sizes on the surface of each board to see which samples dent on impact. And we send more than a dozen samples of each material to two areas with extreme climates: hot and dry Arizona, and Florida, where the humidity presents a different challenge to certain materials.
We assess those samples yearly for three years, evaluating their appearance and retesting for all the attributes above, to see how age and exposure to the elements affect overall performance.
