Need a Composite Deck Builder? Look No Further than Independent Construction
When you want the durability, longevity, and beauty of a deck built from composite materials like Trex—constructed by a professional composite deck builder—turn to Independent Construction and our superior composite decking services. You’ll not only have a deck you love to use, you’ll have a deck that holds up to the elements, traffic, and more for many years.
Why Composite Decking?
You’ve probably heard of composite materials for deck-building. Trex and other brands use materials that won’t break down like wood does, so you can have a deck that not only looks great but lasts longer than wood with little or no maintenance required.
Here are some of the reasons our composite decking clients chose this popular material:
- Durability: Composite materials are highly resistant to weathering, rotting, and warping. They are not prone to splintering, cracking, or insect damage, making them ideal for long-term outdoor use.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, composite decking does not require regular painting, staining, or sealing. Cleaning typically involves just soap and water or a gentle pressure wash.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Composite decking comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes that mimic the look of natural wood without the maintenance. It retains its appearance over time without fading or discoloration.
- Sustainability: Many composite decking products, including Trex, are made from recycled materials such as reclaimed wood fibers and plastic, reducing environmental impact. This makes it an eco-friendly option compared to traditional wood decks.
- Cost Effectiveness: While the initial cost of composite decking may be higher than wood, the lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan make it more cost-effective over time.
- Resistance to Moisture: Composite materials are less susceptible to moisture-related issues like mold and mildew growth. They are ideal for humid or wet environments.
- Warranty: Many composite decking manufacturers offer extended warranties, providing peace of mind regarding product quality and durability.
- Safety: Composite decking surfaces are designed to be slip-resistant, even when wet. The absence of splinters makes it a safer choice, especially for families with children and pets.
- Customization Options: Composite decks can be tailored with matching railings, lighting, and other accessories for a cohesive and personalized design.
Do these advantages sound like aspects you would enjoy in a deck? If so, contact the Independent Construction team today, and we’ll schedule a visit with an estimate.
The Composite Decking Company You Choose Matters
If you find a wood deck builder in NEPA and then decide you’d rather have a composite deck, you might think it’s okay to keep the same contractor. It’s important to know that building composite decks is a specialty skill—one that requires specific know-how.
Before you hire a deck builder, make sure they have these skills, usually only possessed by a composite decking company:
Understanding of Composite Material Properties
- Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Composite materials expand and contract more than wood with temperature changes, so you’ll need to allow for adequate spacing between boards.
- Weight and Support: Composite boards are denser and heavier than wood, so the substructure may need to be reinforced or designed differently to handle the additional weight.
Specialized Finishing Techniques
- End Caps or Trim Boards: Composite decks often require end caps or fascia boards for a polished look.
- Expansion Gaps: Proper spacing between boards and at the ends is crucial to accommodate expansion and contraction.
Precise Measuring and Cutting Skills
- Cutting Tools: Tools specifically designed for composite materials, such as carbide-tipped saw blades, should be used to achieve clean cuts without splintering or chipping.
- Accuracy: Composite boards can’t be sanded or trimmed easily to fix errors, so precise measuring and cutting are essential.
Manufacturer Guidelines Awareness
- Specific Installation Instructions: Each composite decking brand has specific instructions, and following them is critical for durability and warranty compliance.
Familiarity with Composite Decking Fastening Systems
- Hidden Fasteners: Many composite decking systems use specialized hidden fasteners for a seamless look, requiring knowledge of how to install them properly.
- Screws and Clips: Composite boards need fasteners designed for their material to prevent splitting or mushrooming around screws.
Problem-Solving and Customization Abilities
- Custom Layouts: Composite decking can be used for creative designs, such as curved edges or patterns, requiring advanced layout and installation skills.
- Cutouts and Notching: Cutting boards to fit around posts or features requires precision to avoid damaging the material.
Advanced Framing Skills
- Joist Spacing: Composite decking may require tighter joist spacing (typically 12–16 inches on center) to prevent sagging, as the material is more flexible than wood.
- Structural Reinforcements: The substructure must be built to accommodate the heavier weight of composite materials.
Adherence to Safety Protocols
- Dust Control: Cutting composite material generates fine dust, so wearing a mask and using a dust collection system is important.
- Heavy Lifting: Safe handling techniques are necessary due to the weight of composite boards.
Surface Preparation Know-How
- Level Substrate: Composite decking needs a flat and even surface to prevent warping or uneven gaps.
- Moisture Protection: Installing moisture barriers or tape on joists to prolong the life of the substructure is important, as composite boards can trap moisture.
While the basic principles of deck building apply to both wood and composite, working with composite materials demands attention to detail, specialized tools, and adherence to manufacturer specifications. That’s why many homeowners specifically search for a “composite decking company” in NEPA.
Let’s discuss making Independent Construction your NEPA composite decking company.
More Interested in a Wood Deck?
Wood decks have their advantages, too, including lower initial cost, natural appeal, and ease of repairs. If you’d rather have a wood deck for your home, we’d be happy to build that for you. Or, if you need help deciding which type best suits your needs, we have a team member waiting to discuss your options. Call us today.
Independent Construction is Ready to Be Your Composite Decking Contractor
As you search for a composite decking contractor in NEPA, keep in mind that you’ll find differences in price, response time, quality of work, attention to detail, warranties, and more.
When you partner with Independent Construction for your composite deck, you’ll enjoy:
- A personal visit to your home by a decking expert who will provide you with a quote that we’ll honor.
- Full-time employees of our company working on every project—no sub-contractors.
- A visit from the owner of the company, because our work and the way it’s delivered matters to him.
- Thorough clean-up of the jobsite after the job’s completed.
- A promise to stand behind the quality of our work and to honor any material warranties.
Those are a few of the things you’ll experience when you choose Independent Construction as your composite decking contractor. Let’s schedule a visit with estimate today.