The Right MaterialMakes All the Difference.
Kevin has worked with every major decking brand for over four decades. He'll help you weigh the tradeoffs — durability, maintenance, appearance, and budget — so you end up with a deck that fits your life, not just your yard.
What 40 Years Taught Kevin
About Decking Materials
Kevin has built hundreds of decks in pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and every major composite brand on the market. He's watched wood decks age through CNY's freeze-thaw cycles — the cracking, the warping, the annual staining ritual. And he's watched composite decks from 15 years ago still look close to new.
Modern capped composite boards won't rot, splinter, or warp. They resist fading, staining, and mold. And thanks to improvements in manufacturing, today's premium composites look as rich and natural as real hardwood — without any of the upkeep.
The upfront cost is higher, but Kevin tells every customer the same thing: when you factor in the staining, sealing, and board replacement you'll avoid over the life of the deck, composite almost always costs less in the long run. For most CNY homeowners, it's the smarter investment — and Kevin is happy to walk you through the math.
Top-tier composite boards carry warranties measured in decades, not seasons.
No sanding, no sealing, no annual maintenance cycle. Rinse and enjoy.
Engineered to handle CNY’s freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, splitting, or decay.
Compare Decking
Materials
Trex
The most recognized name in composite decking. Trex offers a full range from entry-level to luxury, with strong warranties across the board. Kevin has installed more Trex than any other brand and knows each tier inside and out.
“Trex gives me the widest range to work with. Whether someone's building a utility deck or a showpiece, there's a Trex board that fits.”
| Tier | Badge | Warranty | Profile | Heat Mitigation | Scratch | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhance | Good | 25-yr | Scalloped | Select colors | $ | |
| Select | Better | 25-yr | Solid | First mid-tier board | $$ | |
| TranscendRecommended | Best ★ | 50-yr | Solid | Select colors | $$$ | |
| Transcend Lineage | Best+ | 50-yr | Solid, proprietary cap | All colors, built-in | $$$$ | |
| Signature | Luxury | 50-yr | Solid, most realistic grain | Yes | $$$$$ |
Common Questions About
Decking Materials
Most premium composite boards carry 25- to 50-year warranties from the manufacturer. In practice, a well-built composite deck with proper drainage and ventilation should outlast the house it's attached to. Kevin has Trex Transcend decks from 15+ years ago that still look close to new.
For most CNY homeowners, yes. When you factor in the cost of staining, sealing, and replacing rotted boards every few years, composite pays for itself within about a decade. And you skip the annual maintenance entirely — no sanding, no staining, no sealing.
Composite: rinse it off once or twice a year. That's it. Wood: sand, stain, and seal every 1–3 years depending on the product and exposure. After a CNY winter, pressure-treated lumber takes a beating and usually needs attention every spring.
Absolutely. Composite is engineered to handle freeze-thaw cycles, ice, snow, and road salt tracked in from boots. That's actually one of the biggest reasons Kevin recommends it for this area — it doesn't crack, warp, or rot the way wood does after repeated freezing and thawing.
It depends on your priorities. Trex has the widest range of price points. TimberTech tends to hold color better in direct sun. AZEK is completely waterproof and ideal for lakefront or poolside builds. Kevin walks through the tradeoffs during your site visit and helps you land on the right fit.
Not categorically. Kevin has worked with all of them and each has its strengths. His default recommendation for most residential builds is Trex Transcend — it hits the sweet spot of durability, appearance, and value. But every project is different, and he'll steer you based on your site, your budget, and how you plan to use the space.
Not Sure Which Material
Is Right for Your Project?
That's exactly what the site visit is for. Kevin will walk your space, talk through your options, and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure.