Composite decking buys you back the weekends you used to spend sanding and sealing. What it asks in return is a frame built to its rules, not to wood decking rules.
Capped, uncapped, and PVC
Uncapped composite is the entry point and will fade and stain more over time. Capped composite adds a polymer shell for stain and fade resistance. Full PVC is the lightest and most stain-resistant of the three and carries the longest warranties.
Framing spans are tighter
Most composite boards want joists at 16 inches on center for perpendicular installs and 12 inches for a diagonal pattern. Stair treads often need even tighter support. Plan the frame around the decking you chose, not the other way around.
Hidden fasteners and gapping
Hidden clip systems set consistent gaps automatically and keep the surface clean. Follow the manufacturer's end-gap chart for the install temperature — boards installed on a cold April morning will grow in July.
Talk it through with us
Bring your plans, sketches, or photos to any of our four Central Michigan yards. We will walk the options with you, pull real samples, and put together a material list you can build from. Estimating is free for any project.
