--- url: https://deckbuildersfortwayne.com/composite-decking title: Composite Decking Fort Wayne IN | Trex & TimberTech Installers description: Composite deck installation in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Trex, TimberTech, and other low-maintenance decking materials installed by experienced builders. Free estimates. --- Composite Decking Fort Wayne IN | Trex & TimberTech Installers - Home › Composite Decking # Composite Decking in Fort Wayne Skip the annual staining. Composite decking gives you the look of wood without the maintenance, and it handles Indiana weather better than you'd expect. If you've spent weekends sanding and staining your wood deck every year or two, you already know why composite decking is popular. It doesn't rot, it doesn't splinter, and you never have to seal it. For Fort Wayne homeowners tired of the maintenance cycle, composite is worth a serious look. That said, composite isn't perfect, and it's not the right choice for every project or every budget. Here's an honest breakdown of what we've learned from installing composite decks throughout Allen County. ## What Is Composite Decking, Exactly? Composite decking boards are made from a mix of wood fibers (usually sawdust or wood flour) and plastic (typically polyethylene). The wood fibers give the boards their appearance and some rigidity; the plastic makes them resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Most modern composites are "capped", wrapped in a polymer shell on all four sides that protects the core from staining, fading, and mold. The distinction between capped and uncapped composite matters. Early composite decking (the stuff from the late '90s and early 2000s) was uncapped and had real problems, mold growth, staining, and surface degradation. If you've heard someone complain about their composite deck, they probably had an uncapped product. Modern capped composites are a different animal entirely. ## Brands We Install ### Trex Trex is the most recognized name in composite decking, and for good reason. Their Transcend and Enhance lines are what we install most frequently. Transcend is the premium tier, deeper wood grain patterns, the widest color selection, and a 25 year fade and stain warranty. Enhance is the mid range option that still performs well but costs less per board. Trex Select is the entry level line, though we find its thinner cap makes it less suitable for Fort Wayne's harsh freeze thaw cycles. ### TimberTech / AZEK TimberTech (owned by AZEK) offers both composite and PVC decking. Their composite lines (Edge, Legacy, Reserve) compete directly with Trex in quality and price. The PVC boards, sold under the AZEK brand, are 100% synthetic with no wood fibers at all. PVC decking costs more but is completely impervious to moisture, making it the best choice for ground level decks or pool surrounds where water contact is constant. ### Fiberon Fiberon is a strong third option that we recommend when budget matters. Their Sanctuary and Good Life lines offer solid performance at a lower price point than premium Trex or TimberTech. We've installed Fiberon decks in the New Haven and Waynedale areas that have held up well after several winters. ## How Composite Handles Fort Wayne Weather This is the question every homeowner asks, and it deserves a detailed answer. Fort Wayne's climate is a stress test for any building material: Summer heat and UV, Composite decking absorbs heat more than wood. On a 90°F July afternoon, a dark composite deck in direct sun can feel hot underfoot. If you go barefoot a lot, choose a lighter color. Modern capped composites resist UV fading far better than earlier generations, most manufacturers warrant against significant fading for 25 years. - Freeze thaw cycles, This is actually where composite outperforms wood. Wood absorbs water, which freezes and expands, cracking the wood fibers over time. Capped composite boards don't absorb water, so the freeze thaw cycle that destroys wood decks year after year barely affects them. - Snow and ice, You can shovel composite decking safely with a plastic shovel. Avoid metal edged shovels that can scratch the cap. Calcium chloride ice melt is safe on most composite brands; check the manufacturer's recommendations for rock salt. - Humidity, Fort Wayne's muggy summers promote mold growth on almost every outdoor surface. Capped composite resists mold far better than wood, but it's not immune, dirt and pollen that sit on the surface can grow mildew. An annual wash with a hose and deck cleaner keeps it clean. #### Thermal Expansion Composite boards expand and contract more than wood with temperature changes. In Fort Wayne, where temperatures can swing 100+ degrees between summer highs and winter lows, proper gapping during installation is critical. We leave 3/16" gaps between board ends and 1/8" along edges to accommodate movement. Improper gapping is the most common installation mistake we see on DIY composite decks. ## Composite vs. Wood: Honest Comparison Factor Composite Pressure Treated Wood Upfront cost (per sq ft) $28–50 installed $18–30 installed Annual maintenance Wash once a year Stain/seal every 2-3 years Lifespan 25-30+ years 15-20 years with maintenance 10 year cost of ownership Lower (no staining costs) Higher (stain + labor adds up) Appearance Consistent, doesn't change much Natural grain, weathers/ages Feel underfoot Smooth, no splinters Natural wood feel, can splinter Heat retention Gets hotter in direct sun Cooler in sun Environmental Made from recycled materials Chemical preservatives ## The Framing Under Your Composite Deck Here's something that surprises a lot of homeowners: composite decking still goes on a wood frame. The joists, beams, posts, and ledger board underneath are pressure treated lumber, just like a wood deck. Composite is the surface, the structural framing is still wood. This means the substructure still needs to be built properly, correct joist spacing (we use 12" on center for most composite products, which is tighter than the 16" some manufacturers allow), adequate footings below the 42 inch frost line, and proper ledger attachment with flashing. We've resurfaced existing wood framed decks with composite boards as long as the framing is structurally sound. ## What a Composite Deck Costs in Fort Wayne Material costs vary by brand and product line: - Trex Enhance: $4.50–6.50 per linear foot (board only) - Trex Transcend: $6.50–9.00 per linear foot - TimberTech Composite: $5.00–8.00 per linear foot - AZEK PVC: $8.00–12.00 per linear foot - Fiberon: $3.50–7.00 per linear foot Fully installed, including framing, footings, railings, stairs, and permits, a composite deck in Fort Wayne typically runs $45 to $75 per square foot for mid range products, and $60 to $100+ for premium lines with aluminum railings and built in lighting. A typical 14x20 composite deck with stairs and railings lands somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on material selection and site conditions. ## Popular Composite Deck Colors for Indiana Homes The colors homeowners in our area gravitate toward reflect the Midwest aesthetic, warm, natural tones that complement brick, stone, and vinyl siding: - Toasted Sand / Saddle, Medium brown tones that work with most house colors - Spiced Rum / Tiki Torch, Warmer reddish browns popular with brick homes common in Aboite and Georgetown - Foggy Wharf / Gravel Path, Gray tones that pair well with modern farmhouse and craftsman styles popular in newer Huntertown developments - Dark Walnut / Lava Rock, Deep browns and near blacks for a high contrast look (note: these get hotter in summer sun) ### Want to See Composite Samples in Person? We bring samples to your home so you can see colors against your siding and in your own light. Call to schedule a free consultation. Call (260) 300-5129 ## Service Area We install composite decking throughout Fort Wayne and Allen County, including A