Outdoor living decks are evolving—and more homeowners, architects, and contractors are turning to recycled composite decking for its blend of performance, environmental friendliness, and aesthetics. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore what this material is, why it’s gaining popularity, how it compares to alternatives, and everything you need to know before installing a deck of your own.
Table of Contents
1. What Is Recycled Composite Decking?
Recycled composite decking is made from reclaimed materials—typically wood fibers or sawdust blended with plastics like recycled polyethylene (rPE), polypropylene (rPP), or reclaimed PVC. These materials are extruded into boards that mimic the look and feel of wood while offering greater durability and minimal maintenance.
At least one or two other commonly used terms include:
Recycled decking boards: emphasizing the ecological origin of the materials.
Recycled plastic decking boards: spotlighting the plastic component.
By combining recycled wood and plastic, this decking offers structural rigidity, enhanced weather resistance, and the ability to resist pests and rot. With today’s 4‑sided cap technology, moisture is sealed out—making it ideal for high-risk areas like around pools or on rooftop patios.
2. Why Choose Recycled Composite Decking? Benefits at a Glance
2.1 Environmental Sustainability
Using decking made from recycled plastic diverts post-consumer or industrial waste from landfills. Many manufacturers also source reclaimed wood, reducing deforestation. This makes recycled composite decking a champion of circular economy practices.
2.2 Moisture & Rot Resistance
Unlike pressure-treated wood or standard lumber, composite boards are immune to rot and insect damage. A recycled plastic decking board, especially one with a fully capped shell, resists swelling and decay even in damp environments.
2.3 Low Maintenance Outdoors
Once installed, these decks only require occasional cleaning with soap, warm water, or a composite cleaner—no need for sanding, staining, or sealing as with hardwoods. Over a 15–30 year lifespan, labor savings can add up.
2.4 Improved Safety & Comfort
Textured surfaces prevent slips, even when wet. Composite decking stays cooler than real wood and metal alternatives—especially in warm climates.
2.5 Aesthetic Appeal & Design Flexibility
Recycled composite boards come in woodgrain patterns or modern sleek finishes. For architects and homeowners, they can be installed with minimal fasteners, allowing for intricate layouts, face-fast designs, or hidden clips.
3. Types of Recycled Composite Decking Boards
When choosing recycled composite decking, it’s essential to understand its various board constructions, which primarily include 3-sided vs. 4-sided capped options, solid vs. hollow core designs, and co-extruded vs. post-coated surfaces.
a) 3‑Sided vs. 4‑Sided Capped
3-sided capped recycled composite decking features durable capping on the top and side edges, while the underside remains exposed. This style offers an affordable entry point, but the exposed bottom can collect moisture and debris, potentially leading to swelling or mold over time.
4‑sided capped recycled composite decking, by contrast, completely seals all four surfaces of the board, including the underside, delivering full protection against moisture penetration. This fully encapsulated design enhances structural stability and durability—ideal for ground-level decking or installations where moisture exposure is constant.
b) Solid Core vs. Hollow Core
Solid recycled composite decking boards offer superior density and rigidity, making them well-suited for heavy-use areas like commercial decks or large residential terraces. Their weight, however, may add to installation and shipping costs.
Hollow-core boards use honeycomb or ribbed internal structures to reduce weight and cost. Lighter and easier to handle, these boards suit DIY projects or rooftop applications, albeit with slightly less stiffness underfoot.
c) Co‑Extruded vs. Post‑Coated
Co-extruded boards integrate the protective cap during the extrusion process, ensuring permanent fusion and lifelong UV and moisture resistance.
Post-coated boards have their caps applied after extrusion via spraying or dipping, offering flexible designs but requiring careful edge sealing to prevent moisture ingress.
Choosing the right combination of capping, core type, and coating method is vital in aligning your decking choice with your budget, maintenance expectations, and visual preferences.
4. Comparing Recycled Composite Decking to Alternatives
Evaluating recycled composite decking alongside alternatives like natural wood and PVC decking can help you make an informed decision based on performance and value:
a) Environmental Impact
Recycled composite decking typically uses 50–90% reclaimed wood fibers and plastics, reducing landfill waste and preserving forests.
Natural wood, unless FSC certified, can contribute to deforestation.
PVC decking, while recyclable, relies solely on virgin or recycled plastic and lacks the aesthetic warmth of wood grain.
b) Upfront Costs vs. Lifetime Value
Natural wood is affordable initially—about $3–6 per square foot—but maintenance like sanding, staining, and sealing adds up over time.
Recycled composite boards may cost $5–12 per square foot, but they eliminate the need for expensive upkeep.
PVC decking often sits between these options in cost but lacks texture, requiring slower-draining substructures and more complex installation.
c) Durability and Maintenance
Natural wood can warp, crack, and be vulnerable to pests, especially in wet climates.
PVC is highly resistant but may feel slick and can discolor under intense UV.
Recycled composite decking boards are capped to resist stains, fading, and microbial growth, ensuring long-lasting aesthetics.
d) Comfort and Walkability
Wood heats up quickly in the summer, sometimes becoming too hot to walk on barefoot.
PVC can trap heat due to its smooth surface.
Recycled composite decking stays moderate in temperature, and choosing light-colored or shade-tolerant boards further enhances comfort.
e) Design Adaptability
Composite decking supports diverse installation styles—patterned layouts, hidden fasteners, and mixed-material integrations.
Wood is easily nailed or screwed but is limited in stability.
PVC requires drilled fastening, limiting versatility in layouts or edging treatments.
Overall, recycled composite decking offers an optimal blend of minimal maintenance, aesthetic flexibility, comfort, and environmental care.
5. Cost Considerations: What’s the Price of Recycled Composite Decking?
Understanding the cost of recycled composite decking involves more than board prices—it’s about the full package:
a) Board Material Costs
Standard 3‑sided capped boards: $5–8 per ft²
Premium 4‑sided capped boards: $7–12 per ft²
High-end styles with advanced finishes: $10–15 per ft²
b) Substructure and Joists
Aluminum joists cost $2–4 per ft² and offer superior longevity and stability.
Treated wood joists are cheaper but can warp or rot over time.
Complex foundations like concrete pads will increase costs depending on soil and site conditions.
c) Accessories
Hidden fastening clip systems: $0.50–1 per ft² for a sleek, screw-free surface
Edge trim, end-cap seals, fascia boards, and drainage mats: often $1–2 per ft² in total materials
d) Installation Labor
DIY: ~$0–5 per ft² saved on labor, but requires time and tools.
Professional installation typically runs $5–10 per ft² and includes layout, cutting, securing edges, and cleanup.
e) Ongoing Maintenance
Although these decks need no stains or sealants, they benefit from semi-annual cleaning with recommended cleaning products—usually $0.50–1 per ft² annually.
f) Total Invested Value
For a mid-range 400 ft² deck built with 4‑sided capped recycled composite decking:
| Expense Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Deck boards ($8 × 400 ft²) | $3,200 |
| Aluminum joists ($3 × 400 ft²) | $1,200 |
| Accessories & trim | $400 |
| Professional installation ($7 × 400 ft²) | $2,800 |
| Total Project Cost | $7,600 |
Spread over a 25-year lifespan, the annualized cost is just $304/year—substantially lower than the ongoing ✔️ upkeep of wood decks.
6. Designing with Recycled Composite Decking Boards
Whether you’re DIYer or designer, recycled composite boards support creative layouts:
Multi-level terraces: Capable of walking from pool to bar.
Integrated benches/planters: Composite is easy to route and mid‑span attach.
Patterned surfaces: Boards can be installed in chevron, diagonal, or stacked bond.
Mixed materials: Combine composite with concrete tiles or stone pavers.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are composite boards hot underfoot?
Yes—but capping and lighter colors help. Composite is generally cooler than PVC or metal decks.
Q: Can I install recycled composite decking over my existing deck?
Yes, provided your substructure is in good shape and meets manufacturer specs.
Q: What about mold & mildew?
The plastic content makes recycled composite decking resistant to mold. Regular cleaning prevents surface residue.
8. Installation Tips: Best Practices
Follow the gap rules—spacing allows temperature expansion.
Dry‑lay before final fastening to ensure layout fit.
Use recommended clips or screws for movement and hidden fasteners.
Cap the ends—exposed edges can absorb moisture.
Routine cleaning twice yearly keeps boards looking new.
9. Maintaining Recycled Composite Decking Long-Term
Rinse or pressure-wash annually
Use composite-approved cleaners for stains
Avoid harsh bleach or oils that may cloud cap
Inspect joists and fasteners every 3–5 years
Address debris accumulation underboard
10. Review of Top Recycled Composite Decking Brands
While not exhaustive, here are a few leading lines:
Trex® Select & Enhance – Classic woodgrain look, 95% recycled content.
Fiberon Good Life – Affordable capped board, 50% recycled wood.
Deckorators – Premium textures, good fade resistance.
Hosung WPC – 4‑sided capped w/ 90% recycled plastic, excellent warranty.
11. Case Study: Backyard Oasis with 4‑Sided Capped Decking
Project scope: 400 sq ft in suburban backyard
Material choice: Recycled composite boards, capped all sides
Features included: Built-in bench, LED light strip, plant-wall planter
Investment & ROI: Higher upfront cost but low maintenance has savings over 10+ years.
12. Making the Sustainable Choice: Final Tips
Look for recycled content >50%
Choose fully capped recycled composite decking boards
Ask about UV warranties and certifications
Choose neutral or light boards in hot climates
Buy from reputable manufacturers or wholesalers
Conclusion
As decking trends continue toward sustainability without compromise, recycled composite decking stands out as a powerful solution. Combining recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, and high-performance caps gives you a deck that looks beautiful, stands strong, and minimizes environmental impact for decades to come.
If you’d like help selecting boards, connecting to a trusted installer, or exploring price comparisons (including recycled decking boards or recycled plastic decking boards), reach out! Your sustainable dream deck awaits. Welcome to contact Hosung WPC for details!
