When you dream of adding a deck to your West Des Moines home, you don’t dream of pressure-washing wood. So you might be considering composite instead, but you’ve heard a few things that may have made you unsure whether it’s the right material for you or not.
Composite decking has gained immense popularity throughout the Central Iowa, but there’s still a lot of misconceptions that persist about the material. As one of the most experienced West Des Moines deck companies, there are some myths that we hear come up all the time in consultations.
In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction so you can make the best choice for your outdoor living space.
.jpg)
Myth #1: Composite Decking Is "Plastic" and Looks Fake
Earlier versions of composite products were shiny and looked plasticky. And some of these composite materials, thanks to their long lifespan, are still in use today, so you might still see them out in the wild.
However, many advancements have been made over the past several years, and today’s boards are dramatically different. Modern composite engineering features realistic wood grain embossing and multi-tonal color patterns that mimic natural hardwoods like Ipe or Mahogany closely.
If you want to see this fact in action, check out ourcomposite deck designs to see how far the technology has come.
Myth #2: Composite Decking Gets Hotter Than Wood
All decking gets warm in direct sunlight during an Iowa summer. The physics of heat absorption is driven by color, not just material.
Darker colors mean hotter boards whether they are stained pressure-treated wood or composite. Lighter tones, likewise, perform similarly to wood in hot temperatures.
But you should also know that recent improvements to the material science of composites have made strides here too. You’ll be pleased to know that many premium brands now have technology that reduces surface heat absorption significantly compared to standard boards.
Myth #3: Composite Decking Is Maintenance-Free
It is low-maintenance, but not no maintenance. As West Des Moines deck builders, it is important that we share you will still need to perform basic care to keep a new deck build in tip top shape.
- Soap and water rinses are recommended a few times per season.
- Occasional debris cleanup (leaves and pollen) is necessary.
The difference? There is no sanding, staining, sealing, or painting required. Which leads to substantial savings of both time and money.
Myth #4: Composite Decking Is Slippery
Quality composite products are manufactured to meet strict building code slip-resistance standards. Natural wood is not particularly slip-prone when it’s new, but it does become more dangerous over time. In fact, wood can become quite slippery as algae builds up in the grain or as its old sealants wear down. Properly maintained composite, by comparison, does not exhibit these traction issues as it ages.
Myth #5: Composite Decking Is Too Expensive
Upfront costs for composite run higher than pressure-treated wood. However, many West Des Moines deck builders encourage clients to look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Over time with composite, you start to save a little bit here and a little bit there. For one, there are no staining/sealing costs every 1–3 years. Maintenance savings also accumulate over 20 years simply because you do less of it.
But most importantly, composite lasts 25–50 years. Wood only lasts 15–20.
When you calculate the total investment, composite often costs less over time. Read our detailedwood and composite cost comparison for the complete breakdown of the numbers.
Myth #6: It's Not Strong Enough for Heavy Loads
Composite is engineered for structural integrity and meets or exceeds building codes when it’s installed properly. That means that if you’re planning for hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, or heavy furniture, composite is still OK to use just like wood.
When it comes to structural engineering, it’s the frame of the deck and not the boards themselves that make the most important difference. Professional West Des Moines deck contractors will design proper joist spacing and support systems to handle the load regardless of the surface material chosen.
Myth #7: It Will Scratch Easily
Composite can scratch, just like wood. However, caps and protective coatings dramatically improve scratch resistance.
One of the biggest differences with composites, though, is that scratches don't expose raw material that rots or requires immediate treatment. You can’t say that about wood.
Myth #8: All Composite Decking Is the Same
This is perhaps the biggest myth. Composite products vary significantly in:
- Core construction: Solid vs. hollow cores.
- Moisture resistance: Some are capped on three sides, while others are capped on all four.
- Warranty length: Ranging from 10 years to 50 years.
- Heat resistance: Varying levels of cooling technology.
Working with an experienced deck builder ensures you select the specific board that fits your budget and performance needs.
Need a West Des Moines Deck Builder?
Composite decking isn't perfect for every situation, but the myths shouldn't drive your decision. Understanding the real advantages and limitations helps you make the choice that works for your Iowa property and lifestyle.
For more information on material options and design planning, we encourage you to download ourfree design guide.
It would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation. Call Harold Cross and his team at (515) 203-8734, or contact us using our online form.
