"The future is in plastics," said a guest in the now classic movie, "The Graduate," to the film's main character, Benjamin, during his parents' congratulatory cocktail party. The graduate blankly stared back, no doubt thinking how dull a future in plastics might be. Those who were forward-thinking enough to stay in the plastics industry, however, must have somehow imagined what the future might hold in store for the use of their products, especially in decking and fencing by the time the 21st century rolled around.

Two of the hottest types of decking claiming to leave traditional wood decking in the dust are made with either composite lumber or all vinyl, and both seem to be the future of raised-surface decking for the new American home. The first, composite decking, is made with lumber that combines properties of both wood and plastic. Manufacturers, such as Trex ™ claim outstanding durability without preservatives and sealants, workability that wood cannot hope to come close to, and color that stays looking good for years to come. It provides low moisture absorption, slip resistance, UV protection and uses no virgin wood within its wood-polymer composition. It won't rot, crack or splinter, needs not be sealed, and cannot be damaged by water, sun, or insects. Testing has already shown it to be durable for more than 20 years, according to the manufacturer's information.

The technology of composite decking mixes wood fiber from woodworking operations and reclaimed plastic from stretch film and grocery sacks (polyethelene), making it a product capable of being embraced by green enthusiasts everywhere. The mixing of these elements bonds the wood fibers, giving it weather resistant properties lacking in traditional wood decking, and prevents shrinkage, splintering, cracking and warping. Although it is not designed for the structural replacement of wood in all applications (such as posts, joists, and beams) it offers a wide variety of uses and provides more durability and purported easier maintenance than wood decking. The product can be painted or stained, although some color fading can occur.

Capable of being attached to either wood, aluminum or steel foundations, all-vinyl decking is fast becoming popular for recreational decks, walkways and matching fencing as well. Brock Deck ™ Systems claims to have a patented "Clip-Strip" application system that abuts each plank closely together using metal fasteners, tightening gaps that may be left by other types of vinyl or composite decking. Vinyl lumber manufacturers claim care-free maintenance, and some, like Brock, tout slip resistance, no surface screws, durability in any climate, and rotting, warping and splintering resistance. Some of its most notable attributes, according to product information, are the product's inability to absorb stains, as well as the perpetually cool surface it provides underfoot. It supposedly never needs painting or staining and is easily cleaned with a garden hose, but is limited in available colors to such as tan, white, or gray tones.

Both of these decking systems are more costly than wood decking in initial outlay, but both claim that their practically limitless durability outperforms wood in the long run. When considering long-term decking of this type, homeowners would be wise to do some research of their own on the World Wide Web (such as within sites like Homebuilder.com), or contact decking companies for information on the products.

With more and more emphasis on wood preservation and ways to recycle building materials, American ingenuity once again steps up to the plate with solutions and alternatives to help save the environment by creating products such as these.

Published: July 12, 2000

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A veteran of the real estate and homebuilding industries since 1986, Dena Kouremetis first joined Realty Times as a new homes writer in 1998. Since then, she has authored four books, written consumer columns on new homes issues for websites and newspapers all across the country, contributed to builder trade magazines, appeared as a guest expert on several radio shows and even created a ten-chapter podcast for LendingTree.com’s homebuilder website, iNest.com, now available on iTunes, entitled Uncharted Waters; Navigating the Purchase of a New Production Home. Kouremetis recently joined her local Folsom, CA Coldwell Banker office as a broker associate while continuing to write for the real estate industry. For the past three years, she has been training real estate agents for both the resale and new homes industries, putting her experience, research expertise and gift of expression to work to help others entering the business.