Composite and PVC decks in Billings
Boards that skip the stain-every-few-years routine, and what to weigh before you choose them.
Composite decking is a blend of wood fiber and plastic; PVC decking is plastic all the way through. Both resist rot and insects and don't need sealing or staining. In Billings, where low humidity and strong sun pull the color out of wood and open up cracks along the grain, skipping that upkeep is the main draw.
What are the downsides?
- Higher upfront cost. Expect composite and PVC to cost more than treated wood. Many owners compare that against the cost and time of years of staining.
- Surface heat. Dark boards in full summer sun can get uncomfortably hot for bare feet. Lighter colors and shade help.
- Hail. Composite won't split like sun-dried wood, but large hail can still mark or chip some products. Ask the builder how the boards they recommend have held up in storms.
- Expansion and contraction. Boards grow and shrink with temperature. With winter lows below zero and summer highs near 100°F, gap spacing and fastening have to follow the manufacturer's instructions or boards can buckle or pull apart.
Can new composite go on my old frame?
Sometimes. If the footings reach frost depth, the ledger is bolted and dry, and the joists are straight and sound, a builder may be able to resurface with composite. But many composite products call for closer joist spacing than old wood decks were built with, and the frame now has to outlast boards with long warranties. Expect the builder to check the ledger, hangers and footings and to tell you honestly whether the frame is worth keeping.
Protecting the frame
Composite decks still sit on treated wood framing in most cases. Joist tape over the tops of the joists, good ledger flashing and enough airflow under the deck all help the framing last as long as the boards.
Snow and ice on composite
Any deck surface gets slick under snow and ice. Use a plastic shovel, and check the board manufacturer's guidance before using ice melt, since some products restrict certain chemicals.
Railings that match
Most composite lines offer matching rail systems, and aluminum or cable railings pair well too. See railings and stairs.
Pricing comes from the builder after they've walked the site, measured, and talked through materials and layout with you. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear over the phone before a visit is only a ballpark.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is composite worth the extra cost in Billings?
For many owners it is, mostly because it skips the staining wood needs in dry, sunny weather. Compare the total cost over the years you plan to stay in the house.
Will hail ruin composite decking?
Composite handles hail better than dried-out wood, but very large hail can still mark some boards. Ask the builder about impact performance and check your homeowners policy.
Related services
More background: Billings deck guide.
Hail-beaten boards, a shaky railing, or a deck you keep meaning to build?
Call now and an independent deck builder who works in Billings will help you figure out the next step.