Composite Decks in Salt Lake City, Utah
We help you weigh composite against wood, sort through options from the major composite brands and handle your composite deck installation.
About Composite Decks
Composite decking has become a popular choice in Salt Lake City, and the climate explains why. Strong UV at altitude, very dry air and repeated freezing and thawing are hard on wood, which can fade, check and split without regular staining. Composite boards are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastics, and most now come with a protective outer shell that holds up better to sun and moisture. SLC Deck Builders helps you decide whether composite fits your project, and our crew handles the installation.
Not all composite is the same. The major composite brands offer several product lines, from basic boards to capped composites, with PVC decking at the upper end. Differences show up in fade resistance, scratch resistance, heat retention and how realistic the wood grain looks. Darker colors can get noticeably hot in direct afternoon sun, which is worth considering on a west-facing deck. Our team can show you samples, explain how each line performs here and help you choose based on budget and exposure.
Composite deck installation has its own requirements. Boards expand and contract with temperature, and Salt Lake City sees big swings between winter nights and summer afternoons, so spacing and fastening need to follow manufacturer guidelines closely. Many composites call for tighter joist spacing than wood, and hidden fastener systems give a clean surface. The framing underneath is usually pressure-treated lumber, so it still needs proper footings for frost and snow load, plus joist tape to protect the tops of the joists from moisture. Our crew plans for all of that.
Composite usually costs more upfront than pressure-treated lumber, but you skip the regular staining that wood decks need in our sun. Over the life of the deck, many homeowners find the lower maintenance worth it. Composite still needs periodic cleaning, and the frame should be inspected like any deck. If you're replacing an old wood deck, ask whether the existing framing can support composite or needs to be rebuilt. Share your plans with us and we'll give you a free, no-obligation estimate on your composite deck installation.
Looking for a full-service Salt Lake City deck builder? Our crew handles every deck service, from design to the final walkthrough.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is composite decking worth it in Salt Lake City?
For many homeowners, yes. Our strong UV, dry air and freeze-thaw cycles mean wood decks need frequent staining to stay in good shape, and composite avoids most of that work. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost. If you plan to stay in your home for a while and don't want to spend weekends refinishing, composite often makes sense. We can price both options so you can compare them directly.
Does composite decking get hot in the summer?
It can, especially darker colors in direct afternoon sun. Composite generally holds more heat than wood, and on a west-facing deck in July that's noticeable on bare feet. Lighter colors, newer heat-mitigating product lines, shade from a pergola or trees and orienting seating areas away from full sun all help. Ask us to show you samples and explain how different colors perform in Salt Lake City summers.
Can composite boards go on my existing deck frame?
Sometimes. The frame must be structurally sound, level and built with joist spacing that meets the composite manufacturer's requirements, which is often tighter than what older wood decks used. Many older frames also reveal hidden rot once the boards come off. Our crew will inspect the framing, check the footings and ledger, and tell you whether resurfacing with composite is practical or whether a new frame is the better choice.
Which composite brands are available?
Most deck builders in Salt Lake City work with one or more of the major composite brands, as well as PVC options. Each brand offers multiple product lines at different price points, with variations in color, grain texture, heat performance and fade resistance. Rather than choosing a brand first, it helps to decide on your budget, look and priorities, then compare samples. We can show you current options and explain the differences.
Talk to a Salt Lake City Deck Builder Today
Tell us what you want to build, repair or replace. We will visit for a free, no-obligation estimate and give you a clear plan for your outdoor space.
(801) 435-8845Or fill out the form and we'll be in touch shortly.