Updated March 2024

For years, decking board manufacturers used the term ‘maintenance free decking’ to entice homeowners into buying their products.

And sure, who doesn’t want anything described to be maintenance-free?

Time-poor homeowners who wish to steer clear of expensive handyman fees for sanding and coating their deck regularly can relate 100 per cent. Also, the idea of having maintenance-free decking appeals to people who don’t have the confidence to perform those tasks themselves.

Although the thought of owning maintenance-free decking may be considered fanciful, with NexGEN’s capped composite decking product range, you have options that are virtually zero maintenance.

What is capped composite decking?

Capped composite decking is known for being an exceptionally durable decking material. It comprises capped composite deck boards with a sturdy, stable polymer protective shell or cap fused around a wood-plastic core.

It uses a specially formulated combination of wood and polyethylene polymer during manufacture to create a strong, dense core. The core undergoes co-extrusion with a non-organic surface substance to produce a strong, flexible capped composite deck.

Other important additives to a capped composite deck include high-quality non-reactive colour pigments, UV blockers, antioxidants, and mildew inhibitors. These ingredients make composite decking resistant to colour fading due to sun exposure, stains, mould, and pathogens. During the manufacturing process, coloured pigments are added at specific intervals to create distinct multi-tonal streaks that enhance the beauty of the material.

When compared with other popular alternatives like pressure-treated wood, concrete and tropical hardwood, a composite deck is clearly the better choice for the following reasons:

• Composite wood decking requires minimal maintenance, unlike pressure-treated wood that is prone to warping or cracking. It is also more affordable than hardwood.
• Concrete lacks character compared to other materials like composite decking, which comes in various colours and mimics natural wood.
• Although tropical hardwoods are very durable, they are also quite expensive and difficult to drill holes into.

Click the following link for a deeper dive into what composite decking is.

Is composite decking really maintenance-free?

It has been proven time and again that — despite some competitors’ claims to the contrary — there is no such thing as maintenance-free, even with composite decking.

Why?

Because all composite decking requires a certain level of upkeep to keep it clean and looking good as new.

What is the answer to low-maintenance decking? NexGEN’s composite decking material looks just like natural timber and needs much less maintenance than traditional decking.

How does it work?

NexGEN decking comes in a variety of colours.

Most decks are installed on a traditional timber or steel frame using our secret hidden fixing system (meaning there’s never a nail or screw on the lounging pad up top to catch your foot on), but some of our decks are installed on existing frames after we’ve pulled up the worn out old timber and others come with their own frame where they pop easily into place (kind of like gigantic, practical Lego blocks). The latter is ideal for the enthusiast who wants a deck quickly and doesn’t want to make it a summer-long project.

Our decks are simple to install, and they come with a guarantee on stain, fade, and performance for up to 50 years.

Why is NexGEN’s capped composite deck range virtually maintenance-free?

NexGEN’s capped composite range comes in three variants: Select, Escapes, and GoodLife.

Select capped composite decking

Our Fiberon Select capped composite decking is reversible. Taking inspiration from natural components and pigments, Select composite decking boards have no bright streaks or artificial colours and are true to form like their namesakes Jarrah, Spotted Gum, and Graphite.

With our unique PermaTech® surface material used on all four sides of the Select collection, these boards have excellent resistance to stains, fading, insect infestation, and decomposition. They won’t rot, splinter, fade, stain or show signs of wear and tear, unlike standard timber or low-cost composite decking.

Select capped decking boards also come with the following warranties:

• Lifetime residential limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay
• 50-year residential stain and fade limited warranty
• 10-year commercial limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay

Escapes capped composite decking

The Escapes collection of capped composite decking by Fiberon is available in three colour variations: Blackbutt, White Oak and Multi-chromatic.

The Escapes collection provides unsurpassed durability and value for any type of decking project and resembles real hardwood with its distinctive grain patterns. It reduces deterioration, cracking and splintering and has a three-sided cap layer that’s fade- and stain-resistant. It also has extremely low upkeep and is simple to clean.

Escapes decking boards come with three types of warranties:

• 30-year residential stain and fade limited warranty
• 30-year residential limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay
• 10-year commercial limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay

Good Life capped composite decking

The Fiberon Good Life capped composite range is known for its performance, durability, and value. Cottage and Cabin are the two colours in the Good Life decking line.

With Good Life, it’s never been simpler to improve your outdoor space to add beauty and sophistication while keeping your spending in check. Purchasing Good Life composite decking boards entitles you to the following warranties:

• 25-year residential limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay
• 25-year residential stain and fade limited warranty
• 10-year commercial limited warranty against checking, splintering, delamination, rot and structural damage from fungal decay

Regarding the care and upkeep of our products, it’s crucial to remember that they are manufactured by Fiberon, whose products are incredibly durable and splinter-free. They don’t warp or rot and don’t need to be sanded, sealed or oiled. They are also stain, mould, scratch, and fade-resistant.

See this link to learn more about timber vs composite decking.

How to clean and maintain capped composite decking

Composite deck boards are virtually maintenance-free decking because they require very little cleaning and maintenance.

To keep yours looking fresh, clean and good as new, consider the following tips:

• Routinely clean the top of your deck with a stiff brush or firm-bristled broom to get rid of things like leaves, twigs, and other small debris. This helps to ensure the tiny spaces between each deck board are clear, so rainwater can more easily drain off the deck.
• Rinse away bird droppings, pollen, and grime with a periodic wash using a gentle brush and a bucket of warm soapy water – use a tiny amount of gentle, non-bleaching laundry or dishwashing liquid. Use a hose to rinse any remaining soapy water after washing. This will help eliminate dirt and pollen build-up and keep the deck looking brand-new for many years.
• To get rid of sap, glue, grease or cooking oil, rinse the substance off with water and apply a mild cleaning solution. You can also use a multipurpose cleaning wipe to soak up tough stains and then use a firm-bristled brush to scrub them off (if necessary). Never use a cleanser with bleach to avoid permanently staining the deck surface. For optimal results, scrub in the direction of the composite wood grain.
• Look for mould in areas that are shaded. Use the recommended cleaning products, especially for composite decks, to eliminate the occasional mould growth. Mould will not penetrate the capping, so removing it will be easy.
• Ideally, place pots or other plant containers on a trolley instead, which will make your plants easier to move with the sun throughout the year.
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across your deck. Instead, lift them to prevent scratching the surface. Attaching cheap nylon or rubber glides to the legs of lighter, more mobile objects, such as tables and chairs, is a smart way to add further protection.

How long does maintenance-free decking last?

Depending on the wood used, timber decking usually lasts 7-12 years while also requiring regular maintenance (sanding, sealing and oiling included).

Various composite decking products like Ekodeck and Modwood typically offer warranties lasting 2 – 20 years, while brands like Timbertech and Azek provide limited lifetime warranties.

NexGEN’s capped composite range provides a minimum of 25 years (Good Life collection) to as much as 50 years to a lifetime limited warranty for the Select range.

What does capped composite decking cost?

NexGEN capped composite products cost $111 per square metre for the GoodLife collection, $162 per square metre for Escapes, and $242 per square metre for the Select range.

The above prices reflect only the supply rates for boards and do not include other factors like installation fees and wastage, which can impact the final cost.

The number of fixings per square metre depends on the sub-frame and type of board used.

• From $11 per square metre to $19 per square metre depending on the sub-frame, type of fixings and board
• DeckCell and Poly Joist (again, this depends on the layout) — $59 per square metre
• Labour costs from $150 to $350 per square metre, depending on the complexity of the job

Also see, Why You Can’t Afford to Buy Cheap Composite Decking.

Is composite decking environmentally friendly?

Composite decking is environmentally friendly since it is made from recycled materials without toxic chemicals. It helps reduce waste sent to landfills and prevents the need to cut down trees. Additionally, composite decking requires little extra maintenance or hazardous chemicals for years of usage and has a minimal environmental impact.

All of the strengths, none of the weaknesses

NexGEN Decking offers capped composite and aluminium decking that gives you a look, and even the feel, of a traditional wood deck without the ongoing maintenance costs that come with natural timber.

Our decks are immune to vermin like termites; they can shrug off years of exposure to direct sunlight without fading and spills simply wash off whilst water won’t bother them in the slightest.

Once your dream deck is installed, you must kick up your feet and relax. No worries, no fuss, enjoy life with our maintenance-free decking.

Why not order some free product samples or speak to our friendly team? We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.