If you have an old, tired timber deck and are thinking of replacing it, you probably have heard of composite decking. It’s an environmentally friendly, low maintenance alternative manufactured primarily from recovered wood flour and recycled plastic polymers. Yet you may not know the difference between capped vs uncapped composite decking.

The Difference – Capped vs Uncapped Composite Decking:

Uncapped varieties are earlier first generation versions of composite decking that are vulnerable to staining, fading, mould and mildew. Capped composite decking has a cover that is bonded to the core during manufacturing.

Composite decking boards are made using pre- and post-consumer recycled plastic content mixed with timber mill scraps. Wood and plastic are carefully blended to create a solid and dense core that is co-extruded with a non-organic surface product to make strong, resilient board that keep their good looks. Capped boards have a surface coating like the cover on a golf ball, which is bonded to the composite core during the co-extrusion process. This capping contains UV inhibitors, anti-oxidants and beautiful colours added at just the right time.

Capped vs uncapped composite decking; this nonporous capping is what sets our NexGEN boards apart from all other composites.

Boards that are capped on all four sides are even more versatile because not only does the process increase durability and performance, the boards are reversible. This feature results in fewer board cuts and less waste. Different grain patterns can be embossed on each side to increase visual appeal.

Capped vs uncapped composite decking, click here for our composite decking FAQ