YONKERS, NY — Most homeowners installing decks use real wood, but Consumer Reports’ latest tests of common decking materials reveal that synthetic planks can offer lasting good looks with less upkeep.  The July issue features the results of Consumer Reports’ one-year exposure tests of wood, composite, plastic, and aluminum decking materials, which found that some synthetic decking didn’t make the grade for rigidity, and some tonier wood products looked worse for wear.

If replacing a deck isn’t a priority but maintenance is, the report also features Consumer Reports’ Ratings of 16 fully tested stains and six partially tested stains.  But don’t bother looking for a bargain.  Consumer Reports’ grueling exposure tests found that a pricier stain often buys more performance.  Tests also showed that manufacturers’ compliance with new rules to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in stains have had an impact on their performance.  Despite prices and reformulations, Consumer Reports found that some stains can lighten the workload because they last longer.

Choosing Decking Material

Consumers can save hundreds by replacing decking themselves as the material alone can be expensive.  Consumer Reports looked at the pros and cons of wood, composite, plastic, and aluminum to help consumers choose the best decking material to suit their needs and budgets.  The report also identified some of the better brands to consider in each category.  All prices are per 100 square feet.

Wood stands out for its authenticity, but it tends to change color, crack and absorb stains if it isn’t restained.  Generally it needs to be restained every one to three years.  Prices vary depending on the type – pricier options include cedar, redwood and tropical hardwoods.  Iron Woods Ipe, $800, and Thompsonized Southern Yellow Pine, $225, stood out in Consumer Reports’ tests because both were slightly better than cedar at keeping their original color.

Composite, which blends ground-up wood and plastic, has the look of wood without the need to stain. Composite decking is improving with added UV and mildew inhibitors.  However, some brands offer far less resistance to slips, stains and mildew.  Symmatrix, $525, Verdanda, $425, and Tamko Evergrain, $525, scored highest overall in Consumer Reports’ tests. 

Plastic is best for resisting the elements without staining, but some can look cheap, some are slippery, and all sagged more than wood in Consumer Reports’ tests.  For toughness with easy upkeep consider Eon, $600, and Azek, $625.  These brands resisted color change, staining, mildew, and slipperiness. 

Aluminum stood out for its toughness, rigidity, slip resistance, and color, which should last indefinitely.  The material’s textured finish added traction in Consumer Reports’ tests.  LockDry, $700, aced all tests, but the metallic look isn’t for everyone and the product is pricey.

Stains for Wood Decking

Consumers who opt to install a wood deck or currently have one will need to stain it every one to three years.  Flood Solid Color Deck & Siding, $21, was top-rated in Consumer Reports’ tests.  After three years of exposure to the outdoors, its opaque finish looked and protected best.  Other opaque finishes that performed well include McCloskey Storm Coat Deck & Siding 7953, $16, and Thompson’s Water Seal Deck & House, $20.

For a semitransparent finish, consider Sikkens Cetol SRD 1708902, $27, and True Value Woodsman UV 7338872, $20, which performed comparably, although Sikkens only requires one coat.  These are especially good choices for pre-2004 decks that typically used toxic chromate copper arsenic (CCA) lumber, since semipermanent stains tend to seal as they penetrate and are less likely to flake as they age.

Consumer Reports’ July issue features comprehensive ratings and buying advice for decking and staining products and how consumers can check if their deck needs to be replaced. Magazines go on sale June 3.  The report is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.