Composite decks: 4 things to consider before you buy

Considering a composite deck? Here are four factors to consider when shopping. History: Has the product been around for a while? Any complaints or recalls? Will the company be around long enough to honor its warranty? Consistency of product materials: Do the product materials change frequently? If so, what will you do when you need a replacement board or want to add on to your deck? Installation: If you're planning a do-it-yourself project, find out how easy the product is to work with. Cost: Composite decks can cost one and a half to three times what a wood deck costs; the cost should even out after four or five years, says the decks.com website, but be sure to shop around for the best deal.

One product with an excellent history is Evergrain from Tamko, according to the Deck Specialists blog. Decks.com agrees and adds Gossen Decking and LocDry Decking to the list of well-reviewed products.