Composite and PVC decks in Missoula
Decking that holds up to dry summers and snowy winters without a yearly round of scrubbing and staining, and the trade-offs that come with it.
Composite decking mixes wood fiber with plastic; PVC decking is made entirely of plastic. Both are built to resist rot and to skip the cleaning-and-staining routine that wood demands. In a place like Missoula, with only about 14 inches of precipitation a year and a lot of summer sun, wood boards tend to dry out and lose their finish quickly, so many homeowners decide the extra cost is worth it.
What are the downsides?
- Higher upfront cost. Composite and PVC generally cost more than treated wood. Compare that against years of staining you'd otherwise do or pay for.
- Surface heat. Darker colors can get hot under a July sun. Lighter colors, or a pergola, help.
- Expansion and contraction. These boards move with temperature, and Missoula can swing from well below zero to over 100°F. Builders follow the manufacturer's gapping and fastening rules so boards don't buckle or open up.
- Fire. Composite is still combustible. If you live near trees or grass, the deck guide explains Firewise advice for decks.
- Snow removal. Use a plastic shovel and check the manufacturer's guidance before using ice melt.
Can composite go on my old deck frame?
Sometimes. If the footings, posts, beams and joists are in good shape and spaced correctly, a builder may be able to re-deck with composite. The catch is that composite often needs closer joist spacing than older wood decks were built with, and the frame now has to last as long as boards that are expected to go decades. Expect the builder to check the ledger, hangers and footings first, and don't be surprised if they recommend rebuilding the frame.
Protecting the frame underneath
Composite decks still almost always sit on treated wood framing. Joist tape on the tops of joists and beams, good flashing at the ledger, and enough airflow under a low deck all help that framing keep pace with the boards above it.
Matching railings
Most composite lines have matching railing systems, and aluminum or cable railings pair well with them too. See railings and stairs.
Is it right for every deck?
Not always. For a small, low deck you plan to replace in a few years, or a deck in deep shade that doesn't see much sun, treated wood can be the more practical choice. Tell the builder how long you plan to stay in the house.
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the ground and the house, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear before that visit is a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is composite worth it in Missoula?
For many owners, yes, mostly because it skips the staining that wood needs in a dry, sunny climate. It costs more at the start, so compare the cost over the years you expect to own the home.
Will composite boards fit my existing joists?
It depends on the joist spacing and condition. Many older decks have joists spaced wider than composite boards allow. A builder can measure and tell you.
Related services
More background: Missoula deck guide.
Thinking about a new deck, or worried about the one you have?
Call the number above and a Missoula-area deck builder will talk through what you need.