Decks & Fences
Composite Decking
No rot, no refinishing, and two things people are not told.
No rot, no refinishing, and two things people are not told.
Quick answer: Composite Decking. Southeastern Renovation is a licensed South Carolina general contractor (CLG.127339) serving the Charleston Lowcountry and York County, SC. Work is coordinated by Southeastern Renovation as the general contractor. Licensed trade subcontractors handle work requiring their trade credentials; permit responsibilities depend on the project scope and jurisdiction. Call (843) 718-8177 for an estimate.
It does not rot, does not splinter and does not need sanding and sealing every year, which in a place with this humidity is most of why people choose it.
The first thing people are not told is heat. Composite gets hotter underfoot in direct sun than timber does, and darker colours get hotter still. On a south-facing deck with no shade that is worth thinking about before choosing a colour.
The second is joist spacing. Composite is less stiff than timber and typically needs joists closer together than a timber deck of the same span. Laying composite over framing built for timber produces a deck that feels bouncy, and the fix is under the boards.
Serving Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, James Island, West Ashley, Isle of Palms, Moncks Corner, Hanahan, Ladson, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Park West, Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, Edisto Island, Folly Beach, Ravenel, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie, Clover, York, Indian Land across the Charleston Lowcountry. Part of Southeastern Renovation.
Hotter than timber in direct sun, and darker colours hotter still. On a shaded deck it is a non-issue; on a south-facing one with no cover it is worth factoring into the colour choice.
Only if the joist spacing suits it. Composite is less stiff than timber and usually needs joists closer together — laid over framing built for timber it feels bouncy, and the remedy is under the boards rather than on top.
Maintenance reduced, not free. It does not need sanding or sealing, but it still grows mildew in this climate and still needs washing.