Composite Decking · Boston, MA

Composite Decking in Boston

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, usually with a protective outer shell. It doesn't need staining or sealing, resists rot, and comes in a wide range of colors and wood-grain finishes.

Local conditions

What's different about composite decking in Boston

In Greater Boston, composite and PVC are popular because they shrug off snow, freeze-thaw and moisture without staining. Use plastic-bladed shovels and only the ice-melt products your board manufacturer approves. Near the water, pair the decking with stainless or coated fasteners and hardware. On roof decks and upper-level porches, composite's lighter maintenance is especially valuable because access for re-staining is difficult. Confirm that the existing framing is spaced for composite before re-decking an older porch.

What are the benefits of composite decking?

Composite's main advantages are low maintenance, consistent appearance, resistance to rot and insects, and no splinters. You wash it periodically instead of staining and sealing it.

Full detail in our composite decking guide.

What do Boston's housing and climate data mean for this service?

Heat is composite's main tradeoff, and Boston sees about 14 days a year at 90°F or above (NOAA normals, Boston Logan Intl. AP). Board color can be chosen mostly on looks, though full-sun decks still benefit from lighter tones.

With about 77 wet days a year and 69 freeze-thaw days, capped composite's resistance to moisture and splitting is a practical advantage over unsealed wood in Boston. About 49.2 inches of snow a year means choosing ice-melt the manufacturer allows and plastic-bladed shovels.

With 1% detached homes, many Boston composite projects are re-decks of existing backyard decks, so joist spacing on the old frame must be checked first.

Covered ZIP codes in Boston, MA
ZIP	Homes	Median year built	Owner-occupied
02108	2,568	1938	51%
02109	2,632	1954	32%
02110	1,711	1977	70%
02111	4,648	1980	26%
02113	4,763	1938	16%
02114	9,912	1966	22%
02115	11,514	1938	15%
02116	14,152	1938	35%
02118	15,828	1947	33%
02133	18	1938	100%
02163	549	1987	0%
02199	1,160	1974	1%
02203	n/a	n/a	n/a
02210	5,535	2012	25%
02215	9,334	1955	9%

Permits for composite decking in Boston

Massachusetts uses a statewide building code (780 CMR) administered by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards and enforced by local building officials. Whether your project needs a permit depends on its scope and your exact address, so check with the building department that serves it before work begins.

Authoritative references

Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide (DCA 6) — American Wood Council
U.S. Climate Normals — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information

Scope

What moves the scope of composite decking

Board line (capped vs. uncapped, premium vs. standard)
Color and heat-mitigating options
Joist spacing changes on an existing frame
Picture framing, inlays and diagonal layouts
Matching composite stair treads, fascia and railings

FAQs

Composite Decking questions

Does composite decking get hot?

It can, especially darker colors in direct sun. Lighter colors, shade and boards designed to run cooler reduce the effect.

How do you clean composite decking?

Most manufacturers recommend periodic washing with soap and water and a soft brush. Follow the manufacturer's care guide for stains and pressure-washer use.

Can composite go over my existing wood deck frame?

Only if the frame is sound and spaced correctly for the boards. Many older wood decks were framed for wider spacing than composite allows, so extra joists may be needed.

Is composite slippery?

Textured, capped composite generally provides reasonable traction, but any deck can be slippery when wet, icy or covered in debris. Keep it clean, and avoid using rock salt unless the manufacturer allows it.

Related services

Nearby covered cities

Boston, MA