Composite Decking · Nashville, TN

Composite Decking in Nashville

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 Nashville

Composite's mildew resistance suits Nashville's humidity, and lighter colors stay more comfortable in summer sun. Capped boards make cleanup of pollen and leaves easier during spring. Middle Tennessee's long, humid summers mean wood decks often need cleaning and resealing every year or two; composite trades that recurring work for a higher upfront cost. Check that the frame spacing suits composite if re-decking an existing structure.

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 Nashville's housing and climate data mean for this service?

Heat is composite's main tradeoff, and Nashville sees about 51 days a year at 90°F or above (NOAA normals, Shelby Bottoms Nature). Lighter colors and heat-mitigating board lines are worth serious consideration.

With about 81 wet days a year and 68 freeze-thaw days, capped composite's resistance to moisture and splitting is a practical advantage over unsealed wood in Nashville.

With 53% detached homes, many Nashville composite projects are re-decks of existing backyard decks, so joist spacing on the old frame must be checked first.

Covered ZIP codes in Nashville, TN
ZIP	Homes	Median year built	Owner-occupied
37204	8,016	1993	56%
37205	12,641	1971	68%
37206	14,065	1969	50%
37207	19,727	1978	56%
37210	9,521	1976	30%
37211	35,911	1980	49%
37212	8,288	1969	41%
37213	n/a	n/a	n/a
37214	15,978	1983	63%
37215	11,310	1980	76%
37216	9,881	1960	70%
37217	14,737	1978	41%
37220	2,295	1962	91%
37221	21,079	1991	71%
37232	n/a	n/a	n/a

Permits for composite decking in Nashville

Tennessee building code adoption and enforcement vary by local jurisdiction. Contact your city or county codes department. 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

Nashville, TN