If you live in Philadelphia, you know how harsh the weather can be on your outdoor space—hot, humid summers and freezing winters can take a toll on your deck. To keep your deck looking great and lasting for years, you need a material that can handle extreme weather and minimal maintenance. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top reasons why composite decking is the best investment for your home.
From weather resistance to cost savings, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next deck.
The Key Benefits of Composite Decking in Philadelphia
| Feature | Composite Decking | Traditional Wood Decking |
| Weather Resistance | Won’t crack, warp, or rot in extreme heat or cold | Prone to warping, cracking, and rotting in humidity and freezing temperatures |
| Maintenance | No sanding, sealing, or staining required | Requires sanding, sealing, and staining every year |
| Lifespan | 25-30+ years with minimal wear | 10-15 years, with constant need for repairs and replacements |
| Mold and Mildew Resistance | Resists mold and mildew growth | Prone to mold and mildew in humid conditions |
| UV Protection | UV inhibitors keep the color vibrant | Fades and discolors under sun exposure |
| Safety | Slip-resistant even when wet | Becomes slippery when wet |
| Environmental Impact | Made with up to 95% recycled materials | Requires harvesting virgin timber |
| Customization Options | Endless color, texture, and finish options | Limited in color and finish options |
1. Built to Survive Philadelphia’s Extreme Weather
Philadelphia’s weather can range from sweltering summer heat (with highs reaching 86°F) to freezing winter temperatures (with lows sometimes reaching below 20°F). The city also experiences heavy rainfall in summer months (averaging 3.8 inches in July) and freezing rain and snow in the winter months.
Composite decking from leading manufacturers like Trex, TimberTech, and Azek is engineered to withstand these conditions and remain structurally sound throughout.
- Moisture Resistance:
Wood decks absorb moisture, causing them to swell and crack. Composite decking, however, repels moisture, ensuring it won’t rot or warp. This makes composite decking a perfect fit for Philadelphia’s humid summer months and freeze-thaw cycles during winter. - Freeze-Thaw Durability:
In winter, wood decks absorb water and expand in freezing temperatures, causing cracking and splitting. Trex, Azek, and TimberTech composite decks, however, remain stable, offering resilience against freeze-thaw cycles, keeping your deck intact year-round.
Homeowner Insight:
With composite decking, you don’t need to worry about constant repairs. Trex and TimberTech decking won’t crack or swell under Philadelphia’s tough freeze-thaw cycles.
2. Low Maintenance, High Rewards: Save Time and Money
Philadelphia’s climate can make deck maintenance a headache. Wood decks require constant upkeep to maintain their aesthetic appeal and functionality. This includes sanding, sealing, and staining every year to protect them from the elements. With composite decking, however, you’re getting a low-maintenance solution that saves you time and money.
- Minimal Upkeep:
No more yearly re-staining. Composite decks only require periodic cleaning with a hose or mild detergent to stay in great shape: no tools, no stains, no worries. - Mold and Mildew Resistance:
Philadelphia’s humid climate promotes mold growth on wood decks. Composite decking, such as Trex, TimberTech, and Azek, resists mold and mildew, making it safer and easier to maintain.
3. Cost of Composite Decking: Why It’s Worth Every Penny
The cost of composite decking in Philadelphia ranges from $20 to $35 per square foot, including materials and labor. The initial cost of composite decking is higher than that of traditional wood decks, which typically cost between $10 and $20 per square foot. However, the total cost of ownership is lower because composite decking requires minimal maintenance and lasts much longer.
- Cost Comparison:
While the upfront cost of composite decking is higher, wood decks require constant repairs, staining, and sealing—costs that add up over time. Composite decking, on the other hand, is designed to last 25-30 years, significantly lowering the overall cost of your deck. - Return on Investment (ROI):
Composite decking offers a higher ROI because it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. By investing in composite, you’re saving on future repairs and increasing your home’s market value. - Warranties:
Here’s a quick breakdown of the warranties for the top composite decking brands:- Trex: 25-year limited warranty on most products. The premium Trex Transcend line offers a 50-year limited warranty, covering material defects and fade/stain resistance.
- TimberTech: 30-year limited warranty on standard decking. The high-end Azek line comes with a 50-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects and fade/stain protection.
- Azek: 50-year limited warranty, covering material defects and fade/stain resistance, ensuring long-term performance and appearance.
While composite decking from Azek, TimberTech, or Trex might have a higher initial cost, the substantial savings in maintenance, repairs, and replacements make it an economically sound choice in the long run.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Decking
Philadelphia is a city that values sustainability. Composite decking is made from up to 95% recycled materials, including plastics and wood fibers. Choosing composite decking over wood helps reduce waste and supports eco-friendly initiatives while offering homeowners a product that’s both functional and responsible.
- Recycled Materials:
Composite decking is crafted from recycled plastics and wood fibers that would otherwise end up in landfills, making it an eco-friendly option for your deck. - Preserving Natural Resources:
Unlike wood, which requires logging new trees, composite decking reduces the demand for virgin timber, contributing to the preservation of forests.
Choosing composite decking not only provides a durable deck that’s easy to maintain, but it also helps protect the environment, making it a win-win for eco-conscious homeowners.
Key Features of Composite Decking in Philadelphia
Composite decking brings a host of benefits for Philadelphia homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Wide Range of Customization Options:
Composite decking is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Popular choices include Coastal Gray, Tiki Torch, and Brazilian Walnut. Whether you want a light, neutral tone or a darker, richer color, you can find the perfect option to complement your home. - Design Flexibility:
With composite decking, you can easily integrate additional features like deck inlays for intricate patterns, custom railings that enhance the look and feel of your deck, and built-in seating or planter boxes for both utility and style.
5. Slip-Resistant, Safe for All
Philadelphia’s rainy and snowy weather can make outdoor spaces slippery. Composite decking, however, offers superior traction even when wet. This makes it a safer option for families, pets, and guests.
- Traction Even When Wet:
Composite decking is designed with a textured surface that provides excellent traction, even during rainy or snowy days in Philly. - Safe for Children and Pets:
Composite decking is splinter-free, making it a safer option for children and pets to run, play, or lie down without risk of injury.
EZ Permit Requirements for Building a Deck in Philadelphia
Before starting your new deck project, be sure to check Philadelphia’s EZ Permit requirements. According to the latest guidelines (as of October 2023), you can build a new deck attached to your single-family dwelling with an EZ Permit as long as the following conditions are met:
- Location and Size:
The deck must be attached to an existing single-family dwelling and located in the rear yard, with a maximum area of 160 square feet (216 square feet with intermediate post installations). - Setback Requirements:
A minimum 3-foot setback from the rear property line or shared driveway is required, and all posts must be at least 1.5 feet from property lines. - Height Restrictions:
The maximum height is 14 feet from the top of the footing to the underside of the beam. - Construction Standards:
The deck must be built according to strict guidelines, including pressure-treated wood for framing, hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, and compliance with structural specifications for footings and joists.
Pro Tip:
The EZ Permit process enables faster approval times. It eliminates the need for detailed plans and blueprints, streamlining the process for homeowners who want to build a deck quickly and efficiently.
Composite Decking—The Smart, Durable Choice for Philadelphia Homeowners
Composite decking is the ideal investment for Philadelphia homeowners seeking durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly solutions for their outdoor living spaces. With its ability to withstand Philadelphia’s extreme weather, composite decking will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Additionally, it complies with Philadelphia’s EZ Permit standards, ensuring that your deck will be safe and structurally sound.
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?
Get a free estimate with Precision Deck today. We’re the go-to experts for composite decking in Philadelphia and are ready to help you design a deck that’s built to last!