Troy RP Lumber store manager: Composite decking 'offers the advantage of being maintenance free.'

RP Lumber in Troy, Missouri specializes in decking and Manager Dan Smith says that when it comes to making or replacing your house's deck, there are several things to look for. The top aspects to consider, he said, are cost and maintenance.

"When considering decking options, there are a few choices available," Smith said. "Composite decking, although slightly pricier, offers the advantage of being maintenance free. Another option is our five quarter treated decking and our five quarter cedar deck, which strike a balance between cost and functionality. However, it's important to note that regular maintenance is required for both treated and cedar decks, typically on an annual basis."

According to information provided by RP Lumber, the company offers a variety of decking brands, such as TimberTech, Fiberon and Trex. Trex is the first brand to create composite decking, and distinguishes itself by excluding wood fiber from its composition. It is instead made from recycled plastic. 

TimberTech and Fiberon incorporate a blend that includes wood fibers sourced from different hardwoods, and is combined with plastic. This construction method allows the brands to incorporate virgin plastic, which minimizes expansion and contraction when temperatures reach extreme highs and lows.

According to their website, composite decking provides a wide selection of colors for customers to choose from. It also offers versatility that allows for easy shaping and cutting into different designs and patterns. 

Most composite decking typically comes with warranties that extend up to around 20-25 years. Wood decking, however, usually does not come with warranties, as the responsibility for maintenance is up to the owner of the home or building.

Smith noted that the timeframe for deck construction depends on the availability of the contractor, and RP Lumber has a focus on delivering the customer's decking the same day, as long as your desired material is available. To have a deck ready within a month, customers must decide on the type of decking and assistance required. They should also visit the store to have the deck designed accordingly and schedule the necessary arrangements.

Various RP Lumber locations primarily sell Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon decking. Availability varies by location, and customers should ask their local RP Lumber about the features and benefits of each brand.

RP Lumber design services cover decks, kitchens and baths, and post-frame buildings, serving both "do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors," according to its website. The company, founded in 1977 in Southern Illinois, now has 80 stores across the country. The Troy, Missouri store is located at 508 Villa Drive.