DeKalb RP Lumber store manager: Composite decking 'requires no maintenance.'

DeKalb RP Lumber store manager Eric King says that when selecting a type of decking there are things to keep in mind. King said the main things to consider when making or replacing your house's deck are price and material.

"When choosing decking options, several choices are available," said Dekalb RP Lumber manager Eric King. "Composite decking, despite being slightly more expensive, requires no maintenance. Alternatively, our five-quarter treated decking and five-quarter cedar decking are less expensive options, but both treated and cedar decks require regular maintenance, usually on an annual basis."

RP Lumber offers many different decking brands, such as TimberTech, Fiberon and Trex. Trex was the first brand to create composite decking. It's made from recycled plastic and doesn't use wood fibers. TimberTech and Fiberon use a blend that includes wood fibers sourced from different hardwoods, combined with plastic. It takes up virgin plastic because you get slightly less contraction when temperatures fluctuate.

According to the RP Lumber website, composite decking is available in a variety of different colors. It is workable and can be cut into different designs and patterns. 

Most composite decking comes with warranties that start around 20-25 years, which is something that differs from wood decking. Wood decking does not come with a warranty and the homeowner is responsible for the yearly maintenance.

The timeframe for deck construction depends on the contractor's availability, and RP Lumber aims to deliver customers' decking on the same day, as long as the desired material is available. To have a deck good to go within a month, King said, customers must first decide on the type of decking they'd prefer and the maintenance they may or may not require. Then, they should visit the store to have the deck designed based off of their preferences 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 covers decks, kitchen, baths and post-frame buildings serving both "do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors." The company was founded in 1977 in Southern Illinois and has more than 80 stores around the country. The DeKalb store is located at 1926 Sycamore Road.

Related story: West Plains RP Lumber manager: 'Composite decking is a durable and maintenance-free option.'