Outdoor spaces have become an indispensable part of our homes, and the boundary between inside and out grows even more porous as fireplaces, kitchens, and lounge areas migrate to the open air.

With such an emphasis on al fresco living—and balmy weather just around the corner—you may be considering extending, renovating, or replacing your deck. Whatever the scope of the project, the factors that go into choosing the best decking material are the same across the board: beauty, durability, cost, and sustainability. Southern California-based couple Peter and Emma Magalhaes had precisely these in mind when they opted for TimberTech composite decking around their pool.

“It was the most practical choice,” says Peter, “and it looks so much like real wood that it made the design come to life.”

When the goal is to design a space that complements the natural setting, there’s nothing worse than a deck with a plastic sheen. In TimberTech’s portfolio of composite decking, you’ll find best-in-class aesthetics, from organic grain patterns and sophisticated hues, to elegant finishes that recall reclaimed wood or premium hardwoods.

“I wanted something Zen that would wow at the same time, and TimberTech brought that to us,” says Emma. Thanks to innovative technology, the colors won’t fade over time, ensuring a handsome effect for years to come. Traditional wood, however, could suffer bleaching from the sun; UV rays also weaken the bonds between the boards and the stain.

While the upfront cost of a traditional wood deck may be lower than that of TimberTech, the continuous upkeep can take a toll in terms of time, labor, and money. Even coveted hardwoods, such as ipe, eventually succumb to the elements and are susceptible to fading, rotting, warping, cracking, and splintering. To keep a wood deck in shipshape, you’ll need to replace old boards and periodically sand, stain, and seal the material to restore its former glow, potentially releasing harmful VOCs.

TimberTech products are engineered to outlast and outperform, and maintenance is a lot less hands-on—sweeping and cleaning are enough to keep it looking luminous and standing sound. For the Magalhaeses, who often host family gatherings around the pool, their deck is one less source of stress. “I don’t have to worry about the kids running around and getting splinters,” says Emma. “It’s so easy to maintain and clean.”

The strength and longevity of TimberTech eliminates the need to replace deteriorating decks, making it a more sustainable option in the long run. “We wanted to have a deck that would hold up to Southern California summers,” says Peter.

Each of the three decking lines uses a majority percentage of recycled materials, and the company’s full-circle recycling program diverted 500 million pounds of scrap and waste from landfills in 2021. In addition to alleviating deforestation, TimberTech reuses up to 97 percent of the water consumed in its largest facilities thanks to a closed-loop filtration system.

With the season for backyard dinner parties and rooftop soirées upon us, TimberTech offers free product samples to help you bring your vision to life, so you’ll be clinking glasses, roasting s’mores, or sipping coffee outside in no time.

Learn more about composite decking at timbertech.com.