Menards Composite Deck Boards: Are They Worth It?

Menards Composite Deck Boards: Are They Worth It? – A Detailed Examination

This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis to help you determine if Menards composite deck boards are a worthwhile investment for your decking project. We’ll explore the pros, cons, pricing, performance, and alternatives to empower you to make an informed decision.

Understanding Composite Decking

Before diving specifically into Menards’ offerings, it’s important to understand what composite decking actually is.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a man-made material composed of a mixture of wood fibers, plastics, and binding agents. This combination is designed to offer the aesthetic appeal of wood with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance requirements. It aims to address some common shortcomings of traditional wood decking, such as susceptibility to rot, insect infestation, and splintering.

Key Advantages of Composite Decking

• Durability: Resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to wood (no staining, sealing, or painting).
• Longevity: Often comes with warranties lasting several decades.
• Aesthetics: Offers a variety of colors, textures, and grain patterns.
• Eco-Friendliness (Potentially): Some are made with recycled materials.

Menards’ Composite Deck Board Options

Menards carries a variety of composite decking brands and lines. It’s critical to understand the differences between them to properly evaluate if they meet your needs.

Brand Overview

Menards typically stocks composite decking from their own in-house brands and occasionally carries other nationally recognized brands. Focus on the in-house brands when discussing Menards deck boards. Commonly found brands include:

• Trekker: Usually the entry-level option, offering a balance between affordability and basic durability.
• WeatherShield: Often a mid-range option offering slightly better durability and aesthetic options than Trekker.
• UltraDeck: Potentially offering premium features like enhanced scratch resistance, more realistic wood grain patterns, and longer warranties.
  • Note: Availability of these brands can vary by location and time of year. Always verify current stock online or in-store.

Features and Specifications

It’s crucial to compare specific product features when evaluating Menards composite decking. Important factors include:

• Material Composition: The specific ratio of wood fibers, plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), and binding agents can impact performance.
• Surface Treatment: Capped vs. uncapped. Capped boards have a protective outer layer that provides enhanced stain and fade resistance. Uncapped boards are generally more susceptible to the elements.
• Dimensions: Deck board width, thickness, and length can affect installation complexity and the overall look of the deck.
• Colors and Finishes: Consider the available color options and whether the finish is textured or smooth.
• Warranty: The length and terms of the warranty are vital indicators of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.

Common Sizes Available

Typically, Menards stocks composite deck boards in the following dimensions:

• Thickness: Around 1 inch (can vary slightly).
• Width: 5.5 inches
• Lengths: Primarily available in 12, 16, and 20-foot lengths.
  • Note: Length availability can influence waste during installation and overall cost.

Pros and Cons of Menards Composite Deck Boards

Let’s analyze the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing composite deck boards from Menards.

Advantages

• Cost-Effectiveness: Menards often offers competitive pricing on their in-house brands, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Convenience: Easy access to products through their extensive network of stores.
• Variety: They typically offer a range of colors, textures, and price points within their composite decking selection.
• Potential for DIY Installation: Many of their composite deck boards are designed for relatively easy installation, making them suitable for DIY projects.
• Warranty: Menards offers warranties on their composite decking, providing some level of protection against defects. The length of warranty varies by product line.

Disadvantages

• Quality Variation: The quality of Menards composite deck boards can vary significantly depending on the specific brand and product line. Entry-level options may not be as durable or stain-resistant as higher-end alternatives.
• Limited Brand Selection: Compared to specialty decking retailers, Menards offers a narrower range of composite decking brands, potentially limiting your options.
• Color Fading: Some customers report issues with color fading over time, especially with uncapped boards or lower-quality product lines.
• Heat Retention: Composite decking can get hotter than wood decking in direct sunlight, which may be a concern in warmer climates.
• Potential for Scratches and Dents: While more durable than wood, composite decking can still be susceptible to scratches and dents, especially if exposed to heavy traffic or sharp objects.

Cost Analysis

Understanding the cost involved is crucial in determining the "worth" of Menards composite deck boards.

Initial Material Costs

The initial cost of Menards composite deck boards will vary depending on:

• The specific brand and product line: Entry-level options will be cheaper than premium lines.
• Board dimensions: Longer boards may have a higher per-board cost.
• Sales and promotions: Menards frequently offers sales and promotions on decking materials.

To get an accurate estimate, you should compare prices per linear foot (or square foot) across different product lines. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of fasteners, framing materials, and other necessary accessories.

Long-Term Cost Savings

While the initial cost of composite decking is often higher than wood, the long-term cost savings can be significant. Consider the following:

• Reduced maintenance: No need for staining, sealing, or painting, saving on material and labor costs.
• Longer lifespan: Composite decking typically lasts longer than wood, reducing the need for replacement.
• Increased home value: A well-maintained composite deck can increase your home’s value.

Installation Costs

• DIY Installation: If you choose to install the deck yourself, you’ll save on labor costs but need to factor in the cost of tools and your time.
• Professional Installation: Hiring a professional installer will add to the overall cost but can ensure a properly installed deck and potentially reduce the risk of future problems.

Comparing Menards Composite Deck Boards to Alternatives

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare Menards composite deck boards to other decking options.

Wood Decking

• Cost: Typically lower initial cost than composite.
• Maintenance: Requires regular staining, sealing, and painting.
• Durability: Susceptible to rot, decay, and insect damage.
• Aesthetics: Natural wood appearance.

Other Composite Decking Brands

Compare Menards’ offerings to composite deck boards from brands like:

• Trex: A leading brand known for its high-quality composite decking.
• TimberTech: Another reputable brand offering a wide range of composite and PVC decking options.
• Fiberon: Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly decking materials.

Compare features, pricing, warranties, and customer reviews to determine which option best meets your needs.

PVC Decking

• Material: Made entirely of plastic (PVC).
• Advantages: Highly resistant to moisture, stains, and fading.
• Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than composite decking.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

Before purchasing Menards composite deck boards, consider these important factors:

1. Climate: Consider your local climate and whether the composite decking is suitable for the temperature extremes and moisture levels in your area.
2. Traffic: If your deck will experience heavy foot traffic, choose a more durable and scratch-resistant option.
3. Aesthetics: Select a color and texture that complements your home’s architecture and landscaping.
4. Budget: Determine your budget and find a balance between price and quality.
5. Installation: Decide whether you’ll install the deck yourself or hire a professional.
6. Local Building Codes: Ensure that the decking materials comply with all applicable local building codes and regulations.

So, are menards composite deck boards right for you? Hopefully, you’ve got a better idea now! Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and you’ll be enjoying your new deck in no time.