Frequently Asked Questions

All DuraLife Composite Decking products are crafted from reclaimed hardwood fiber and rugged, UV-stabilized polypropylene. DuraLife Composite Decking combines a unique polypropylene-based formula with a highly advanced manufacturing process to yield a superior material. DuraLife Composite Decking was the first composite composite decking manufacturer to use polypropylene instead of polyethylene and also the first to introduce a capped composite composite decking product. Polypropylene (think of Tupperware® or red gas cans) makes it stronger, stiffer, and harder than other composites, so it can span longer distances and withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction.

Although no composite decking is truly maintenance free, DuraLife Composite Decking's capped composite technology is stain, fade, and mould-resistant so it requires only regular sweeping and periodic washing with soap and water to keep it looking great.

We offer matching fascia for our Siesta Solids Collection composite decking (9 colors, including White) and our Siesta Hardwoods Collection (4 colors). Our Brazilian Cherry fascia may also be used with our Spanish Cedar MVP composite decking.

Rather than being a specific 'layer', our co-extruded, polypropylene capped surface material actually bonds to the composite substrate below during the manufacturing process which means that it won’t separate or peel off, even after heavy use.

Through our extensive testing and over seven years of co-extrusion manufacturing experience, we have proven that our polypropylene and hardwood composite composite decking has minimal expansion / contraction or moisture absorption characteristics. As a result, we’ve decided that capping the bottom of the deck board would not significantly improve its overall performance and therefore warrant the added cost associated with that process.

The DuraLife Composite Decking line of colors is fade resistant and will retain its natural appearance. DuraLife Composite Decking may lose some of the semi-gloss appearance and weather to a natural matte finish depending upon its exposure to the elements. DuraLife Composite Decking carries a 25 year limited warranty against fade in excess of 5 Delta E (CIE) during the term of the warranty. See Warranty section for complete information.

When installing DuraLife Composite Decking, a "picture-frame" method (using our Starter Board profile) is recommended in order to provide a clean, finished edge around the perimeter of the deck and on stair treads. In other applications, a solid colour-matched stain (similar to Sherwin Williams or Behr) may be used to coat the cut ends of the deck boards. We recommend taking a scrap piece of deck board with you when consulting with your local paint retailer for colour matching and application procedures.

We do not set pricing for our dealer network and we do not sell direct to the public, however we work very hard to keep the pricing of DuraLife Composite Decking as low as we can. In most cases, you will find DuraLife Composite Decking is the most attractively priced product in the 'Ultra-Low Maintenance', capped composite market segment where it competes with PVC Vinyl and other capped composite decking products. And in general it will be in the price range of the higher grades of wood composite decking.

We sell DuraLife Composite Decking exclusively through a network of professional lumber dealers (generally, that locally owned, high-service family business in town where your contractor shops). If your local lumberyard or building product retailer does not carry DuraLife, ask them to contact us directly so that we may further develop our distribution network and improve our ability to supply our customers with our top rated composite decking products.

When you purchase DuraLife Composite Decking, you are protected by one of the industry’s best warranties, including our 25-year limited stain and fade warranty. DuraLife Composite Decking offers product warranties for both residential and commercial projects. Our Residential is a limited 25 warranty that is transferable and gives you extra protection and peace of mind, while our Commercial is a 10 Year Limited Warranty. See Warranty section for complete information.

DuraLife Composite Decking, when properly installed and maintained is warranted for 25 years against rot, structural decay, splitting, checking, splintering, or termite damage under normal conditions of composite decking use and exposure. *The Residential Limited Lifetime Warranty may be transferred one time from the original consumer to the subsequent purchaser. See Warranty section for complete details.

DuraLife Composite Decking boards have a deep, embossed wood grain combined with a co-extruded surface that provides traction even when wet. DuraLife Composite Decking products are ADA compliant for ramps, etc.

A carbide-tipped combination 24 tooth blade can be used to cut DuraLife Composite Decking. When ripping DuraLife Composite Decking, use a ripping blade, which has deeper notches to clear shavings. Learn More.

DuraLife Composite Decking features an extremely hard and durable polypropylene capped surface that is resistant to normal day-to-day wear however, even DuraLife’s hard surface may be scratched by dragging deck furniture or other items across the deck’s surface or by dropping items with sharp edges (like tools, etc.) onto the deck. Nylon furniture pads or glides are recommended for table, chairs, or other items that may be moved or re-positioned frequently on your deck.

Any type of salt or ice melt can be applied to DuraLife Composite Decking as any wood surface along with the use of a plastic tip shovel. Please do not chip at any thin ice or directly on DuraLife Composite Decking as it may damage the surface of the material. Visit our Product Care page to learn more about caring for your DuraLife composite decking.

DuraLife Composite Decking should be stored on wood supports placed approximately every three feet and under a dry lumber cover or tarp. Rainwater that wouldn’t stain a deck will stain stacked lumber, so remember to keep it dry.

We always suggest that our customers choose KDAT stamped framing lumber. This wood will be straighter and will also be lighter and easier to handle, and won't shrink and expand as much during and after the deck project. As always, check with your local code official for deck construction requirements prior to beginning your project.

The proprietary DuraLife Fastenator clip should be used when installing our Siesta Hardwood Collection, Siesta Solids Collection, or MVP channeled (pre-grooved) composite decking. Pre-loaded Fastenators (with #7 x 2 ¼" trim head screws) can really speed up installation time and improve the appearance of your deck. The outer, square edge of the DuraLife starter board (used when picture framing the outer edge of the deck) must be face-screwed using colour-matched capped composite deck screws. Learn More.

A minimum 4.8mm spacing is required between DuraLife Composite Decking boards. The Fastenator hidden fastening system automatically establishes the 4.8mm gap. Use the deck spacing chart in our installation instructions to address end to end gapping.

We recommend that the substructure of the deck have a minimum 51mm clearance from grade to provide for adequate ventilation.

DuraLife Composite Decking may overhang the outer rim joists, but the overhang should not exceed 51mm lengthwise and 13mm widthwise.

DuraLife Composite Decking is composed of 60% recycled hard wood fiber and 40% polypropylene, the strongest plastic used in a composite decking material, allowing DuraLife Siesta composite decking boards to span up to 550mm OC at 90° and 450mm OC at 45°. Our MVP composite decking is rated at 450mm OC at 90° and 350mm OC @ 45°.