Deck builders shell out extra for capstocks

market share from traditional wood plastic composites and PVC decking," said Chris Beyer, Fiberon's vice president of marketing.

Universal Forest Products' capstock, Latitudes Capricorn, is also "selling very well." Its coextrusion technology allows UFPI to emulate rich tropical hardwood colors similar to ip6 and mahogany.

the boards reversible and providing maximum moisture protection.

"With its durability, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly qualities, Transcend is now the foundation of our product portfolio," noted marketing director Adam Zambanini. "We look forward to growing and further innovating the collection."

tTt"t LATEST TREND in composite I decking has been going all vinyl-but just on the surface.

Over the last year, several major manufacturers have introduced hybrid lines: composite deck boards encased in an all-vinyl "capstock." The harder outside shell is said to provide greater durability and resistance to staining, scratching, fading and moisture. It can be cleaned up with soap and water, and produced in rich, dark colors.

The components are coextruded, reportedly to combine the best easycare features of composite and PVC decking, with none of the drawbacks. (Although the improvements do make the products the most expensive composites on the market.) The idea stems from the process many composite manufacturers use to produce their railings.

Fiberon's Horizon composite decking with protective, encapsulated surfaces were first introduced in the fall of 2008. After the immediate success of the product in solid colors, Fiberon two lines that offered the look of rich tropical hardwoods in the summer of 2009.

To meet demand, Fiberon has increased its capacity by 3007o since the beginning of 2010 and is in the process of adding further capacity.

"We believe the outlook for true low maintenance protective surfacecapped decking is very bright and that these products will continue to capture &tildit4:hoducts.om

"Latitudes Capricorn decking is a great alternative to traditional composite decking," says UFPI marketing manager Chris Fox. "We see an increased demand in this type of ultralow maintenance product."

Trex's Transcend is capped on the top and two sides, but not the bottom. The manufacturer says the composition allows the underside to breathe, helping to prevent surface separation. Conversely, Horizon and Capricorn are coated on all four sides, making

CertainTeed added a PVC capstock to its Boardwalk line back in 2007-shortly before discontinuing all composite decking. This year, CertainTeed returned to composites, distributing a capstock decking produced for it by Fiberon, EverNew PT.

Enduris also offers capstock decking, but Endeck's core is cellular PVC instead of composite. As a result, the decking boasts superior consistency and can carry a lifetime warranty, compared to the 25-year guarantee offered by several competitors.