Composite and PVC decks in Bend
Composite and PVC boards trade a higher upfront cost for far less sanding and staining, which appeals to a lot of people in a climate this dry and sunny.
Wood decking in Bend tends to dry out, check and lose its finish. That's why many homeowners here look at capped composite or PVC boards when they build new or replace worn decking. The frame underneath is still usually pressure-treated lumber, so it needs the same care in design.
Composite or PVC?
| Material | What it is | Things to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Capped composite | A wood-fiber and plastic core with a tougher plastic shell | Heat underfoot in direct sun, color fade, the manufacturer's installation rules |
| PVC (cellular vinyl) | An all-plastic board with no wood fiber | Lighter weight, more expansion and contraction with temperature, price |
| Fire-tested boards | Products tested to the standards Oregon's wildfire code references (ASTM E2632 and E2726) | Worth asking about near the forest edge; not every product line is tested |
Can composite go on my old frame?
Sometimes. Composite manufacturers set their own joist spacing and fastening rules, and many older decks were framed for wood boards. A builder should check the joists, the ledger, the hardware and the footings before agreeing to resurface. If the frame is undersized, rotted or poorly attached to the house, new boards will just hide the problem.
What matters in Bend's climate?
- Sun and heat. Darker boards can get very hot on a summer afternoon. Look at samples in your own yard.
- Big temperature swings. Boards move with temperature, so gaps and end spacing must follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Snow and shoveling. Ask what the manufacturer allows for snow removal and ice melt.
- Embers. Firewise USA notes that many commercial deck boards are combustible. If you're near the trees, ask about fire-tested products and keeping the space under the deck clear.
Does it need a permit?
A new deck usually does if it's more than 30 inches above the ground or has stairs. Replacing boards alone may not, but ask the City of Bend or Deschutes County before assuming. Warranty terms come from the board manufacturer and the builder, so ask for both in writing.
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the ground and the house wall, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any number you hear over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does composite need any upkeep?
Less than wood, but some. Expect to wash it now and then and keep needles and debris out of the gaps, especially near pine trees.
Will composite void my warranty if it's installed wrong?
It can. Manufacturers usually require their own fasteners, spacing and joist layout. Ask the builder to follow the installation guide and give you the warranty paperwork.
Related services
More background: Bend deck guide.
Gray, splintered boards, a shaky railing, or a deck you keep sketching on napkins?
Call now and a local deck builder will help you figure out the next step.