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Composite deck builder in Tampa Bay
Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, Deckorators and MoistureShield, installed on concrete footings and framing at 12 inches on center.
A composite deck is the most common deck we build in Tampa Bay, and for good reason. Pressure-treated pine fights Florida from day one: it checks and splinters in the sun, turns gray, and needs cleaning and sealing every year or two to hold off rot. Capped composite and PVC boards don't rot, don't need staining, and hold their color far longer in Gulf Coast sun.
The trade-off is price. Composite boards cost more than pine, and the framing under them has to be built tighter. We frame every composite deck at 12 inches on center so the boards stay flat and the deck feels solid underfoot.
Composite, PVC and mineral-based boards
"Composite" gets used for three different kinds of board. They look similar on a sample rack but behave differently in Florida.
| Board type | What it is | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capped wood-plastic composite | Recycled plastic and wood fiber core with a hard polymer shell | Most homes; best value per square foot | Darker colors run hot in full sun |
| PVC (cellular PVC) | All plastic, no wood fiber | Docks, coastal homes, high-moisture spots | Costs more; expands and contracts more with heat |
| Mineral-based composite | Mineral and polymer core, lighter than standard composite | Long spans of boards, strong stability with temperature swings | Fewer color choices in some lines |
The brands we install
Trex
The best-known composite brand and the one homeowners ask for most. Trex sells good, better and best lines, from entry-level Enhance through Select and Transcend, plus railing, lighting and hidden fasteners that all match. Trex deck installation in Tampa.
TimberTech
TimberTech makes both capped composite and the AZEK line of PVC boards. AZEK PVC is our usual pick around pools and right on the water because it has no wood fiber at all. TimberTech deck installation.
Fiberon
Fiberon often comes in a little under Trex at a similar tier, with capped composite lines and a PVC line. It's a strong choice when you want composite on a tighter budget. Fiberon deck installation.
Deckorators
Deckorators is known for its mineral-based composite boards, which are lighter and very stable as temperatures swing between a cool morning and a 95-degree afternoon. They also make a wide range of aluminum and composite railings.
MoistureShield
MoistureShield boards are built to handle water, and some of its lines are rated for ground contact and even installation in water. That makes it worth a look for low decks near the ground, docks and boardwalks over wet areas.
Heat: the Florida question
Every composite board gets warm in direct summer sun, and darker colors get hotter. If your deck faces south or west with no shade, we steer toward lighter colors, PVC lines sold for lower surface temperatures, or a pergola or cover over part of the deck. We'll bring samples so you can feel them in your own yard before you choose.
What a composite deck costs here
On recent ground-level Trex decks with concrete footings, a picture-frame border and hidden fasteners, our quotes have run about $41 to $48 per square foot installed. Raised decks, railings, stairs and premium PVC lines cost more. The full breakdown is in our Tampa deck cost guide.
How we install composite
- Concrete footings for every post, with posts held a couple of inches off the ground.
- Pressure-treated 2×8 or larger framing at 12 inches on center.
- Joist protection tape on top of the framing where the board maker calls for it.
- Gaps between boards and at the ends set to the manufacturer's spacing for heat expansion.
- Hidden fasteners or color-matched screws and plugs, never exposed silver screws.
- A picture-frame border and matching fascia so cut ends don't show.
Following each manufacturer's installation instructions is also what keeps your product warranty valid, so we build to them on every job.
Common questions
Is composite decking worth it in Florida?
For most homeowners who plan to stay, yes. Composite costs more to install, but you skip yearly sealing and the rot and splinter repairs that pine needs in Florida's sun and rain. Over 10 to 15 years the total cost often evens out, and the deck looks better the whole time.
Which composite brand is best?
There isn't one best brand. Trex is the safe, widely available choice, TimberTech's AZEK PVC is our pick around pools and salt water, and Fiberon is good value. We'll recommend a line based on your sun, your budget and how close you are to the water.
Does composite decking get hot?
Yes, all composite and PVC boards warm up in direct sun, and dark colors get hottest. Lighter colors, heat-reducing product lines and shade over part of the deck all help.
Can you put composite boards on my existing deck frame?
Sometimes. If the old frame is solid, level and spaced tightly enough, we can resurface it. Many older Tampa Bay decks were framed at 16 or 24 inches, though, and composite needs closer spacing. We check every joist before recommending a resurface.