Composite Deck Building in Honolulu, HI

Composite deck building appeals to many Honolulu owners who are tired of re-staining wood every year or two under the sun. Composite boards are made from a blend of wood fiber and plastic, and the better lines add a hard polymer cap over the core. They do not rot or splinter the way wood does, and they are not a meal for termites. What they are not is a complete answer: the boards sit on joists, beams and posts, and on most decks that frame is still lumber.

The frame underneath still matters

A composite surface can outlast the wood beneath it by years. On Oahu the threats to that frame are Formosan subterranean termites coming up from the soil and moisture trapped on top of joists. We set posts on concrete footings or raised bases, use framing lumber rated for exterior exposure, keep the frame clear of the ground and leave room to inspect underneath. Many builders also cover the tops of joists with butyl joist tape so water does not sit in the screw holes; we include it and note it on the quote. On some raised or oceanfront decks we price a steel or aluminum frame as an option.

Heat and color

Honolulu's UV index averages 9.7 over the year and runs above 12 in midsummer. Dark composite boards in full sun get hot enough to be uncomfortable on bare feet, which matters on a deck people walk across barefoot all day. Lighter colors, boards marketed for lower heat absorption, and a cover or shade sail over the main sitting area all help. We bring samples to the site so you can feel them in the sun where the deck will be.

Spacing, ventilation and wind

Composite expands and contracts with temperature more than wood does, so manufacturers publish gap and end-spacing rules, and those rules change with board length and install temperature. Boards also need airflow underneath; a deck built tight to the ground with no ventilation can trap heat and moisture. On windward lots that face the northeast trades, we pay attention to how the wind reaches the underside, since lightweight fascia and skirting need to be fastened for it.

Fasteners near the ocean

Hidden clip systems and face screws both have to be compatible with the board line and the exposure. Near the water we use stainless steel screws and clips, and stainless or hot-dip galvanized connectors on the frame, following the manufacturer's coastal guidance. Ordinary coated screws can streak and fail in salt air within a few years.

Warranties as information

Composite manufacturers offer their own limited warranties on the boards, usually covering structural defects and, on capped lines, fading and staining, with conditions about installation, spacing and fasteners. Those warranties come from the manufacturer, cover the boards only, and do not extend to the frame. We install to the published instructions so the manufacturer's terms are not put at risk.

Is composite right for your deck?

Composite is a good fit if you want little upkeep, the deck gets full sun, and you plan to stay in the home long enough for the higher upfront cost to pay back in skipped refinishing. Wood may make more sense on a small ground-level deck, in deep shade, or where budget is the main concern. We price both when you are undecided.