Composite

• Composite wood is not true wood at all, but is instead made up of a mixture of sawdust, plastics and epoxies all bound together. This composite wood is light, highly uniform and goes well with most deck plans. It is designed to approximate the feel and shades of wood, but does not need staining and protection the way wood does. Like other alternatives, it is resistant to moisture and fading issues.
  
  

Vinyl

• Vinyl is a plastic resin that can be set into a wide variety of shapes and textures. Many wood alternatives, including those made from PVC, use vinyl as their base material. Vinyl has many good qualities: it is inexpensive, can easily be painted different colors, and it will not fade like wood. But vinyl decking may warp or break in extreme temperatures, and does not resemble wood as much as composite materials.
  
  

Plastic Lumber

• Plastic lumber, while sometimes confused with composite wood, is actually a separate product made out of a variety of plastics. The boards are up to 90 percent plastic, made from recycled materials and fiberglass. This makes it a useful eco-friendly option for reclaiming used plastic and, like vinyl, it will not fade over time and is highly resistant to water damage.
  
  

Alternate Decking Plans

• If you are planning a deck space and do not like the idea of using "fake" woods, you may want to consider switching materials entirely. In some cases a patio area will work as well as a deck, but can be made with stones or pavers instead. These durable materials will perform much better in harsh conditions and fading through sunlight will not be an issue. Even concrete, while subject to some fading, performs better than wood.