We need to talk about composite decks. You have probably heard a lot about how good they are compared to wood. They need less maintenance. They do not give splinters. They last a long time. All of those good things are true. But once you decide on composite decking, you are not finished yet. There are still choices to make. One of the big choices that people often forget is whether to use solid core or hollow core composite decking in Hawthorne.
As a local contractor for Hawthorne Deck Builders, we have seen many decks in Hawthorne. We can tell you that what is inside the deck board makes a real difference. We will also talk about grooved edges versus ungrooved edges. This ties into how your deck looks as well as how it gets put together.
Solid Core Composite Decking: The Heavy Hitter
When you pick a solid core composite board for your Deck Construction project, you are getting something that feels a lot like traditional lumber. It is dense. It is heavy. It is built to take a beating. You can think of it as the workhorse of composite decking for your Hawthorne home.
- Durability & Strength: This is where solid core decking really performs well. It is stronger. It can handle more weight as well as more foot traffic without flexing or feeling bouncy. If you are planning on having a big outdoor kitchen, a heavy hot tub, or many parties with people moving around, solid core decking will give you that solid, stable feel for your Deck Construction.
- Appearance: These solid core boards look more like real wood because they are solid all the way through. This is especially true on the ends of the boards. You do not have to worry about seeing any hollow chambers with solid core composite decking.
- Thermal Movement: Solid boards generally show less expansion and contraction when temperatures change. This is compared to hollow boards. That is a good thing for us here in Southern California. We get hot sunny days as well as cooler nights. The temperature swings are not as extreme as some other places, but solid core still performs better.
- Cost: You should expect to pay more upfront for solid core composite decking. More material means a higher price tag for your Deck Construction project in Hawthorne.
- Installation: Solid core boards are heavier. This means they can be a bit more work to move around as well as to install.
Hollow Core Composite Decking: The Lighter Option
Hollow core boards are made with chambers that run through them. They are like a honeycomb. This design makes them lighter as well as often more budget-friendly for homeowners in Hawthorne.
- Cost: This is usually the main reason people choose hollow core decking. Hollow boards use less material. This means they are typically more affordable. If you have a tighter budget, this can be a good way to get composite decking for your Hawthorne home.
- Weight & Installation: Being lighter makes these boards easier to handle as well as to install. This can save some money on labor costs if you are hiring a crew. It can also make it less physically demanding if you are doing some of the work yourself.
- Durability: Hollow core decking is still durable. However, it is not as strong as solid core boards. They might feel a bit more flexible underfoot. They are also generally not recommended for very heavy loads.
- Appearance: The ends of hollow boards show the internal chambers. You will definitely want to use fascia boards or end caps to hide them. This will give your Deck Construction a finished look.
- Moisture: If hollow core boards are not installed correctly with end caps, they can potentially collect water. This can lead to problems later on for your deck in Hawthorne.
Grooved vs. Ungrooved Edges: It Is About the Fasteners
This is not a choice about the core material of the board. However, it is a big part of how your deck looks as well as how it is built. Most composite boards come in both grooved and ungrooved edge profiles. Ungrooved edges are also called square edges.
- Grooved Edges: These boards have a channel cut along the sides. They are made for hidden fastening systems. Clips slide into the grooves. They then screw down to the joists. The big benefit is that there are no visible screws on the deck surface. This gives you a very clean, smooth look. This is a popular choice for a high-end finish on a Deck Construction project in Hawthorne.
- Ungrooved (Square) Edges: These are like traditional wood boards. They have flat edges. You install them by screwing them directly into the joists from the top. You will see the screw heads. However, you can get color-matched screws that blend in pretty well. Square edge boards are typically used for the perimeter of the deck. They are also used for stair treads or anywhere the edge is visible. This is true even if the rest of the deck uses grooved boards.
Our Recommendation for Hawthorne Homeowners
Our Hawthorne weather is mild but sunny. Most people want a deck that lasts without constant trouble. Here is our take on Deck Construction for Hawthorne Deck Builders.
For the main decking surface, we almost always suggest solid core composite boards with grooved edges. Here is why we recommend this option for your Deck Construction project in Hawthorne.
- Durability: You want your deck to last a long time. Solid core boards are simply more solid. They handle our everyday life better. This includes kids playing as well as moving furniture. They do this without feeling flimsy.
- Appearance: The solid feel and the clean look of hidden fasteners make for a more premium, finished deck. You are investing in composite decking for a reason. You want it to look good for a long time.
- Hawthorne Conditions: Our climate is not extreme. However, the consistent sun can still test materials. Solid core's stability and resistance to thermal movement is a good thing. We do not have to worry about heavy snow loads. A solid deck still feels better underfoot.
Now, if budget is a very tight limit, hollow core boards can work. This is especially true for smaller decks or areas with very light use. But you will want to make sure your installer, like us at Hawthorne Deck Builders, is very careful about using end caps. They also need to make sure there is good drainage to prevent any moisture problems. For those perimeter boards, you will still want square-edge pieces for a clean finish.
One more thing to think about is the subframe. Even with the best composite boards, your deck will not last if your subframe is rotting wood. For the longest life, especially with our coastal air, a steel subframe is a great choice. It will not warp. It will not rot. It will not get eaten by termites. This matches the lifespan of your composite boards. It is a higher upfront cost. However, it means you will not be tearing up a perfectly good composite deck in 10-15 years. This is because the wood underneath would have given out. Hawthorne Deck Builders can help you with this decision.
The best choice depends on your specific needs as well as your budget. But for a deck that feels substantial, looks great, and stands up to life here in Hawthorne, solid core with hidden fasteners is usually the way to go. Give Hawthorne Deck Builders a call. We can walk you through the options right in your backyard for your Deck Construction project.