Green Shoots Blog
The backyard deck is the ultimate retreat, providing an idyllic place for catching an afternoon nap on a lounge chair, hosting a barbecue with friends, or enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars. For homeowners who want to spend more time enjoying their deck, and less time maintaining it, composite decking is the ideal choice. A low maintenance alternative to wood decks, composite decking doesn’t splinter, will never require sanding and is not preferred by those pesky termites.
There are a lot of options when it comes to composite decking, and each manufacturer puts their own unique twist on the composite concept. Some of the bigger companies such as Trex®, TimberTech®, Fiberon®, and EverGrain®- as well as Cali Bamboo– all offer different products at different price points, making it difficult to decipher which is the best choice for you. When doing a composite decking comparison for your next deck project, the best advice we can give is to do your homework and compare each product’s specifications and test results.
Read below for a composite decking comparison between our bestselling composite decking BamDeck® and other decking options. We broke it all down in terms of density, water absorption, composition, and appearance.
Density
While most synthetic deck material and recycled plastic decking is made from a combination of wood filler (sawdust, wood chips, etc) and plastic, BamDeck® is made from 100% recycled materials: 60% recycled bamboo fibers and 40% recycled HDPE plastic. Bamboo is known for its exceptional durability, and the bamboo fibers in BamDeck® give it industry-leading strength and density, making it inherently stronger than other wood-based composites or plastic decks. In fact, third-party tests in accordance with ASTM’s regulations have found BamDeck® to be at least 3.6x as strong as other composites made from plastic deck material.
Water Absorption
Because of BamDeck®’s superior density, it absorbs 90% less water than other composites and plastic decks. When water leaks into a less dense wood-plastic composite, it can cause mold, mildew, and in some cases, decay- irreversible damage that will require replacing the deck to fix. This is especially important to consider if you live in a location that experiences frequent rain or snowfall.
Composition
This is where the composite decking comparison gets interesting. Many composite decking companies such as Trex® and Fiberon® offer a capped product, meaning they are made from a wood/plastic composite wrapped (or “capped”) in a tough surface shell, which is typically a thin (approximately 1/16th inch) layer of the synthetic plastic PVC. While capped decking is highly regarded in the decking industry due to its resistance to UV fading, scratches, and stains, be wary of companies that cut corners by only capping 1-3 sides of the board instead of all four. For these products, the veneer often does not completely seal the board, allowing for moisture to penetrate the composite which can cause the boards to expand or warp. For cheaply-made capped decking, the cap has even been known to peel off completely. **Note: If you decide to go with a capped product, make sure you pick one that is capped on all four sides (like our TruOrganics™ Composite Decking), and that utilizes a dense internal material instead of a cheap filler.
The key to BamDeck®’s extraordinary density is its composition. Instead of a cheap filler wrapped in a tough cap, BamDeck® features its hybrid formula of ultra-dense bamboo and long-lasting plastics through and through, available in solid and 3G options. BamDeck® 3G is created with CoreMax™ Technology, engineering cylindrical chambers that run the length of each board. Much like the physics property that makes a tube less flexible than a rod, the hollow CoreMax™ Technology increases tensile strength by 35% while reducing overall weight by 20%. Plus, the unwrapped surface of BamDeck® contains less plastic than other composites, making it cooler to the touch on a hot summer day.
Appearance
When planning your next decking project, chances are you have a specific vision in mind when it comes to your deck’s appearance. A deck is an extension of your home, and should be as beautiful as it is practical. A common complaint we hear from customers is that composite decking from other companies looks like fake, stamped wood, so we designed BamDeck® to have a clean, natural look that doesn’t look cheap or plastic-like. Caramel and Coffee BamDeck® mimic natural earth tones, while Slate and and Charcoal offers a sleek, modern aesthetic.
BamDeck® is the only wide plank decking in the industry, bringing the modern look of wide plank flooring to the outdoors. BamDeck® features a two-sided reversible construction, giving homeowners additional design options. Check out our Deck Designs page for even more inspiration.
If you have additional questions about composite decking comparisons, call our Green Building Consultants at 1(888) 788-2254. We’re happy to chat with you about your project and help make your deck the envy of the neighborhood!
Looking at replacing a redwood deck up on big bear. Lots of snow, water and sun on the deck and big temperature changes. Would you recommend Bamdeck or True Organic? Should I steer away from composite in general? Many contractors tell me to stick with redwood but don’t wan recurring maintenance at the cabin…
Hi Brandon,
If you’re ok with the look of composite wood, there is no reason not to. BamDeck has a clean minimal aesthetic that is appealing for modern urban designs, but for a cabin in the woods with snow, mud and sap, I’d go with a wrapped product like TruOrganics, it holds up better to more wear and tear and bears.
I’m thinking about Trex or Bamboo as part of my pool deck in San Diego. Dark Trex gets so danged hot… how is Bamboo underfoot? And what do you think of it as a pool deck?
Hi Laura! All composite decking brands, when compared by color, perform about the same. Lighter-colored materials are always cooler than dark, and that goes for decking, stone, etc. We have two very light colored decking options Glacier and Slate (discontinued) that will stay barefoot-friendly for you. Also, you can use it as a pool deck and it will look great! Take a look at how this homeowner creatively combined stone and decking into his pool deck design.
Cheers,
Hello! We live in San Diego about 4 miles from the ocean. We are going to build out a deck that’s about 400 or 500 square feet. I’m reading we get about 11 inches of rain annually. Our builder recommended Trex but I am not loving the look. Would bamboo composite hold up well?
Hi Christie,
We’re in SD too! Our HQ is in Sorrento Mesa. Our BamDeck has a clean and modern look that you just can’t get with Trex. It’s just as durable as wood composites, but since there is no stamped wood texture, it does tend to show wear and tear more so than other composites. Not a big deal if your deck gets minimal traffic, but if you have a busy household with kids and dogs, etc. our TruOrganics composite decking might be a better choice.
Do you have a list of contractors you recommend that are accustomed to working with your product?
Yes, we’ve done so many areas that we likely know of a good installer in your city. Give us a call at 1(888)788-2254 and we can help track one down for you.
I want to add a 2-3ft extension on top of my block wall and would prefer to use composite rather than wood. Can your product be used for this? Can they be painted?
Hi Kimberly,
Yes, we’ve seen people use our composite decking as fencing material, here’s a gallery that can give you some ideas: https://www.flickr.com/photos/calibamboo/albums/72157689655882465
Keep in mind, we do not recommend painting composite decking.
I am planning to replace an old redwood deck located in Montana at 6,000 ft. I need to plan for a wide temperature range and intense sun. Would you recommend your products for that application? Thanks.
Absolutely, just be sure to leave some space between planks and plank ends so the boards have room to expand and contract. Specifics can be found in our decking install guides.
I currently have about 1700 sq. feet of twenty year old 5/4 x 4″ cedar decking that I plan to replace with composite decking. based on the following, can you point me in the right direction?
I plan to use a professional installer. What is the best way to find one.
I live in Washington state near Seattle, on the beach on Puget sound.
The salt water is really hard on the cedar decking and requires lots of replacement.
Information about composite decking is plentiful and confusing.
Should I even go to composite or keep the cedar?
Thank you
Jim
I see Carlee has reached out to you, she can help answer all of your questions. Thanks for the comment!
This is a question. I noticed the problems people mentioned about water and / or leaf stains on their bamboo decking. You mentioned that this improves with age. I want to put a deck directly under a tree. South Carolina gets a lot of rain and heat in the Summer. If the stains can’t be cleaned in an acceptable manner can the bamboo decking be painted or stained?
Hi Anna,
If you know there’s going to be lots of dead leaves on the deck I wouldn’t get BamDeck, go with TruOrganics, it has a full wrap that resists staining better than the BamDeck.
I have a deck installed approx. 12 years ago which was a Timber Tech Redwood Twin Cedar finish. In addition it is 1 1/2″ thick. I now have a need to add to that decking. I’m trying to match the existing deck the best I can. The only 1 1/2″ thick decking that I have found is Timber Tech/Azek Coastline and Slate Gray. I am looking to buy approx. 100 square ft. but would like to find a color that is a closer match than grey. Any old inventory of the original or anything closer would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
We do have several shades of reddish-brown decking but all of them are about 1 inch thick.
If need of looking for an installer please contact p.m. contracting.
Are you in upstate New York? I’ll forward your contact info on to our trade team.Thank you!
Hi, we are thinking about a TruOrganics deck. Our deck design has a curved shape on one side and a step down . Are there special boards that we can use for the skirt that have the ability to curve? Also are there boards that do not have holes in them in case it is needed for an end?
Thanks.
Hi Elizabeth,
You’ll want to use the square edge decking for both heat curving and end pieces, it doesn’t have holes or fastener grooves on the edges.
Hi,
Do you happen to have the slip resistance numbers for the TruOrganics line? I see the numbers for BamDeck above, but not for TruOrganics.
Thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave, looking into this…
Found it, well there’s actually two, one for each side of the plank (it’s double-sided).
TruOrganics Decking Textured Slip Test Results
TruOrganics Decking Smooth Slip Test Results
so how does the slip numbers compare to pressure treated wood?
Here are the test results but I don’t know how pressure treated lumber performs. I’ll send a suggestion to our testing people to get that done for comparison. Great suggestion.
TruOrganics Decking Textured Slip Test Results
TruOrganics Decking Smooth Slip Test Results
BamDeck Slip Test Results
Can I replace this product over redwood decking
Hi Stuart,
While it is possible, as long as the deck is flat and structurally sound, we recommend removing the old deck boards prior to installing new ones.
Hi Walter. I need to replace the decking on my front entrance steps(real wood that is rotting). The existing stringers are pressure treated and fine. They are 16″ on center (48 inches wide, 4 stringers). Are any of your products appropriate for that span? I would prefer to reuse the existing stringers
16″ is the magic number Andrew! Any of our Composite Decking products will work.
Hi I have a fiberglass deck that’s about 1000sq’ and I have to paint it every year can I use any of your products to cover it. The deck is built on double 2x 10’s so strength is not an issue.
Hi Jack,
Normally this shouldn’t be an issue as long as the boards are flat, but I’ve never personally screwed into a fiberglass deck board. I’d try screwing some screws into an inconspicuous spot to see if they screw in and hold well. Worst case you’d have too go back and pull up the old planks and install directly onto the joists assuming they are 16″ or less apart.
Which product would be a good choice to use on a dock that is in 4 by 8 sections that is removed annually
BamDeck wide plank is already 8 ft in length and is up to the challenge.
We have a trex composite deck built in 2002 that is gray. Within the first year, it started getting black streaks, stains and mildew. I’ve used everything under the sun, even the special cleaner that Trex recommends and it still looks spotted in places.
I’ve resigned myself to simply replace all the decking boards this spring. Is there any possibility that Bamdeck will do this staining/discoloring/spotting like Trex does? Is there ANY composite deck that won’t stain/spot/mildew?
Thanks!
Hi Brad,
If you’re in a region that has mold and mildew issues, I would look for a capped (also called wrapped) composite product. Some brands only cap the top of the board, so try to find one that is capped all the way around. You’ll also want to use board sealer on all cut and exposed board ends to be extra safe. Our TruOrganics line (not BamDeck) is fully wrapped and we offer clear end sealer too.
My understanding is BamDeck is a solid product — isn’t that preferable to a capped product (even 4-sided) to address the mold & mildew issues raised in the question?
Hi Dan,
BamDeck is a great product indeed, but if you seal all cut ends and install color-matched end caps, a capped product like TruOrganics is better performing in almost every way with the exception of eco-friendliness and contemporary looks (which is a matter of opinion) to BamDeck.
Hello,
How is TruOrganics less eco-friendly as BamDeck?
Thank you.
While both contain recycled HDPE plastics, BamDeck is made with recycled bamboo fibers and TruOrganics is made with recycled wood fibers.
We installed bam deck about 3 years ago. My husband researched a lot and compared it to other composite decking and decided he liked your product the best. What we are unhappy about is that it has really faded A LOT, when we were told it would not fade in the sun. We are a little disappointed to say the least considering we could have gone with any other product and possibly for cheaper and decided on yours. We have tried cleaning it using your suggested deck cleaning products and it still looks faded. What can we do?
Hi Kristin,
Marcus will be contacting you shortly with some suggestions.
I have a GAF Cross Timbers Deck and need to replace several boards. Do you have a product that matches these boards. As you probably know Cross Timbers has been discontinued.
Please advise. Thanks
AB
Hi Art,
Send us some photos of your current deck to [email protected] and we’ll try to suggest something that may be a close color match.
We have a brand new deck of BamDeck Denali and it just looks faded to me. We have cleaned it with a deck brush and dawn soap – no pressure washer and still looks faded and old when dry. Is that just normal for this material?
Hi Paula,
Send some photos to [email protected]. They’ll take a look and give you some additional tips.
Walker
I’m looking to put a composite deck over our concrete patio. The deck gets a lot of sun during the summer and I was told that Trex absorbs heat and gets very hot to the touch. Is there a brand that does not absorb the heat as badly as Trex?
Hi Tom,
You say “over” but do you mean “on top of”? There needs to be space and airflow (4 inches minimum) between a concrete pad and composite decking otherwise any product will get excessively hot and fall apart. Way more than brand or what it’s made out of, the color of the composite decking plays the biggest role in determining how hot the deck will get in direct sun. Darker colored deck boards get hotter than lighter colored ones. So if heat is a concern, only consider light colors.
Can you please explain to me what the main differences are between your BamDeck product line and TruOrganics product line?
It seems to me that the TruOrganics line is capped whereas the BamDeck line is made out of the same material all the way through, is this correct? If this is correct, does that mean that if I cut the BamDeck to length it will look uniform on the ends whereas if I cut the TruOrganics I will be able to see the layer of the cap on top of the core?
The reason I ask is because the way I am going to build the floor for my balcony, the ends will be exposed and I am trying to wrap my head around how they will look.
You are right on the money Bryan. We also offer square edge planks that are solid (without ridges/holes) for most of our decking colors, but the TuOrganics does have that thin cap layer that is visible but not that noticeable.
I’m looking to build a floating deck practically right on top of my grass. Does CaliBamboo offer any lumber for in ground use that I could use as the base on top of which I’d use your BamDeck planks?
Hi Franc,
I’m not aware of any lumber, even composites, that can go right in the ground, you typically need to have a concrete footing. I’d talk to a pro before going down this path too far.
Can you please give some advise to a good choice of decking for Phoenix Arizona. I’m concerned about the composite decking being too hot in the summer and will the extreme heat warp the decking.
Hi Tami,
I would recommend getting the lightest color deck you can find. The lightest colors we offer are Glacier, Mojave.
Want to replace my wood front porch with composite. since our front porch is the main entrance do you offer something that is slip resistant during the rainy periods and especially the winter months.
Hi Jeri,
All of our composite decking materials comply with the ADA requirements. Also, here are some links to some slip test results we had performed by a third-party testing facility:
https://www.calibamboo.com/content/downloads/slip/astm_d2047_bamdeck_slip_test_results.pdf
Considering a 20×20 deck that may end up becoming an enclosed room later on. What’s the R factor of the decking material ? Or insulation alternatives before laying the flooring ? Or insulation later since will be built over a concrete slab that 18 inches higher to match the kitchen floor.
I’m sorry we don’t have r-value information on our decking materials.
What is the cost. How long is the warranty?
Hi Ben,
We have a few different composite products, different lengths and widths, grooved and square edge, give us a quick call at 1(888)788-2254 so we can give you an accurate estimate. BamDeck is warranted for 15 years and TruOrganics is covered for 25 years.
Can I install a composite deck over an existing pressure treated pine deck? I currently have a 12′ by 40′ deck that I am tired of staining/painting every year. The current deck is elevated but should support additional weight. It currently handles 3′ feet of snow on occasion with no problem.
You’ll want to remove the pine deck boards, and as long as the joists are in good shape, and no more than 16 inches apart on center, you absolutely can.
Have you done any tests in regards to fire resistance with your decking product? I live in northern California I know some products resist fire better
Sure do, here are the testing documents:
TruOrganics
BamDeck
Thank you for providing these two documents. I was hoping to find the same level of data for TruOrganics that is provided for BamDeck. Is that available? We are considering this for a mountain home, so fire performance is important.
Here are the testing documents:
TruOrganics
BamDeck
Hello, I am looking for a deck that does not get to hot as I have 3 dogs, won’t make them slip all over when they try walking on it as one is getting older and also won’t get scratched up from their nails. What would you recommend?
Also, we would need about 800sf with 16′ pieces. Can you estimate how much this would cost for material?
Hi Sheri,
Regardless of what product you buy, as far as heat goes, the general rule is the lighter the color, the cooler the deck. I’ve done heat tests on most of the brands out there and found that similar colors yield similar results.
As far as our offerings, your next two requirements are a bit at odds with each other. Our BamDeck product has a matte finish and is extremely slip-resistant and will be very safe for your aging pups going up and down stairs. But it doesn’t have the scratch-resistance properties of our TruOrganics line. So if you end up going with one of our products, you’ll need to make a decision on scratch resistance vs slip resistance.
We’d be happy to put together a project estimate for you, just give us a call at 1(888) 788-2254 and one of our Green Building experts will answer all of your questions.
Best,
Hi,
I live in the northeast. I spoke w/a rep today re the TruOrganics & bamdeck.
I was informed that TruOrganics is a better choice. But having read all of this, I’m more confused as to which one to use. And further to that what should be used as the subfloor? This is for a freestanding deck—no steps nor railings needed. I have a grandchild who will be playing on said deck and am concerned about the heat factor—-please to advise.
My deck size is a 10×24. 12×24 is also a thought. If I’m to use your 16footers which size deck would u recommend? I understand the 8 footers are more expensive. Please to advise.
Thanks—-Yvette P
The only advantage BamDeck has over TruOrganics is it’s a little more eco-friendly being made from bamboo, and it features a matte finish which some people just love. Since you are in a wet climate however the rep was correct in steering you toward TruOrganics, it offers better stain and moisture resistance.
Hi Walker,
Our deck installation, using Bamdeck 3G Wide Composite decking, was completed about 6 weeks ago.
We are very happy with the color and the large modern width of the boards. It matches the house perfectly. The install system was great as well, for it makes for a very clean install and final appearance, without any visible fasteners. The project would have all been wonderful, were it not for one big issue.
What we are very disappointed and surprised to see, is how easily the deck stains. At first even something as simple as standing water from a recent downpour would leave a subtle stain/shadow on the surface. This issue after several recent downpours seems to have nearly disappeared. The bigger issue now though, is that the majority of leaves that fall onto the deck leave behind stains that are nearly impossible to remove. We tried the dishwashing soap and water cleaning solution as described on your site and it really does not remove the stain completely, leaving behind shadows.
This is quite surprising for a product that advertises itself as being maintenance free, stain resistant, high density with low water absorption qualities. See the descriptions from your site below:
On your site in the maintenance videos, it asks that leaves should not be allowed to sit on the deck and need to be removed immediately. It also describes how you should not allow water to pond on the deck for long periods of time.
Believe me my wife and I are sticklers when it comes to maintenance and cleanliness, and we are constantly sweeping this deck. But I have to ask you in your honest opinion, how can leaves and water at some point in the day, not be allowed accumulate on the deck. In the Midwest, trees are a natural part of our environment with rainfall a common occurrence . This is simply impractical.
My wife and I are very concerned that the layers of accumulated staining over the course of time will make the deck look horrible and shabby. This is very difficult to accept, since we have invested a substantial amount of our hard earned money on this project. I just emailed Dean Daley about this matter as well. He was our salesmen who assisted us on the purchase and provided excellent customer service.
Sincerely,
Rocco Tunzi
Hi Rocco,
Exciting news about the new deck, we’d love to see photos. Please send them to [email protected].
Sorry to hear about the staining issues, I will say that brand new decks do seem to be more susceptible to staining, but after a season, tend to show less and less as they age, it’s a strange thing. If after a season it’s still not performing to your liking, please contact our service department and they can give you additional suggestions or if need be, return or replacement options. Keep in mind the Bamdeck product is the only one lacking the outer wrap feature that helps protect the decking from issues like staining.
Best,
Walker
Walker,
You mention that Bamdeck does not have an outer wrap like others. What does that mean with regards to staining? I am very interested in Bamdeck, but like Rocco have lots of trees around the deck area, so it is concerning.
Curt
BamDeck has a beautiful low-gloss matte finish and is very popular in the dry Southwest and Florida. Unfortunately, this also makes it susceptible to scratching and staining since it lacks a protective wrap. If you live in an area with lots of falling leaves and are concerned about staining, BamDeck may not be the right choice.
Best,
Hello. We are just getting ready to build a new deck about 700 square feet and live in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle (yep, lots of rain and falling leaves). Our contractor is recommending the True Organics decking, but after reading all of these comments I am concerned. Any thoughts? I really like the looks of the product and the durability seems great, just worried about the staining issues.
Hi Glen,
I think you have them mixed up. Our BamDeck product has the matte finish and is susceptible to staining, but our TruOrganics has a full wrap that makes it much more resistant to stains.
I have to replace the wood deck surrounding our pool. I’m looking for a product that won’t hold heat. I’ve found that stone and BamDeck is extremely hot in full sun. What options do I have?
Hi Bob,
If heat is your concern, go with something light colored. All composite decking brands, when compared by color, perform about the same. Lighter colored materials are always cooler than dark, and that goes for decking, stone, etc. We have two very light colored decking options Mojave and Glacier that will stay barefoot friendly for you. Also, take a look at how this homeowner creatively combined stone and decking into his pool deck design.
Cheers,
Bob, this is the exact scenario I am facing and have been looking for about 2 years. I got a sample of the G3 and let it sit in the hot sun and the temp was unbareable on the feet. Have you found a solution?
The pictures you have on your website do not seem to have much space between boards for rain
and melting snow to run through without backing up. Can you explain how efficient run-off is
when the space is barely open?
We recommend a minimum of 3/16″ expansion gap on all edges. If you use our clips, they will create the correct expansion space. My guess is that some people may not like the look of the gaps so they use other clips that allow them to get the boards closer.
Has anyone tried the BamDeck on a floating dock? What’s the weight comparison to wood or the other composite decking? How well with the fasteners work with aluminum framework?
Hi DW,
Check out these docks built with BamDeck.
What was the answer to the question of weight, compared to other composites or compared to wood?
The 20% weight reduction mentioned is compared to solid composite decking.
Looking to make a purchase on your composite decking. My plan is to install over a existing concrete patio, lay treated 2×4’s flat with 1” pvc spacers under the 2×4’s for drainage, then install decking at 16” OC on top. Will this work with your product?
Hi Steven,
That could work for a very low deck like under 12″ tall. We actually have Deck Tiles (discontinued) that are made from the same material that are designed specifically for this, no structure needed.
Two questions: What is the required joist span if you are laying the decking diagonally? Is there a durability difference between the BamDeck and TruOrganics products? (We have two Golden Retrievers who love being out on the deck and want to make sure the decking will hold up to contact with doggie paws/nails!)
Hi Elizabeth,
For diagonal installations we recommend joists 12″ on center. BamDeck Pro360 and TruOrganics are very similar as they are both fully wrapped and are great for large pets, but BanDeck Pro360 contains bamboo/plastic composite core and TruOrganics is a hardwood/plastic composite. Our original BamDeck material is not wrapped, giving it a matte finish that looks modern, but probably not a good choice if you are concerned about large dog claws.
Walker
I have deck that is 16 feet 6 inches wide and 12 feet long. Your decking is 16 ft. How do I splice this so it comes out the best, and cheapest.
Hi Stephen,
You have two options. Use 16′ decking and frame the edges or use 8′ decking and use a breaker board down the middle like this. One of our reps can give you an accurate estimate for both. I will say 8′ boards are much easier to ship, deliver and work with.
Do we have to seal end cut?
The only product that still requires end sealer is the Bronze which we no longer offer.
Looking at a re-do on my existing deck, however, I’m also planning on extending it from 28′ to about 42′, and increasing it from 12′ wide to about 14′. So the idea of 16′ sections & wider planks REALLY appeals to me, given the area involved. I’ve already decided on using the clips to permit better expansion/contraction, as here in Northern IL, we’ve seen temps from -20*f to as high as 105*f !
Snow load isn’t a problem, this deck previously had a hot tub (since removed) and has 12″ spacing on the stringers supporting it.
So any chance on 16′ sections?? PLEASE??
Hi Albert,
You asked and we listened! We now have 16′ decking in all styles except wide. 16′ wide decking is just too heavy to safely handle.
As far as a comparison goes, are there any performance benefits in choosing the TruOrganics over the Pro360 lines? Or are the differences cosmetic only? What is the typical price difference per ft?
Hi Clay,
They are very similar, but Pro360 is made with bamboo fibers and TruOrganics is made with hardwood fibers, bamboo being slightly stronger and a bit more resistant to water absorption overall.
Is there a drainage system or sheeting for under the decking? I am looking to have the deck on top of a shipping container and would like to have water drain off instead of pooling under the decking.
Thanks
Hi Bryan,
While we don’t offer a solution for this, I would think that you could run the joists in the direction you would want water to run and use polycarbonate roof panels between the joists? You could install them at a slight angle and overlap them to promote runoff.
What is the Thermal Resistance (R Value) and/or Overall Coefficient of Heat Transmission (U-Factor) of various Cali-Bam products? Also, what is the recommended temperature range (and maximum) for your product in terms of heat tolerance. Thanks!
Hi Wil,
While we don’t state specific limits, in most areas 1/4″ between butt ends and 3/16″ between planks is sufficient but we also provide some additional information about how to determine the correct expansion requirements for extreme climates. The following is stated on page 9 of our installation guidelines:
In extreme climates, additional expansion space between the boards may be necessary. Please reference the formula below to calculate your expansion space.
What you will need to know:
•Coefficient of Linear Expansion (CLE): 0.04 mm/m (°C) / 20.2 x 10E-6 inch/inch/ (°F)
•Installation Temperature (°C or °F)
• Max or Minimum Temperature in your region (°C or °F)
A. When installing at a low temperature always use the maximum temperature in your region to calculate
B. When installing at a high temperature always use the minimum temperature in your region to calculate
•Length of the Board (mm / inches)
Expansion space = Coefficient of Linear Expansion (CLE, °C or °F) x Length of the Board (mm / inches) x
(Max. or Min. Temp. in your region – Installation Temp., (°C or °F).
Ron Muraco on January 11, 2018 at 2:41 pm
I am looking for 16′ planks by either 6 or 8″. The framework that will support the decking is 24″ on center. Do any of your products support the 24″ on center requirement? Thanks
Sorry, all of our decking requires joists that are 16″ on center.
wide plank 3g bamdeck.
would like to install with 1/8″ between boards….. have there been any issues with doing so?
1/4″ is allowing the holes to be seen.
thanks,
jon
Hi Jon,
1/4″ covers all regions and temperate zones. If you live in a moderate area that experiences less seasonal change such as Southern California, you could get away with less. According to our records, you’re in Indiana which can experience summer highs in the 90s and winter lows in the teens so you should really use 1/4″ expansion space.
I am looking for 16′ planks by either 6 or 8″. The framework that will support the decking is 24″ on center. Do any of your products support the 24″ on center requirement? Thanks
What about static electricity. Can you comment about that? I have heard it is a really big problem with composite decking. Have you done any comparison tests?
We’ve heard of this occurring too, but not very often. It seems to be limited to capped or wrapped composite decking. I’m sure some brands are more susceptible due to their physical properties or material make-up. One thing we do know is there are a lot of factors that need to align just right for static issues to occur and be noticeable, and to be honest, it’s a bit of an anomaly. Temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure as well as construction factors, footings, hardware used can all contribute to this phenomenon but we’ve seen two identical decks built right next to each other by the same contractor and one has a static issue and the other doesn’t which make us scratch our head and wonder why. I can tell you that in our 5-year history of selling our composite decking, I could count the decks with static issues on one hand, so the odds are definitely in your favor.
What are the fire ratings of your products? Some places require decks to demonstrate some kind of fire resistance.
Hi Doug,
Here’s the flame spread report.
Can this material be used on a concrete slab for.
Hi Ruben,
Bamdeck or any composite decking for that matter is not intended to be placed directly on a slab, you’ll need a substructure (min 4 inches), usually pressure-treated lumber, to attach the planks to. A substructure keeps moisture and debris away from the deck boards. Our Deck Tiles (discontinued), however, are specifically designed to be placed right on top of slabs. They’re perfect for small patios or places where you don’t necessarily want to build a substructure.
Best,
I am just starting to research the possibility of replacing my old pressure treated wooden deck boards with a composite product and have a question about surface of such products. My 75 lb dog loves to charge out the back door at full speed to launch himself into the yard – and then come back onto the deck with equal exuberance. As such, there’s a section of my deck surface that gets pretty beat up by his nails. I try to keep a door mat in that area, but sometimes it gets pushed aside. How resistant are composite products to scratches?
Hi Susan,
Sounds like one happy dog! If I were you I’d only look at capped composite decking, it has a coating over the composite that adds additional stain and scratch protection. Our TruOrganics line is fully capped on all 4 sides. If you’re looking at other brands, they sometimes cut corners and only cap 3 sides leaving the bottom of the plank’s composite core exposed inviting moisture and mildew, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for that. Gather up as many samples as you can get your hands on, lay them out and eliminate as many as you can based on looks, then put your faves out in the sun for a few weeks, get them wet and muddy, try to scratch them with a key and see which ones hold up best and which ones are easiest to clean off. You should be able to narrow it down to a couple choices. If all else fails and you just can’t decide, your flying dog may be able to pick a winner! 😉 Email me your contact info and I’ll get samples and a doggie bandana in the mail to you!
Best,
So if one composite is capped on 4 sides with holes in it and the other is capped on 3 sides with with no holes which holds water more? Seems like once the water/moisture enters the holes.. it will sit there forever.. and then the composite will rot from the inside out.. otherwise I am liking the samples sent…
Hi Mark,
I see what you’re saying, however I have not heard of any moisture-related issues with the holes in the decking. We do offer end caps for the TruOrganics line but it’s more for aesthetics.
Walker
We need some tongue in groove composite decking and cant seem to find any we are planning on replacing a upper uncovered porch over a lower porch have a wrap around lower and upper porch. We would like it to drain at the end of it into the gutter rather then underneath it. Do you have anything like that
Hi Virg,
Sorry, we do not offer tongue and groove decking.
Maybe you can have your engineer explain to us what ‘Modules’ of elasticity are. Or just correct it on the BamDeck web page.
Also, there is a picture that appears on the main page that shows what appears to be a blue deck. I’m pretty sure that between my s****y monitor and the over saturation in the photo that it’s probably gray. If it is blue, what did you get to stain it that way? The surface of that deck looks like its been polished. How was that effect achieved?
Hi Bill,
It has to do with bending the plank to see how far it will bend before it snaps. Wikipedia states: “Young’s modulus ( E ) describes tensile elasticity, or the tendency of an object to deform along an axis when opposing forces are applied along that axis; it is defined as the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain. It is often referred to simply as the elastic modulus.”
Not sure which photo you are referring to, chances are it is your monitor I don’t think I’ve seen a blue deck on our website. As for a polished look, the deck could be wet? Again, not totally sure which image you are referring to. Some deck lines are shinier than others, BamDeck 3G is very matte, TruOrganics is a touch shinier, ProFormance 360 is even shinier and GreenClaimed I believe is the shiniest, but relatively speaking, I wouldn’t call it shiny by itself.
I have a flat roof surface that is covered with a silicone liquid membrane that is rolled on and cured. It works great, but I am wondering if I can use your decking tile either over it laying on the membrane directly, or laying on 1×2 redwood or treated lumber, so that if we need to re-coat the roof, we could remove the tile to access the roof? Also, the wood strips would run in the direction of the slight roof slope for drainage. Water will run off the roof if it comes through the tiles but there is only a 3/4″ space between the bottom of the tile and the roof. Climate is Salt Lake City
Hi Gordon,
You got an interesting situation, and I don’t feel like I can make that kind of recommendation. If I were you, I’d have a professional contractor come out and give you an estimate.
The coefficient of thermal expansion, and the contribution of this to longitudinal dimensional stability over time are two things that have plagued composite decking since it was first introduced years ago. A friend of mine built a beautiful composite deck a few years ago, and already has sags and bulges. Have you done any accelerated testing to mimic these effects?
Hi Patrick,
We are looking into getting acceleration testing performed, but have found 3/16″ to 1/4″ expansion space between planks to be more than adequate to prevent bulging in even the harshest environments. Page 6-7 discuss this in our installation instructions. As for the long term effects of expansion and contraction, we’ve offered the product since 2012 and back it for structural integrity for 20 years.
I have a home in Lake Havasu City, AZ. It gets hot, hot, hot and very intense. My upper deck needs constant repair from the strong sun and heat. Also, I have grandchildren that run around with no shoes on. Which product is best suited for these conditions. The deck is large and 3 sided so I am also concerned about prices.
BTW I bought a few pieces of another product that looks and installs much the same but you cannot walk on it when it has been in the sun.
As an Arizona native, I know that hot. We did some heat tests on our BamDeck and some competitors and more than brand, color had the biggest effect on temperature. Light grays stayed much cooler than the browns and reddish browns. Slate would be our coolest color. I’ll email you directly and get you some samples to put up there.
Can I clean BamDeck with a pressure washer?
Yes, but it should be done carefully. Here’s what our website says on the topic:
Pressure Washing
If used incorrectly, pressure-washing can cause damage and wear to your composite deck. Skilled professionals may use a pressure washer with wide fan tips, at low pressures under 1,500 psi and at safe distances, 12” above deck. In the wrong hands, your composite deck can be damaged. Exercise extreme caution.
If I were you I’d practice on an inconspicuous area of the deck and when you’re a confident move to other areas of the deck.
simple question: does your decking plank product get slippery when wet? Last thing I want is for my younger kids to slip, fall and injure themselves. Thanx
We haven’t had any issues with slipping, and our product has been tested and complies with ADA standards. That said, you should be mindful if you use any cleaning products on the deck as they can affect its slipperiness. We recommend sticking to water only, or we’ve found a deck cleaner by Defy that we really like too.
Can you screw brass pool cover anchors into any of your composite decking products?
Short answer yes, but keep in mind the 3G products have the hollow tubes running the length of the decking which may not be an ideal surface to screw into, if possible I’d use solid planks in the areas you plan to screw into the decking. We have solid, and square edge versions of each deck color we offer.
Hi,
I know BamDeck does not need to be painted but can it be painted?
If so, how should the material be treayted prior to painting?
Thank you.
Ron
To be honest Ron, I’ve never tried. Best thing would be to get a free sample and try painting it.
I have a long Boat Dock in Potomac River just below Quantico, VA. Water here is Fresh, but we do get 3′ Tidal-Swings that sometime will engulf Decking. Very Wet Conditions, All the time, year-round. Pressure-treated 2×8 Deck Boards are rotting after about 9 years. Will any of your Decking handle constant wet conditions year-round? Thanks for your time!
Hi Bruce,
All of our composite decking performs extremely well even under the harshest conditions. It’s the substructure you’re gonna have trouble with, have you looked into concrete, steel or aluminum?
I’m considering using this product to replace my wooden dock in Minnesota. The sections would be constructed in 4 foot by 4 foot squares. They are removed and stored vertically outside over the winter. How much does this product weigh compared to cedar or redwood? Which of your products would you recommend for this purpose and have you heard of anyone using your products for this purpose?
Hi Kevin,
As long as the joist span is 16″ or less, it should work just fine. I laid out the wide plank and the standard plank decking in a 4’x 4′ square and the 5.5″ standard planks works out perfectly. We sell it in boxes of (4) 8′ boards so it works out to 1 box per square section. They weigh 85 pounds per box and cost $148.50.
Can the bamdeck be repaired? I have a few boards that have scratches and I would like to repair it without having to replace the entire thing.
Yes, you can lightly sand BamDeck to remove stains and scratches.
How about thinner panels and so forth to get into the housing siding market?
This is on our radar Russ,
We’ve seen people use it in eves and as wall design.
Thanks for the comment!
This looks like a great product. Under what circumstances would I not consider this product? Is there a circumstance where I should not use this product relative to something else? Everything has a compromise even if minor, would appreciate any candor. Any technical or installation limitations to be aware of? How long under normal and reasonable So Cal weather conditions would I expect this decking to last? Thanks. Have 1,500 feet to do, think I am going your way!
Hi Mark,
This product is intended to be installed on a stable substructure with joists no more than 16″ apart on center. Board seams will need to be at the joist and must be secured by either a sister joist or butt seam clip (basically a mirror image of the normal clip). Our installation video covers most of the points. BamDeck® is warranted for 25 years. The wrapped BamDeck® is less susceptible to scratches and has the wood texture. You may need to purchase square edge or end caps for the edges and/or stairs of the deck. Our Green Building experts are super helpful, I’d give them a call, they can answer any question you throw at them. 1(888) 788-2254
How do you prevent bees/wasps from making nests in the holes of the product?
Hi Sally,
Sorry for the delayed response, while we haven’t had a case of this yet, anything is possible. We do offer end caps for our TruOrganics decking:
I’m looking at calibamboo for a deck in an area that gets heavy snow in the winter.
How does your product withstand this type of weather?
With coremax, are the planks installed by screwing through them like one would an ordinary wood planks?
Would there be a problem with water getting in the coremax tubes, and then expanding due to cold temperatures?
Hi Andrew,
BamDeck® is a great product even in the harshest environments. The CorMax™ channels improve overall rigidity and we’ve never heard of any issues with freezing. You will, however, want to make sure that your joist span is no more than 16″ on center, that snow can get mighty heavy. Also, most decks are built with a slight pitch away from your structure wich should inhibit moisture build up in the channels and allow any water that does get it there a way out.
Question: We recently visited a friend who had Trex on his deck and it was wet due to rain. it was extremely slippery and many of us almost slipped and fell. Is this also the case with the BamDeck?
Hi Marcia,
Nothing kills a party faster than a broken hip. But seriously, I’m glad nobody was hurt, I’m surprised that it was so slippery, most manufacturers have that problem figured out. It could have to do with what they are using to clean the deck, soaps and detergents can make for one slippery situation. Our decking meets all ADA requirements and I haven’t heard of any problems with slipping. Here’s some info about the slip test (ASTM D2394 coefficient of friction) and our rating.
Hi, Have just received my samples of Bamdeck. Interesting product! Looking to reface a 44’x 20 ‘ south facing deck in New England by the coast. Is Royal Gray your lightest gray color?
Hi Rick,
It’s a toss up between Royal Gray, Slate and Graphite. Royal gray is a cooler (more blue) gray where Slate and Graphite are a warmer (more yellow) gray.
Can BamDeck work with existing pressure treated wood structure and traditional/existing iron fencing? Or do I have to replace any one of them?
I have a 1900 SF wood deck and I am considering replacement all face planks with new composite material. The deck is partially on stilt and we are not touching the vertical beams and foundation.
Thanks.
Sure can Yan, as long as the joists are no more than 16″ apart and the wood is in good condition, your existing structure will work just fine.
Can the Bamdeck be applied over the top of the existing wood deck assuming structurally its all sound?
Hi Glenn,
Yes, but old decks are typically not flat enough.
I am considering using a composite decking material on the ceiling of my front porch. The ceiling has a 2/12 pitch. Rafter spacing is 30 inches. I am concerned about sagging/deflection of the composite boards. What are your thoughts on using a BamDeck product for this application ?
Sagging shouldn’t be a problem, especially if you use one of our CoreMax™ products (holes in the core), they have more rigidity than a solid plank, and they are lighter weight. We also have fascia, which will give you a similar look, cost less and it is much lighter and easier to work with. The only downside to the fascia is it is thinner and sag could be an issue.
Can BamDeck be painted? How long will the paint last? I’m wondering if the material can be used to replace the wood on the entrance staircase of a Victorian building. Over time, the wood always chips and needs to be replaced and painted.
We do not recommend painting BamDeck, and I would expect it to perform about the same as painted wood if you did. What color are you needing Ronald?
Can this be installed in Salt Lake City where we have temperatures between 5 below to 105. Or is it best suited for a certain climate?
All climates, all regions, wet, dry, cold, hot and every combination of those too. Pretty much everywhere besides places with active volcanic eruptions and lots of magma. 🙂
Best,
How dopes this product compare with Azek 100% pvc decking?
Hi Ed,
Aside from outperforming Azek in terms of hardness and modules of rupture (bend), BamDeck is greener (100% recycled) and we’re told it says cooler than the all-plastic Azek material.
Can I use this as deck flooring on a utility trailer?
Sure! The BamDeck will take a beating.
How much does this shit cost?
Ha! Your comment made me laugh out loud Jack. We have a few different styles and the price varies, but in general, it’s between $2.69-$3.99/lf. If you would like a more accurate quote for your project call 1(888) 788-2254 and one of our Green Building Specialists will be happy to discuss your project.
How does the BamDeck compare to paving stones that Home Depot sells per square foot. I have 262 sq. Ft.
Morning, we are looking at doing diy Adirondack patio furniture out of composite decking, this is a great article. Is this something we could make out of your Truorganics line?
Now this sounds like a fun project! Yes, any of our composite options should work fine, but the chair may end up being pretty heavy. The solid decking may be a better option unless you don’t mind seeing all the holes.
Hello: What do you think about using 3G Wide with the round holes for raised beds? How would they stand up to soil?
I think it’s a great idea Steve. One of our sales reps did just that, check out his photos here.
great idea i will use left overs for this
The boards that have a wood grain look to it are beautiful but I’m wondering with little kids how slippery they are when wet? Are they textured at all like the one with the grooves? Even the smooth how slippery when wet? Then on the flip side is it so textured that it’s like sand paper if your walking on it barefoot it will hurt.
Hi Aleasha,
All of our decking has undergone testing and meets or exceeds Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coefficient of friction requirements. If you are curious about the feel of the different sides and materials, just call us and talk to one of our Green Building experts and they will send you free samples.
Your statement in your promo that a tube is stiffer than a rod is factually -and physically-incorrect. A solid round and a tube of the same diameter will have similar stiffness since the material at the core of the solid does not contribute much. But it does contribute some, and the solid will always be stiffer. You could have a larger tube and a smaller rod which weigh the same–have the same amount of material–in which case the tube will have a larger diameter and therefore be stiffer. This is the advantage a hollow core section like your products has.
Definitely more accurate Picky Engineer. Can we agree that if we have a rod and a tube, made of the same material, of the same length and diameter, the tube would have a higher strength to weight ratio than the rod? This is what I was trying to communicate.
I have three dogs. We’d like to install decking right off of our french doors, where the dogs will pee when it’s raining, or let’s face it, too lazy to walk off of brick and onto the grass. Does anyone know how this decking does with PET URINE???? will it stain it/ruin it/cause it to break down?????
Thanks!
This is a great question, one we get about flooring often, but a first for decking. While we haven’t heard about any issues with this, this sounds like a real-world test (all be it unpleasant one) we will most likely want to perform to be able to give a conclusive answer. I’m fairly certain our GreenClaimed™ and TruOrganics™ deck lines won’t have any issues with this, their ProFormance360™ coatings are amazing.
I know there is plastic in the composite, but is the bamboo used treated with borates to increase termite resistance?
Hi Joe,
I’ve forwarded this question to our product development team and I’ll let you know what they say. It doesn’t sound like something we do, but I did get curious and ask our customer service team if they have ever had any support cases involving termites with the bamboo decking and they haven’t had a single one. My guess is since it’s mostly recycled plastic termites aren’t even interested.
Most companies have deleted Boron (or borates) from their products because of the harm to the environment.
Here are the ingredients that make up BamDeck:
Coremax – how does one keep water out of the channels?
Hi Glen,
Since BamDeck 3G is such an amazingly water resistant material, there really isn’t any reason why you would need to keep water out of the channels. If you really wanted to seal them off then you could try squeezing silicone calking in there or possibly some of that expanding foam in a can?
Thanks for the prompt response, Walter. However:
(1) Concerning filling the holes w caulk or foam – a simple 8X10 platform made with wide plank decking would have at least 30 ends or 330 holes to fill. An installation of any size or complexity would have over 1000. Not practical.
(2) Your claimed water absorption is low (“0.41%”) but not zero. In any installation water will get inside the channels (as will bugs and dirt) and stay for a very long time, being essentially wrapped in thick plastic. The water-filled material (the material will have water in the interior, not just water on the surface) will be subject to multiple freeze thaw cycles in winter and temperatures as high as 170 deg F in direct sun. In principle, a lot of hydrodynamic stress on the product. 1st generation Trex cited considerably less water absorption relative to wood as an advantage when it was introduced but time revealed that the difference between “low” and “none” is significant.
Let me ask the question in a different way – how long has BamDeck been on the market? How long have you field tested the material (simple platform exposed to rain, sun, below freezing to 80 deg F temps)?
I like the wide planks. I like the smooth / ribbed surface option much better than pseudo-wood grain. I have looked at your interior products, find the very well made, and plan to install in a master bedroom. Given the expense for the decking, I need confidence that the product lifetime will be significantly longer than PT.
Hi Glen,
Sorry for the delayed response, still catching up from the 3-day weekend. So looking at our Our Story page, we released the composite (2nd generation) BamDeck product in mid 2012 and released the 3G (3rd generation with holes) in 2013. Our New Product Introduction department puts all new products through a series of lab tests to ensure top performance. BamDeck has been through a hand full of winter/summer cycles now and I haven’t heard of any issues with regard to moisture freezing in those holes. If you haven’t had the opportunity as of yet, I suggest speaking with one of our Green Building Experts at 1-888-788-2254 or email [email protected], they can help you get samples and additional information, etc. Since you are commenting on our Trex vs BamDeck post, you can see we are always up for a good DIY real world test. I can see our next ‘Bamboo Science’ video involving repeated freezing and thawing of some decking samples, great idea. I agree with you Glen, I like the wide plank and clean lines too, but unfortunately I’m in a condo and can’t own one myself. Best of luck with your research and glad to hear you’re considering Cali Bamboo.
How much thermal expansion and movement does it have?
Hey Bill,
Thanks for the question, I’m looking into it.
Ask and you shall receive Bill. We just contacted our testing facility and we’re sending them samples to put to the test. Results should be back in a few weeks, I’ll forward along when they arrive.
Hi Walter,
Did you receive a response from testing? I am wondering as well – specifically with the Sienna 3G decking. A coefficient of thermal expansion would be great to know, if available!
Not yet Will, I’ll ask again…
Do you ever follow up on any of these messages? Let me get back to you, 8 months, later, nothing… Looking into it… 8 months later, nothing…
Just asked for a third time. Initially, they said it was an easy test to perform, maybe it just fell off their radar.
With my experience of composite, the expansion can be evaluated with Coefficient of linear thermo expansion – which is normally around 4/100000 ( per degree per length)
How much does an 8′ plank weigh?
Hi Erick,
They come 4 in a box and each plank is 21.5lbs.
What is the weight of an 8 foot narrow plank? Thanks!
They come 4 in a box and each plank is 21.5lbs.
21.5lbs. is the weight of the solid BamDeck, the 3G is 17.25lbs each plank.
Is this available in the Everett WA area? Thanks.
Hi Traci,
We ship nationwide. It can be delivered to your curb in less than a week.
I need to know the physcal weight of the product; how much does an 8 ft BamDeck wide board weigh?
A box of 4 boards is 97 lbs so a single plank should be about 24.25 lbs.
Please explain the “Easy hidden fastening system”, I don’t see it explained, maybe a standard construction technique; not sure.
Hi Tom,
This video demonstrates how to use the clips.
I have 3 Cali samples–BamDeck Composite, BamDeck Truorganics and Infinity. Which of the three would be the best for my entrance deck where I have metal table, chairs and seating…most resistant to scratches or marks? I also have a long rubber-backed runner. Would I be able to use inyt? Which of the 3 has a fascia board? Any other advice would be appreciated. We get snow in Kansas….any type of shovel?
The BamDeck® TruOrganics™ and Infinity™ lines are less susceptible to staining and scratching due to their Infinity Shield (a fancy name for the 360° wrap). Unfortunately only our BamDeck® and BamDeck® 3G have matching fascia, we do however have square edge planks.
I have had other composite decks in the past and one of the issues was how hot the surface became when exposed to direct sunlight. How would your product compare and is there a specific product line of yours that would be cooler than the other.
Hi Jeff,
Common concern. We actually performed a heat test and a bunch of other real world tests on a variety of decking materials here. As for the heat test, they all performed relatively similar among brands, the biggest difference was color, the lighter gray colors were much cooler than the darker browns.
Walker
is it slippery when wet?
Hi Sally,
Our BamDeck® has been extensively test for coefficient of friction (a fancy term for slip test) and is compliant with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Specifically our BamDeck® line of decking scored a 0.681 on ASTM D2047 on the smooth side giving it an ‘A’ rating. Here’s how the rating is calculated: A=0.65, B=0.59, C=0.56, D=0.54, E=0.49, F=0.47. Interestingly enough, the ridged side scored slightly less at 0.634, maybe this is due to less surface area? I always see people using the ridged side on stairs for ‘better traction’ but according to the laboratory tests, the smooth side is actually less slippery. If you read the details of the test they actually use a square pad of leather to represent a shoe bottom and I don’t know about you but I don’t have too many leather soled shoes in my closet. I would be willing to bet the ridged side would indeed grip better if they performed the test with a rubber square instead of leather. Here’s a link to our official test results.
1. I enjoyed your comparison videos, but I wonder why you did not include your “Infinity” line as a candidate in the mix? I suspect the Infinity line might not perform as well, but it has a lower price point and should not be expected to perform as well. However, knowing the difference in performance would surely help people understand the consequences of seeking a lower price.
2. Like Dennis Wilson, I too would like to see longer span lengths of the BamDek. Longer lengths would ease the contractor workload during installation. (By the way, I’ve seen Dennis’ boat dock and I’m enthusiastic about the potential for your product on my dock too.)
3. Do you have any plans for making a fascia board product that would provide a quality finish around the perimeter of a dock? The contrast between exposed ordinary pressure treated lumber around the dock perimeter and the fine BamDek dock surface is striking — it would present a better appearance if you offered the material for skirting. This would probably be true for traditional house decks too.
Great suggestions Skip, we’ll run Infinity through the same paces and post them on our GreenClaimed website soon. I would expect Infinity to do well with the fade and heat tests but struggle with the bend test. We do have fascia for the BamDeck product but haven’t designed it for the Infinity products yet, we’ll forward this suggestion to our NPI specialist. Thanks again, and we’re excited to see your dock take shape, keep us posted!
Are you available in the Atlanta, GA area. Do you offer a contractor’s discount?
Hi there! Yes, we are available in the Atlanta area. Please give our Green Building Experts a call for details on contractor pricing. 1(888) 788-2254
Thanks!
Can this material be used for a dock?
Sure can. Here’s a whole collection of BamDeck® used on docks. There’s also a season 4 episode of Vanilla Ice Project that features a Wide Plank BamDeck dock.
CAN THE BOARDS BE USED AS AN EXTERIOR SURFACE COVERING FOR A BOW WINDOW. I CURRENTLY HAVE CEDAR BUT 19 YEARS LATER IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. LOOKING FOR A PRODUCT THAT IS NOT SIDINGG AND CAN PUT UP NEW BOARDS VERTICALLY AND NOT HAVE THE MAINTAINENCE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Hi Linda,
I would suggest sending us a photo of the area so one of our building experts can give you some suggestions. We also have a fascia board made out of the same material as the decking. It’s thinner and more like siding and sounds like a better fit for the job.
How many years do you guarantee your products for? Other companies guarantee for 25 years.
Hi Adam! BamDeck® comes with a 25 year residential warranty.
The 4G product had the warranty shortened from 25 years to 15 years. Why is that and what changes in the product were made from 3G to 4g?
Hi Adam,
We changed the warranty from 3G to 4G strictly because of an abundance of caution on our part. We are optimistic it will perform just as splendidly as our 3G product did.
Can you give m a price on a 12 x 28 deck
We are looking to put in decking on our new dock. I love the products that you offer but am always confused about the pricing and your limited length to 8 feet.
the pricing by square foot makes it very difficult to compare directly with other products. Since you Cali is soooo big on comparisons, why set up the mystery without at least a conversion method?
Secondly, the limit of 8 foot length makes it very difficult to try for a uniform look. An offering of 16 foot lengths would provide soooo many fewer seams for esthetics, I am surprised you do not offer the option.
Looking forward to your response.
Dennis Wilson
Hi Dennis, thanks for taking time to comment. The linear price for our standard 5.5″ decking is under $3. Because we are one of the first companies to offer wide plank decking, the linear foot pricing goes out the window because you can cover way more square feet with the wide decking. If we priced the wide decking in terms of linear feet it would appear to be expensive. Since you need much fewer planks to cover the same area however, it works out to $3 and change per linear foot hence our linear foot conversion. No mysteries here. Jinkies!
As far as our 8′ plank length, yes, we realize this would seem like a limitation, but have to say, I’ve seen customers do some amazing deck designs that they normally wouldn’t have considered with a boring 16′ plank. Truth be told our passion is actually our flooring, that said, the shorter deck boards actually bring the look of flooring outdoors. Ok, enough marketing spin, this is what I want you to do, take a look at our deck designs page and tell me you’re not totally inspired to try one of these layouts. And if you’re still stuck on 16, take a look at our American Made Infinity™ Composite Decking it comes in 16′ lengths. Best,
The link in your post is broken.
Thank you, should be fixed now.
Like the look. Hope I can afford
Interesting info but I am, first and foremost, interested in COMPARISON of COSTS! Not addressed here so far as I can tell.
You’re not alone Pat. See the comment below.
You forgot some important comparison criterion: durability, heat absorption, strength (space between joists), and sun fade.
These are all valid topics Ty. While our lab tests show BamDeck outperforming the competition in every ASTM D test we threw at it, real world durability between brands is tricky to measure. I’d love to make some test videos that put the lab results “to the test” so to speak. Send me some test ideas and we’ll do them in a video and update this post. This is going to be fun.
How much is the BamDeck compared to composite decking like Trex?
That’s a great question Paul. Trex typically runs between $2 to $4 per linear foot depending on what Trex prouduct line you are looking at. Our BamDeck is under $3 per linear foot.
Can the bam deck 4g hold up 320 pounds. Also would that composite plank crack over time or if a lot of weight standung in it?
Hi Tyrone,
Here are the 4G weight limits:
Bamdeck 4G wide 12” on center = 866 lbs.
Bamdeck 4G 12” on center = 617 lbs.
Bamdeck 4G wide 16” on center = 664 lbs.
Bamdeck 4G 16” on center = 417 lbs.