FAQs

Our FAQs will help solve all* your queries from delivery support to simply finding the right composite lumber to complement and enhance your home landscape.

Composite lumber is a panel-based material recycled from 95% plastic. With manufacturers like TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking, we can ensure our composite lumber is made from offcuts of plastic redirected from municipal sites meant for landfill. Then, they’re upcycled into versatile panels offering the appearance of wood without the maintenance hassles.

As composite decking – or composite lumber – is made from recycled materials such as plastics and sawdust, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions for material sourcing, removes material from landfill sites, and makes for a more durable material that helps create a sustainable circular economy.

No matter which wood is used – from oak to mahogany -, it will always be susceptible to nature. For example, weathering, staining, insects, rotting, and warping. Composite lumber, however, isn’t; with recycled plastics, it creates an impermeable surface layer that isn’t impacted by nature, is temperature-controlled, and is more family-friendly with no splintering.

While the initial cost of composite lumber may be higher than the initial cost of wood panelling, it is an investment that pays back. With more durable and resistant materials, it can withstand the construction process for decking, furniture, and more. In addition, it has a longer lifetime performance guarantee; especially so with Clubhouse Decking’s proprietary and exclusive Korelite technology.

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep it looking good. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t even require staining or sealing.

Composite materials are designed to resist fading, but some colour changes may occur due to exposure to sunlight and weathering. Higher-quality composites from suppliers such as TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking with their innovative rice husk formula, will have UV-resistant coatings to minimize fading possibilities.

Most surfaces are slippery when wet. However, composite materials are designed to have a higher resistance to mould and mildew growth, making them less slippery when wet. In addition, using the Clubhouse Decking proprietary embossing technology, your PVC lumber will have high traction levels to make them even more family-friendly for children and pets to enjoy come rain or shine.

Many composite products are designed for easy use; whether that’s to be heated and bent into shape for intricate furniture designs or laid out as a stunning deck. So, it’s very suitable for a range of DIY products. However, depending on the lumber you use, the capping choices provided, and what you’re looking to create for your outdoor escape, we’d advise hiring a professional with all the gear and all the ideas to bring your vision to life.

Here at Prestige Composites, we’re proud to affiliate ourselves with trusted Canadian suppliers TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking. Their PVC lumber comes in a variety of colours and styles including Earthtones, Hardwoods, Solid Spectrum, and Variegated. From mimicking natural wood embossing to having a sleek and solid finish. In addition, we distribute composite materials with dual colours to ensure versatility for your project’s needs.

Most composite decking is engineered to resist mould and mildew growth. However, when you purchase new PVC lumber, we recommend reading the manuals from TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking to ensure you’re familiar with the low-maintenance best practices. In addition, we’d advise looking into pairing your composite lumber with trusted Dexerdry guttering to enhance lifetime performance.

Composite decking is designed to withstand a range of climates, but it’s important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for your region’s weather conditions; from coast-to-coast, we’re a magnificent country with provinces of all weathers. While our composite lumber is weather-resistant, we’d recommend contacting a member of our expert team to get paired with the right materials.

In most cases, the answer is yes. However, we’d highly recommend getting in touch with a structural engineer to assess how sound your existing deck structure is. Then, you can check with our expert composites team to find out if the results meet the standards and requirements of the manufacturer (whether it’s TruNorth Decking or Clubhouse Decking).

PVC and composite lumber can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. With our high-quality products from TruNorth Decking, we offer panels that are engineered with a specific honeycomb system and proprietary innovative rice husk formula to minimize heat-impacted issues while maintaining construction flexibility and versatility.

With all TruNorth Decking products, you’re awarded a 25-year warranty as a demonstration of how durable and resistant your environmentally friendly lumber can be. With Clubhouse Decking, however, you’re granted even more; a lifetime performance warranty as well as a 25-year warranty against stains and colour fading. When you compare that to the 10-15 year lifespan of real wood, you’re making a significant cost investment while positively impacting the Canadian environment.

With our guarantee of 95% recycled plastics comprising your composite lumber, even pets will have a hard time scratching the surface. With real wood, you’re likely to have scratches within weeks as well as splinters causing harm to your pets. Having composite lumber will significantly reduce the chance of wear and harm; however, larger or more active pets may still leave marks with time.

Yes, you can install various lighting options on composite decking. For example, you can install anything from post cap lights, recessed lights, and even under-deck lighting for added ambiance elevating your outside oasis to the Prestige level.

Composite decking is often a suitable choice for water features. That said, it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper installation and maintenance of the composite material and its surrounding areas (even when minimal). If you’d like more information, contact a member of our team with your landscaping designs and we’ll be able to assist you with the guidelines for TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking.

Adequate ventilation is always recommended for any deck, including composite decking. Regardless of the material, underneath zones need to be kept free from moisture buildup, insect habitation, and more to ensure the decking can withstand its expected lifetime.

Yes, many composite decking materials can be cut and shaped using standard woodworking tools. However, to ensure proper installation – no matter your project – we’d advise using dedicated tools and equipment.

Composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance and doesn’t require painting or staining. Attempting to do so may affect its appearance and durability; especially with the designs from TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking where the possibilities are endless with dual colouring.

With composite panelling, you have more options for your outside spaces than you do with wood. Able to withstand higher temperatures with more bending capabilities and improved inter-fixing, your composite landscape can be built in various patterns. From circular designs to straight designs such as diagonal, vertical, horizontal, and even herringbone.

Warranty coverage for composite lumber will vary product-to-product and manufacturer-to-manufacturer. However, as proud partners with TruNorth Decking and Clubhouse Decking, we can distribute products to your front door with a 25-year or lifetime performance guarantee. To learn more about individual product warranties of our stock, contact a member of the Prestige Composites team.

Most of our products can be recycled or repurposed as something else after their lifetime in your garden has ended. It’s all part of our commitment to creating a circular economy where the new raw material is the old composite material. However, this can vary depending on your province and state. We’d advise getting in contact with your municipal government for more information.

*If we’ve still not answered your questions about everything composite lumber, contact a member of our dedicated team, today. We’ll find you the right support to ensure your personal oasis comes to life with low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and environmentally-friendly materials reproduced right here, on Canadian soil.