Choosing the Finished Appearance of AZEK PVC Decking

Understanding AZEK PVC Decking's Core and Cap

AZEK PVC Decking is a capped polymer board, meaning it has a fully synthetic core enveloped by a protective cap. This Alloy Armour Technology cap is crucial to the decking's finished appearance, as it provides the color, grain, and texture you see and feel.

The cap layer is engineered to resist fading and staining, maintaining its original hue and pattern for an extended period. This differs significantly from natural wood, which undergoes substantial color changes due to UV exposure and moisture. With AZEK, the visual consistency from installation onward is a key characteristic.

The Vintage Collection: Reclaimed Wood Aesthetic

The AZEK Vintage Collection is designed to mimic the appearance of reclaimed hardwood. It features wire-brushed, low-gloss boards that aim to provide a sophisticated, weathered look. The grain patterns are distinct and varied, contributing to a premium aesthetic that architects often photograph. This collection is available in both 5-1/2" and 7-1/4" widths, offering flexibility for different design scales.

Colors like Coastline, Weathered Teak, and English Walnut within the Vintage Collection offer a range from lighter, sun-bleached tones to deeper, richer browns. The wire-brushed texture enhances the perception of authentic timber, making it a strong choice for projects where a refined, natural-looking finish is desired without the maintenance demands of actual reclaimed wood.

The Landmark Collection: Bold Cathedral Grain

For those seeking the look of fresh-sawn hardwood, the AZEK Landmark Collection presents cathedral grain patterns with rich, multi-tonal color blends. This collection emphasizes depth and a more pronounced wood grain, providing a bold aesthetic without the upkeep typically associated with natural timber. It is available in a 5-1/2" width, with options for square or grooved edges.

Colors such as Dark Hickory, American Walnut, and Castle Gate provide a palette that ranges from dark, earthy tones to lighter, more contemporary grays. The multi-tonal blends within each board add visual interest and mimic the natural variations found in freshly milled wood, creating a dynamic surface that still resists the environmental effects that alter wood's appearance.

The Harvest Collection: Clean, Classic Tones

The AZEK Harvest Collection offers a cleaner, more subtle graining in solid, classic tones. It is available in a 5-1/2" width and features the lightest boards in the line, which can be a consideration for handling and installation.

With colors like Slate Gray and Kona, the Harvest Collection provides consistent, uniform hues that offer a timeless appeal. The subtle grain patterns ensure a smooth, understated finish, making it suitable for projects where a minimalist or traditional look is preferred, and the focus is on consistent color rather than pronounced wood characteristics.

Planning for Your Project's Appearance: A Hypothetical Example

Consider a hypothetical 12-foot by 16-foot deck designed for a modern suburban home. The homeowner desires a contemporary look with a touch of natural texture, and minimal maintenance. They are aiming for a finish that complements light-colored stucco and dark trim on the house.

After reviewing the collections, the homeowner might lean towards the AZEK Landmark Collection in 'Castle Gate'. This choice offers a sophisticated gray with multi-tonal variations, providing depth that would contrast nicely with the stucco while harmonizing with the dark trim. The cathedral grain of the Landmark Collection offers a natural wood appearance without the rustic feel of the Vintage Collection, aligning with the modern aesthetic.

For a 12-foot by 16-foot deck, assuming a 5-1/2" board width and using 16-foot lengths to minimize seams on the longer dimension, the calculation would involve: 16 feet (length) / 12 inches per foot = 192 inches. 192 inches / 5.5 inches (board width) = approximately 34.9 boards. Rounding up, 35 boards of 16-foot length would be needed for the main deck surface. Additional boards would be required for any picture framing or fascia, which should be chosen from the same collection and color to ensure a cohesive finish.

Before you order

• Consider the overall architectural style of your home and existing outdoor elements.
• Evaluate whether you prefer a reclaimed wood look (Vintage), a fresh-sawn wood look (Landmark), or a clean, consistent tone (Harvest).
• Request physical samples to observe how colors and textures appear under different lighting conditions and against your home's exterior.
• Factor in board width options: Vintage offers 5-1/2" and 7-1/4"; Landmark and Harvest are 5-1/2".
• Plan for coordinating fascia and trim boards from the same collection to ensure a unified finish.
• Understand that AZEK PVC decking maintains its factory finish, resisting the natural weathering changes of wood.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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