Our patented Surestone® technology found in Voyage and Summit mineral-based composite (MBC) decking delivers the industry’s best strength-to-weight ratio and has virtually no thermal expansion or contraction. This same technology can also be found in our Picture Frame deck board and Porch Flooring. It’s powerful and stable, it doesn’t absorb moisture, and the durable polymer cap stock won’t stain or fade.

Deckorators Vista, Altitude, and Venture composite decking lines are made of wood and plastic and are co-extruded with a durable polyethylene top layer for ultra-low-maintenance performance.

Deckorators composite decking offers improved heat resistance, strength, and durability compared to traditional wood decking. The composite material resists fading, mold, mildew, and scratches while providing a more consistent appearance.

Unlike wood, which requires regular maintenance and is prone to rot, splintering, and UV damage, Deckorators composite decking is low-maintenance and designed to withstand the elements. Its enhanced traction also provides safety in wet conditions.

For more details, check out Deckorators Surestone technology.

No. While Deckorators decking does provide superior surface integrity and strength, it is not suitable for structural applications. We recommend using ProWood® professional-grade treated lumber when building the understructure for your deck. ProWood pressure-treated lumber is made for ground contact and backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty against termite infestation and rot.

Composite decking is generally more expensive than treated wood due to several factors:

1. Material Composition: Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, which requires more advanced manufacturing processes and higher-quality materials than treated wood.
2. Durability and Maintenance: Composite decking is designed to resist fading, staining, scratching, and mold, which means it typically requires less maintenance over its lifespan compared to treated wood. This added durability contributes to the higher cost.
3. Longer Lifespan: Composite decking has a longer lifespan, often lasting 25 years or more, whereas treated wood may need to be replaced or re-treated after several years. The initial higher cost can be offset by the longer-term savings in maintenance and replacement.
4. Aesthetics: Composite decking often offers a wider range of colors, textures, and designs.

While the upfront cost of composite decking is higher, the long-term benefits, including low maintenance and durability, can make it a more cost-effective choice over time.

Mineral-based composite decking is made from a blend of advanced plastic polymers and durable minerals, with zero organic material. Deckorators Surestone technology uses this construction, while traditional composite decking typically combines recycled plastic with wood fibers. By eliminating organic content, decking made with Surestone technology delivers a fundamentally different performance profile: virtually no moisture absorption, reduced heat buildup, confident footing, and low thermal movement.

The material composition of a deck directly affects how it handles moisture, temperature changes, and wear over time. Traditional composites use wood fibers, which can absorb moisture and contribute to swelling or dimensional changes. Decking made with Surestone technology contains zero organic material, so it resists moisture at the material level—not just through surface protection—while delivering greater dimensional stability and lower thermal movement.

Most traditional composite decking is not designed for long-term ground contact or submersion because wood fibers in the core can retain moisture. Decking made with Surestone technology absorbs virtually no moisture, which is why Voyage, Summit, and Picture Frame Board are rated for installation in the ground or water. This also helps resist mold and mildew without relying only on surface protection.

Yes, all decking materials can heat up in direct sun, but performance varies by construction. Decking made with Surestone technology is designed to reduce heat buildup through a cap layer formulated with infrared reflective materials, which helps limit solar heat gain. The mineral-based core also contributes to lower heat retention compared to wood-fiber composites, making it more comfortable underfoot in sun-exposed spaces.

Mineral-based composite and PVC decking are both low-maintenance alternatives to wood, but they differ in structure and performance. PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, which can lead to higher thermal movement and less rigidity underfoot. Mineral-based composite decking made with Deckorators Surestone technology combines polymers with durable minerals and contains zero organic material. This construction delivers greater dimensional stability, reduced heat retention, and a more solid feel compared to typical PVC boards, making it a strong option for projects where stability, traction, and comfort matter most.

All decking materials expand and contract with temperature changes, but the amount of movement varies significantly by composition. Traditional wood-plastic composite and PVC decking can experience noticeable expansion and contraction due to their material properties. Mineral-based composite decking made with Surestone technology is engineered for greater dimensional stability, with lower thermal movement compared to wood-fiber composites and typical PVC boards. This helps boards hold their shape and reduces gapping or movement across seasonal temperature swings.

Decking used in docks or water environments needs to resist moisture at the material level, not just on the surface. Traditional composite decking typically contains wood fibers, which can absorb water over time and limit long-term performance in wet or submerged conditions. Mineral-based composite decking made with Deckorators Surestone technology contains zero organic material, allowing it to absorb virtually no moisture. That’s why products like Voyage, Summit, and Picture Frame Board are rated for installation in the ground or water, making them a strong fit for docks, marinas, and other water-adjacent builds.

All decking materials can become more slippery when wet, especially if water, dirt, or debris accumulates on the surface. However, slip resistance depends less on the material itself and more on the board’s surface texture and construction.

Modern composite decking is designed with textured finishes that improve traction, even in wet conditions. Higher-quality boards often include embossed grain patterns or brushed surfaces that create better grip underfoot.

Deckorators decking made with Surestone technology is engineered for increased traction. Its durable, textured surface is designed to provide confident footing in both wet and dry conditions—making it a strong choice for areas exposed to rain, moisture, or heavy foot traffic.

Deckorators offers four products made with Surestone technology: Voyage decking, Summit decking, Picture Frame Board, and Porch Flooring. Voyage and Summit cover the widest range of applications—from docks and near-water builds to ground-contact installations and everyday residential decks—while Picture Frame Board and Porch Flooring serve more specialized finishing and covered-space applications.