Composite and PVC decks in Fort Collins
Decking that doesn't need stain every few summers, on a new frame or on an existing one that checks out.
Composite and PVC decking is the usual pick for Fort Collins homeowners who are tired of sanding and re-staining wood. It works for new decks across Northern Colorado and for resurfacing older decks whose framing is still sound, and the result is a surface that holds its color with only occasional washing.
What's the difference between composite and PVC?
| Type | What it is | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Capped composite | Wood fiber and plastic core with a plastic shell | Most common; heavier; dark colors get hot in sun |
| PVC (cellular) | All-plastic board, no wood content | Lighter and more moisture-proof; usually costs more |
| Treated pine or cedar | Real wood | Cheapest to start; needs regular finish in dry, sunny air |
Why it suits this climate
At about 5,000 feet, ultraviolet light is hard on wood finishes, and Fort Collins gets only about 16 inches of precipitation a year. Stain on a south- or west-facing deck can fade and wear through in a season or two. Capped boards don't need that cycle. They aren't fade-proof, and every brand has its own warranty terms, but upkeep is mostly sweeping and washing.
Can composite go on my old deck frame?
Sometimes. Composite and PVC often call for joists closer together than wood decking, so a frame built at 24 inches on center for wood may need extra joists added. Fort Collins also requires a permit when new decking is heavier than what it replaces, so a swap from cedar to composite can trigger plan review. Before resurfacing, the contractor should check:
- Joist spacing against the board maker's span chart
- Soft or split joist tops, especially under old board seams
- The ledger bolts and flashing at the house
- Whether any piers have heaved or settled on the clay
Signs it's time to switch
- You re-stain every year or two and the boards still gray and check
- Splinters and raised grain make bare feet a bad idea
- Boards are cupping or splitting at the fasteners
- You're replacing more than a few boards at a time
Heat, snow and wildfire
Dark composite in full sun can get uncomfortably hot by mid-afternoon, so lighter colors or a pergola help on exposed decks. Snow shovels are fine with a plastic blade, and many manufacturers list which ice melts are safe for their boards. Near the foothills, keep in mind that wood and wood-plastic composite boards are both combustible; NFPA's Firewise guidance focuses on keeping debris out of board gaps and the area under the deck clear.
What affects the price?
- The board line and color (capped composite vs. PVC, standard vs. premium)
- Hidden fasteners or face screws, and picture-frame borders
- Whether the frame needs added joists, blocking or a new ledger
- Matching railings, fascia and stair treads
- Permit and plan review if the new decking is heavier
The contractor quotes after seeing the deck and the frame. We don't price the work.
Towns where we can connect you
Common questions
Does composite decking need a permit in Fort Collins?
A new deck often does, and the city deck guide also lists replacing decking with a heavier material as a reason to get a permit.
Will composite boards fade at this altitude?
Capped boards hold color better than bare wood, but they can still lighten somewhat over time. Check the specific product's fade and stain warranty.
Is composite safe near wildfire fuels?
Composite is combustible, like wood. Firewise guidance stresses keeping needles and leaves out of the gaps and keeping the space under the deck clear.
Related services
Permits, frost depth and soils: Larimer County deck guide.
Ready to talk through a new deck or a repair?
Call and we'll connect you with a contractor who works in your part of Northern Colorado.