Articles / Composite deck framing

Composite Deck Framing in Hot Springs, AR: Owens Corning Lumber vs. Pressure-Treated Wood

A premium deck is only as good as the structure underneath it.

By Hamel Supply · Hot Springs, Arkansas

Homeowners and builders around Hot Springs often spend heavily on composite or PVC deck boards while putting those boards over a conventional pressure-treated wood frame. That can make sense when upfront cost is the main concern. But when long-term durability matters, Owens Corning® Lumber gives builders another option.

Hamel Supply stocks Owens Corning Lumber for deck and outdoor construction in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

What is Owens Corning Lumber?

Owens Corning Lumber is a fiberglass-reinforced composite building material designed as an alternative to traditional wood and steel framing. It is available for structural framing and posts and is designed for applications where moisture, ground contact and long-term exposure create problems for conventional materials.

Unlike wood, the material does not rely on chemical treatment to resist decay.

For contractors, another important advantage is familiarity. Owens Corning Lumber is designed to cut and install using many of the same tools and techniques used with conventional lumber.

Pressure-treated lumber still has a place

Pressure-treated lumber remains one of the most economical ways to frame a deck. For many projects, particularly budget-driven residential projects, it is still the logical choice.

The tradeoff is lifecycle performance. Wood can absorb and release moisture. Over time, deck framing may experience checking, twisting, splitting, insect damage or decay depending on exposure and installation conditions.

Those problems become more important when expensive decking is installed over the frame. If the surface boards are expected to last for decades, replacing the structure beneath them later can become an expensive problem.

Why consider composite deck framing?

Owens Corning Lumber is designed to resist rot, rust, mold, mildew, termites and other common causes of deterioration. That makes it worth considering for:

• Elevated decks
• Pool decks
• Lake houses
• Docks
• Screened porches
• Pergolas
• Ground-contact applications
• Projects using premium composite or PVC decking

The initial material cost can be higher than conventional pressure-treated framing. That is the primary downside.

The real comparison, however, should not stop at the purchase price. Owners should consider the expected service life of the entire structure, the cost of future repairs and the difficulty of replacing framing underneath an expensive finished deck.

Match the frame to the decking

Putting long-life decking over a short-life structure is a questionable capital decision.

If you are installing TimberTech, high-end composite decking or another premium surface, ask what you expect from the frame underneath it.

For some projects, pressure-treated lumber is sufficient. For projects where moisture exposure, access or replacement costs are major concerns, composite framing can make more sense.

Get Owens Corning Lumber in Hot Springs

Hamel Supply is located at 130 Rock Creek Road in Hot Springs and supplies Owens Corning Lumber, Marine Grade Decking and other deck-building materials.

Contractors and homeowners can bring in plans, a material list or project dimensions and have Hamel Supply help build a material package.

Call (501) 802-0294 or request a quote online before purchasing your next deck package.

← All articles