B&T Properties (470) 863-3707
New wood deck with railing in a tree-lined yard

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Composite Decking Installation and CareService hub · Georgia decks

Before: old weathered reddish-brown wood deck, worn boards
Before
After: finished deck staircase with white railing
After

Composite Decking Installation and Care Composite decking appeals to homeowners who are tired of sanding and staining every few seasons. It is not maintenance-free, and it does not behave exactly like wood, but installed and cared for properly it gives a steady, splinter-free surface for a long time. Here is what to know before you choose it and after it is down.

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or text us photos: (470) 863-3707

After: Finished deck staircase with white railingFinished deck with steps down to a concrete patio areaFinished small deck with patio furniture and paver walkway

★★★★★ 31 Google reviews as of Nov 2026 — “Great workmanship, fair pricing, and excellent customer service.” Read reviews

Service hub

Composite Decking Installation and Care

Choosing composite boards for a Georgia backyard means weighing how they handle sun, moisture and foot traffic against the look and feel of real wood, along with how the surface should be cleaned afterward.

Overview

What capped composite actually is

Composite boards are made from a blend of wood fiber and plastic. Most boards sold today are capped, meaning the core is wrapped in a tougher polymer shell on the exposed faces. The cap is what resists staining, fading and moisture, and it carries the color and grain pattern you see. Uncapped boards from earlier generations were more prone to mildew and spotting, which is part of why composite once had a mixed reputation.

Because the core still contains wood fiber, the cut ends of a board are the most vulnerable spot. A careful installer keeps cut ends away from places where water collects and uses the trim or fascia pieces made for the same board line to cover exposed edges.

Overview

Framing and fasteners matter more than the boards

Composite boards are only as good as the frame under them. Composite is more flexible than many wood boards, so joists usually need to be spaced closer together than an old wood deck may have used, especially when boards run on a diagonal. The board maker publishes a span chart, and following it is the difference between a firm floor and one that feels bouncy. Replacing only the boards on an old frame is possible, but the frame should be checked and often reinforced first.

Fastening comes in two main styles. Hidden clips sit in grooves along the board edges and leave a clean surface with no visible screw heads. Color-matched face screws are visible but simple and strong, and they are common at board ends and on stairs. Either way, the fasteners should be the ones designed for that board, because they set the side gap and allow the board to move.

How it works

Five steps. No surprises.

  1. Call, text, or send the form

    Tell us what is going on: a new deck, a repair, or “not sure yet.” We reply the same day.

  2. Free on-site visit

    Breno looks at the deck or the yard himself, measures, and goes over your options with you.

  3. Written estimate

    Scope, materials and price come in writing, so you know the plan before anything starts.

  4. Schedule and permits

    We agree on a start date and confirm any city, county or HOA requirement for your address first.

  5. Build and final walk-through

    Breno is on the job, and we go over the finished work with you before we call it done.

Real B&T work

Photos from real jobs

Long gray deck with railing along the back of a brick house
Finished gray deck with outdoor seating beside a backyard patio
Gray composite deck with black railing posts overlooking a wooded yard

Real photos from B&T projects in North Georgia.

Overview

Gaps, heat and movement

Composite expands and contracts with temperature more than with moisture. A board installed on a cool morning will grow on a hot afternoon, so both the side gaps between boards and the small gaps where board ends meet need to follow the manufacturer's guidance for the installation temperature. Gaps that are too tight cause buckling; gaps that are too wide catch heels and look sloppy. Good spacing also lets water and small debris drop through, which keeps the surface drier.

Heat is the most common complaint. In direct summer sun, composite can get noticeably hotter underfoot than wood, and darker colors run hotter than lighter ones. If the deck faces west or has no shade, a lighter color, a pergola or a shade sail makes a real difference for bare feet and pets.

Overview

Cleaning and everyday care

Routine care is simple. Sweep often, especially under trees, because leaves and pollen left to sit can leave stains even on capped boards. A couple of times a year, wash the deck with a soft brush, a mild soap and a garden hose. Rinse grease from the grill area soon after it lands, and use a mat under the grill to catch drips.

Avoid harsh solvents and stiff wire brushes, which can scratch the cap. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a gentle setting with a wide fan tip and follow the board maker's cleaning guidance. Snow can be pushed off with a plastic shovel; skip metal blades that can gouge the surface. Composite does not need stain or sealer, so most of the time saved compared with wood comes from skipping that job.

Overview

Composite on North Georgia lots

Across Cherokee County and nearby, many backyards slope away from the house and sit under mature trees. That combination of shade, leaf litter and humidity is hard on wood, and it is one reason homeowners in communities like BridgeMill and Great Sky ask about composite when an older deck needs new boards. On sloped lots, the stairs and rails often see as much wear as the deck floor, so it pays to plan them in the same material.

B&T builds new composite decks and replaces worn wood decking with composite when the frame allows it. Breno visits in person, checks the framing and the site, shows samples in your own light and gives you a free written estimate. If your neighborhood has an HOA, check with it about colors and materials before you order, and confirm with your city or county whether your project needs a permit, since that depends on the address and scope of work.

Get a fast estimate

or text us photos: (470) 863-3707

Local notes

Around Canton and Ball Ground and nearby

Canton. Many Canton subdivisions, BridgeMill and Great Sky among them, are HOA communities with architectural review for exterior changes. If yours is one, tell us at the start so plans and approval fit into the timeline. Communities in the area include BridgeMill, Great Sky, Laurel Canyon, River Green.

Ball Ground. Ball Ground is the quieter, more rural end of Cherokee County, with a small historic downtown and communities such as Hawks Ridge. Homes there often sit on more land and closer to creeks, woods and open views than in the busier southern part of the county. Communities in the area include Hawks Ridge, historic downtown Ball Ground.

Holly Springs. Large planned communities like Harmony on the Lakes operate with their own governing rules, and many Holly Springs neighborhoods have an HOA that reviews exterior additions. Tell us yours and we will plan the approval around it. Communities in the area include Harmony on the Lakes, downtown Holly Springs.

Straight answers

Common questions

What kind of fasteners are used with capped composite boards?

Usually either hidden clips that fit into grooves on the board edges or color-matched screws made for composite. The right choice depends on the board line and the look you want, and the fasteners should match the maker's system so spacing and movement are handled correctly.

How much space should be left between composite boards?

Follow the board maker's guidance, which depends on the board and the temperature at installation. Side gaps let water drain and air move, and end gaps allow the boards to expand in heat without buckling.

Does composite get hot in Georgia summer sun?

Yes, it can get noticeably warmer than wood in direct afternoon sun, and darker colors are hotter than lighter ones. Shade from a pergola or trees and a lighter board color help a lot.

Can composite boards go on my existing wood frame?

Sometimes. The frame has to be sound and the joist spacing has to suit composite, which often means adding joists or reinforcing the frame. Breno checks this during the visit before recommending it.

How do I clean composite decking without damaging it?

Sweep regularly and wash with a soft brush, mild soap and a garden hose. Avoid harsh solvents, wire brushes and high-pressure washing that can scratch the protective cap.

Will composite grow mildew under heavy tree shade?

Capped boards resist mildew much better than older composite, but dirt, pollen and leaves left on a shaded deck can still allow surface growth. Regular sweeping and a seasonal wash keep it under control.

Where does B&T install composite decks, and how do I get an estimate?

We work across Cherokee, Cobb, North Fulton and nearby areas. Breno visits in person, looks at the frame and the site, and leaves a free written estimate.

Verified Google reviews

What the neighbors are saying

These are verified Google reviews from B&T customers.

★★★★★

“Breno did an excellent job repairing my home. He was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to every detail. The quality of his work exceeded my expectations…”
Ellen Almeidavia Google Reviews

★★★★★

“The quality of the work was exceptional. The team was friendly, responsive, and made sure everything was done right. I would definitely recommend B&T Properties.”
Francis Andrielenvia Google Reviews

Who’s doing the work

About B&T Properties

You deal with the owner. Breno visits, quotes and oversees the work, and the crew brings more than ten years of deck experience between them. B&T carries General Liability insurance, and Canton is part of our regular service area.

Upgrades

Make it yours: popular upgrades

Thinking beyond the basics? Mention any of these at your free estimate and Breno will go over what makes sense for your home.

Written warranty

1-year workmanship warranty

Our labor carries a written one-year warranty counted from the finish date: if our workmanship is the cause, we repair it free. The warranty excludes faulty materials (the maker’s warranty applies), ordinary wear, storm damage, misuse, skipped upkeep and other contractors’ work. Send claims in writing.

Free written estimate

Ask Breno about your deck — free and in writing.

No call center, no sales rep — the person who answers is the person who does the work.

Or send your project

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