The Composite Decking Shift: Why More Missouri Homeowners Are Choosing Low-Maintenance, Long-Lasting Materials

As we wrap up 2025 and look toward a new year of home improvement projects, one trend has become unmistakable across Union, Franklin County, Jefferson County, Gasconade County, and the greater St. Louis region: more homeowners are intentionally choosing composite decking over traditional lumber for their outdoor living spaces.

At Hall Brothers Lumber, we’ve supported deck builds and renovations since 1938, and over the last several years we've seen composite decking evolve from an occasional request into a leading topic in nearly every decking consultation. This isn’t a fad or a passing preference—it's a measurable shift driven by homeowners who want outdoor spaces that stay beautiful, require minimal work, and hold up against Missouri’s wide temperature swings and year-round moisture challenges.

If you're planning a deck replacement, upgrade, or brand-new installation in 2025 or early 2026, understanding how composite compares to traditional wood—and how it fits into modern project planning—can help you make the best long-term choice for your home.

To explore available options, visit our decking & railing materials page.

Why More Missouri Homeowners Are Choosing Composite Decking

Composite decking appeals to homeowners who want an attractive deck with consistent color, texture, and performance—without spending weekends resealing, sanding, staining, or repainting. For many families, the shift toward composite materials is rooted in three priorities:

  • Longevity — Composite maintains its look season after season without surface deterioration.
  • Low maintenance — No staining, sealing, or refinishing cycles.
  • Weather resilience — Composite handles Missouri humidity, freeze–thaw cycles, and UV exposure more predictably than many traditional wood choices.

Another factor is long-term planning. As homeowners invest in larger or more intentional outdoor living spaces—multi-zone decks, integrated stair systems, railing packages, and lighting—they want materials that reduce the “maintenance burden” over the next decade, not just next summer.

Project Planning: What Homeowners Are Asking for Today

When customers visit our Union location to discuss deck builds, most are looking for materials that match four priorities:

  • Consistent appearance — Colors that stay true over time.
  • Minimal seasonal upkeep — No multi-step annual refinishing routines.
  • Everyday comfort — Smooth textures and safe, splinter-free surfaces.
  • Design flexibility — Options that complement a home’s siding, exterior trim, or railing design.

Composite decking supports these goals well, especially for homeowners who want a modern, low-effort outdoor environment that still feels warm and inviting. That’s why we see such strong interest from families preparing their homes for future resale, as well as from homeowners planning multi-phase backyard improvements going into 2026.

Thinking Beyond Deck Boards: A Complete Outdoor System

Today’s outdoor living spaces are rarely limited to a simple deck platform. More projects now include:

  • Coordinated railing systems
  • Integrated low-voltage lighting
  • Composite-matched fascia and trim pieces
  • Multi-level steps and transition zones

When these components are selected together, the result is a cohesive, finished environment that feels like a true extension of the home. Our inventory includes exterior trim materials that pair well with composite builds for a polished final appearance.

How-To Guide: Preparing for a Composite Deck Project

If you're planning a composite decking installation—whether this winter or early next spring—here’s a clear sequence to help you start with confidence:

1. Define the space and purpose

Measure your deck footprint and decide how you’ll use it: dining, grilling, morning coffee, hosting, or multi-zone activities.

2. Choose a color palette

Look for colors and textures that complement your home’s siding, doors and windows, and exterior trim.

3. Inspect and evaluate the substructure

Many Missouri homeowners upgrade their deck surface but keep the existing framework. Before choosing materials, ensure joists and supports are structurally sound and meet spacing requirements for composite boards.

4. Plan railing, steps, and fascia early

Coordinating the full system at the beginning prevents mismatched components and ensures availability during December and January ordering cycles.

5. Talk with a materials expert

Composite materials install differently than wood. Our team can review spacing requirements, fastener systems, and product-specific installation techniques so you avoid common pitfalls.

Decision Guide: Is Composite Decking the Right Choice for You?

Composite decking may be the best fit if you:

  • Prefer low-maintenance materials
  • Want consistent color and appearance over many years
  • Plan to use your deck frequently throughout the year
  • Value expanded design options and modern styles
  • Are enhancing your home for long-term resale appeal

Traditional treated lumber remains a strong choice for homeowners who prefer the natural feel of wood or enjoy hands-on finishing work. We provide both options, including treated materials from trusted suppliers like Hixson Lumber (featured on our lumber products page).

If you're unsure which direction to go, composite and traditional lumber can be compared side-by-side in our showroom so you can see color, texture, and durability differences firsthand.

How Hall Brothers Lumber Helps You Make the Right Choice

With more than 80 years of experience in Missouri’s building landscape, Hall Brothers Lumber has supported everything from compact backyard platforms to multi-level deck systems. Our team helps homeowners:

  • Compare composite options, traditional lumber, and hybrid builds
  • Understand installation requirements and framing considerations
  • Review color samples and railing packages
  • Plan the finishing details that complete the project
  • Schedule materials with free local delivery to keep projects moving

We know that end-of-year projects come with deadlines, family gatherings, and weather challenges, so we focus on helping customers make clear, confident decisions that fit their timeline and budget.

Start Planning Your Outdoor Upgrade

If you're considering a deck update—whether for the final stretch of 2025 or in preparation for spring 2026—now is an ideal time to explore your material choices. Early planning ensures you get the colors, styles, and components you want without supply delays.

Visit our Union showroom or contact our team at Hall Brothers Lumber. We’ll help you explore materials, compare options, and take the next steps in building a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that lasts year after year.

Your outdoor living space should be a relaxing environment—not another task on your seasonal to-do list. Composite decking can help you achieve that comfort and consistency, and we're here to support your project from planning through completion.

Brendan Joyce