If you’re in the market for a new deck, you may be wondering if composite decking is worth the extra expense. In this review, we’ll look at MoistureShield Composite Decking.
We’ll discuss some of the features and benefits of MoistureShield decking so that you can make an informed decision before investing your hard-earned money. Let’s get started!
What to Consider Before Buying Composite Decking
To start, we will discuss some of the features and benefits of MoistureShield decking so that you can make an informed decision before investing your hard-earned money.
- Colour (Appearance)
- Traction
- Price
- Durability
- Workability
MoistureShield decks are available in 18 different colours. This allows you to choose the right look for your home. You’ll also be able to find a colour that complements your existing landscaping design without overwhelming it. This is excellent news if you already have a well-designed backyard.
Composite decking can be slippery when wet, which is why it’s crucial to choose a product with good traction
. MoistureShield decks have a textured surface that provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. This makes them safe for both children and pets.
MoistureShield decks are more expensive than most other composites on the market today. But there is a reason why the extra cost may be worth it.
MoistureShield cuts like wood, which means that you don’t have to invest in expensive tools.
Composite decking is extremely durable, but MoistureShield decks are even more so because they’re made with high-quality wood encapsulated to prevent moisture penetration. Preventing rot.
This means that your deck will look good for years to come with very little maintenance.
Brief Introduction to MoistureShield as a Company
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies was founded in 1988. Using recycled polyethylene plastic to produce composite building materials their pioneering work. Being ahead of the curve when it came to utilizing recycled material in construction long before the composite decking craze started.
The wood does not represent the majority of who they are and what they do. Today, MoistureShield decking comprises of 95% recycled material, with a 25% post-consumer portion. Oldcastle APG acquired them in 2017, was established in 1932 and operates in over 30 countries worldwide.
In 2019, they rebranded to the decking brand we recognize, MoistureShield.
The company’s headquarters are in Springdale, Arizona, where it also produces its decking lines. It has recently expanded to keep up with the demand for composite decking.
Description of MoistureShield Decking
MoistureShield has 4 lines with 18 colours.
MoistureShield Vision®
- Smokey Gray
- Spanish Leather
- Sandstone
These 3 include CoolDeck Technology
- Cathedral Stone
- Mochaccino
- Cold Brew
MoistureShield Vision, is their most capped wood composite board, protected with a unique DiamondDefenseTM Coating for exuding distinctiveness while resisting scratches, stains, and impact damage. MoistureShield Vision deck boards come in a variety of beautiful colour choices. With a unique texture, which provides an amazing level of traction.
MoistureShield Meridian™
- Citadel
- Shoreside
- Mariner
All 3 colours of Meridian include CoolTechnolgy.
With a natural wood appearance without the upkeep, you can have it all. The TruTextureTM Surface on the Meridian resilient, colour-rich capped composite deck boards gives it a realistic feel. Combining the beauty of wood without the maintenance to be enjoyed for years to come.
MoistureShield Elevate™
- Canoe
- Lake Fog
- Riverbank
- Alpine Gray
With Elevate composite decking, you get more advanced protection and beauty without breaking the bank. Our initial capped wood composite board is protected with a tough, protective barrier that helps to prevent damage from impact, corrosion, and weathering in most situations. Additional protection comes from our unique Solid Core system, which includes zero structural field failures on the ground.
MoistureShield Vantage™
- Bridle
- Cape Cod Gray
- Earthtone
- Seasoned Mahogany
- Walnut
An uncapped composite decking board performs better than pressure-treated lumber when it comes to improving your deck. No material cuts, rips, or bends better while still maintaining its integrity when it comes to creating your custom deck. That’s because our Solid Core runs through the entire Vantage deck board and guarantees protection without a cap. As a result, a deck board is less susceptible to the elements and won’t warp or crack.
Decking Profiles
MoistureShield’s decking lines include grooved and square edge boards with a few exceptions. The “1” boards actual size is 1″ by 5 13/32″ and is available in 12′, 16′, and 20′ lengths.
The one exception is Elevate™ square edge board which only comes in 20′.
Elevate™ is also a scalloped board with channels on the bottom to reduce cost and weight.
Roughly the thickness of Trex’s Transcend but the width of Timbertech.
An interesting thing about MoistureShield is their other composite material. Which gives you many more options for deck construction features.
The Vision® line includes
2″x6″ Solid Marine Grade Board
- Actual Dimensions: 1.4″ x 5.4″Available Lengths: 12′, 16′, 20′
Uncapped Vantage™has the most extras
2″x4″ Solid Marine Grade Board
- Actual Dimensions: 1.5″ x 3.5″
- Available Lengths: 12′, 16′
2″x6″ Solid Marine Grade Board
- Actual Dimensions: 1.4″ x 5.4″
- Available Lengths: 12′, 16′, 20′
2″x8″ Solid Marine Grade Board
- Actual Dimensions: 1.4″ x 7.25″
- Available Lengths: 12′, 16′, 20′
The point four is an odd dimension. Let’s just call it a small half. As a carpenter, I think in 1/16, and if you push me 1/32, but this is neither 3/8″ or ½”. My calculator called is 2/5, but I have no idea how big that is, so I left them 1.4″.
Features & Benefits MoistureShield composite decking
If you’re thinking about decking, you must know what features and benefits MoistureShield decking have to offer.
MoistureShield Decking Core
A patented Core Encapsulated Wood Fibres is used in all MoistureShield composite decking products. This innovative process ensures that the wood fibres are protected from moisture and insect damage. As a result, your deck will be more durable and last longer – even under severe conditions.
Especially in high moisture areas, like a dock or ground level deck. Or even a north-facing deck in the shade.
MoistureShield Decking Cap
The composite decking cap shields the deck from wear and moisture, extending its life.
Composite decking is capped, giving it greater protection and enhancing its appearance.
Two of MoistureShield’s four lines are entirely capped, Vision® and Meridian™.
Elevate is only capped on 3 sides, top and sides.
The one exception is Vantage, a non-capped alternative. Demonstrating that their decking core is so well protected that it does not require any additional moisture protection. It’s encapsulated technology protects its core.
Another advantage of MoistureShield decking cap is “CoolDeck® Technology,” which helps to create more pleasant outdoor living spaces by lowering heat levels by up to 35%.
Making bare feet on your deck that much more enjoyable.
Traction of MoistureShield Decking
A deck should be both safe and pleasant to walk on. If your feet slip while walking on a wet deck, you could fall and hurt yourself.
| Slip Resistance (Dry) | Slip Resistance (Wet) | |
| Vision® | 0.35 | 0.78 |
| Vantage™ | 0.33 | 0.38 |
| Elevate™ | 0.69 | 0.63 |
The unique texturing of MoistureShield decking pays off in dividends when it comes to traction. MoistureShield focus on water has resulted in boards that work well around water. When you get out of the pool unto the decking, it provides an effective anti-slip surface and can be cleaned easily after contact with dirt or mud, making it ideal for all outdoor living spaces. Especially around water.
Price of MoistureShield Decking
Price is always an important consideration when purchasing any product. MoistureShield decking offers great value for your money with features that other brands cannot match.
The price of MoistureShield Decking ranges from $4.50 to 8.50 a lineal foot, depending on the line and colour you choose.
Vision with CoolDeck® Technology is the most expensive. Without CoolDeck® Technology, the price is reduced by about $1.
Vantage, a scalloped board capped only on 3 sides, is further reduced by about $2 a lineal foot.
Elevate is the least expensive, an older generation of composite decking without a cap.
When compared to other composite decking, MoistureShield is more expensive. Being on the high end for price when compared to other composite decking.
But its durability and warranty may make the extra price worth it.
Durability and Warranty of MoistureShield Decking
A 50-year structural warranty is included with the MoistureShield decking. Their decking has never had a field failure, which demonstrates its strength.
MoistureShield composite decking residential warranty for fading and staining varies by decking line.
Vantage is not guaranteed against fading. MoistureShield is very clear with this, displaying the present colour, along with how it will fade.
- Elevate™ has a 30-year warranty
- Meridian™ has a 40-year warranty
- Vision® has a 50-year warranty
Except for Vantage, MoistureShield decking is back by a longer warranty than the industry standard. Which has no warranty against fading or staining.
Labour warranties are relatively recent, and many brands now provide a limited guarantee for labour expenses incurred while processing a warranty claim.
This is not the case with MoistureShield. They do not provide a labour warranty and are very upfront about this.
“This Structural Warranty covers MoistureShield composite decking replacement components only, and does not cover installation or replacement labor or any additional costs which might be incurred”
Without a field failure, this may not even matter.
Alternatives to MoistureShield Composite Decking
Here are two reviews comparing MoistureShield with other well-known composites. To see the comparison, click the link.
If you want to learn more about different composite decking options, be sure to check out our additional list of the top composite decking brands.
Conclusion in Reviewing MoistureShield Composite Decking
MoistureShield composite decking is a great choice for your outdoor living space. With its long warranty, CoolDeck® Technology, and anti-slip surface, you can be sure that your deck will last for years to come.
Its key feature is its water resistance, which is unmatched by other brands.
Near a pool, hot tub, or humid environment are some high-moisture areas where a deck would be useful. MoistureShield is a composite decking alternative that can stand up to moisture. Where other composite decking will succumb, MoistureShield will last.
