Fiberon is a composite decking brand made from wood fibers and plastic
Fiberon is a line of composite decking products manufactured by Fiberon, a company owned by Griffon Corporation. Composite decking is made by combining wood fibers (sawdust or wood byproducts) with plastic binders, usually polyethylene or polypropylene. Fiberon boards look like wood but resist rot, splinters, and insect damage because the plastic component seals out moisture.
The brand sells several product lines at different price points. Fiberon Composite is the entry-level option. Fiberon Concordia and Fiberon Paramount are mid-range lines with added features like better color retention or enhanced durability. Fiberon Horizon is the premium line, designed to resist fading and staining more effectively than lower tiers. Each line comes in multiple colors and finishes meant to resemble natural wood tones.
Fiberon boards are sold as deck boards (the main walking surface), fascia boards (trim along the edges), and railing components. You install them over a frame of pressure-treated lumber or aluminum joists, the same way you would install pressure-treated wood decking. The boards themselves do not rot, but the frame underneath still can if not properly maintained.
Key Takeaways
- Fiberon composite decking is made from wood fibers and plastic, so it resists rot and splinters but costs more upfront than pressure-treated wood.
- Different Fiberon product lines offer varying levels of color fade resistance and stain resistance, with Horizon being the most durable against weathering.
- Fiberon boards install over a wooden or aluminum frame the same way wood decking does, but the frame underneath still requires maintenance to prevent rot.
- Composite decking requires less maintenance than wood — no staining or sealing — but still needs occasional cleaning and can develop mold or mildew in damp climates.
How Fiberon compares to pressure-treated wood decking
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper upfront and easier to cut and modify on site. It requires regular staining and sealing every two to three years to prevent rot and graying. Splinters are common, especially as the wood ages. Pressure-treated wood will eventually rot if the sealant fails, particularly in joints and where water pools.
Fiberon costs roughly two to three times more per board than pressure-treated wood but requires no staining or sealing. It does not splinter, and the wood fiber component will not rot. However, the plastic can fade in direct sunlight over time, and mold or mildew can grow on the surface in humid or shaded areas. Fiberon boards are also heavier than wood, which can make installation more labor-intensive.
If you plan to keep your deck for 15 years or longer and want minimal maintenance, Fiberon usually costs less over time because you avoid repeated staining and sealing. If you are building a temporary structure or have a tight budget, pressure-treated wood is the lower initial cost option.
How Fiberon compares to other composite brands
Other composite decking brands include Trex, TimberTech, Azek, and Deckorators. Trex is the largest composite brand by market share and tends to be priced at the premium end. TimberTech and Azek are similarly priced to Fiberon's mid-range and premium lines. Deckorators is often positioned as a budget composite option.
The main differences between brands are color selection, fade resistance ratings, stain resistance, and warranty length. Fiberon's Horizon line competes directly with Trex Enhance and TimberTech PRO in terms of fade and stain resistance. Fiberon's Composite line competes with budget brands on price. Warranties typically range from 20 to 30 years for residential use, though they often cover structural defects rather than cosmetic fading.
All major composite brands perform similarly in terms of rot and insect resistance. The choice often comes down to color availability, local dealer support, and warranty terms. Some regions have stronger dealer networks for one brand than another, which affects availability and installation labor costs.
What maintenance Fiberon decking actually requires
Fiberon does not need staining, sealing, or painting. However, it is not maintenance-free. You should sweep debris regularly to prevent mold growth, especially in shaded or humid areas. Mold and mildew can grow on the surface of composite decking even though the material itself does not rot.
Cleaning is recommended once or twice a year using a soft-bristle brush and mild soap and water. Pressure washing is possible but should be done at low pressure (below 1500 PSI) to avoid damaging the surface. Stubborn stains from leaves, tree sap, or rust can be treated with a composite deck cleaner, which you can purchase from the same retailers that sell the decking.
The frame underneath your Fiberon deck still requires maintenance. If it is pressure-treated wood, you may need to inspect it periodically and reseal it if the sealant fails. If it is aluminum, maintenance is minimal. Fasteners (screws or hidden fastening systems) should be checked occasionally to may support the deck remains stable.
Cost and installation considerations
Fiberon boards cost between $3 and $8 per linear foot depending on the product line, versus $1 to $3 for pressure-treated wood. A 16-by-16-foot deck would use roughly 256 linear feet of decking boards, so material costs alone could range from $750 for pressure-treated wood to $2,000 or more for Fiberon Horizon.
Installation labor costs are similar for composite and wood decking, though composite is heavier and may take slightly longer to install. Some installers charge a premium for composite because it requires different fastening techniques — many composite boards use hidden fastening systems rather than visible screws, which takes more time.
Fiberon boards can be cut with standard wood-cutting tools (circular saws, miter saws), but the plastic component can melt if the blade gets too hot. Installers typically use carbide-tipped blades and work more slowly than they would with wood. If you are building the deck yourself, factor in a slower pace and the cost of any specialized fastening hardware.
Warranty and longevity
Fiberon offers residential warranties ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on the product line. Fiberon Composite typically carries a 20-year warranty. Fiberon Concordia and Paramount carry 25-year warranties. Fiberon Horizon carries a 30-year warranty. These warranties cover structural defects and material failure but typically do not cover cosmetic fading or surface discoloration.
Warranty coverage usually requires that you follow maintenance guidelines (cleaning, not using certain chemicals) and that the deck is installed correctly. Some warranties are transferable to a second owner if you sell your home, though terms vary. Check the specific warranty document for your product line before purchase.
In practice, Fiberon decking often lasts 20 to 30 years or longer if maintained. The plastic component does not degrade quickly, though it can fade and become brittle in extreme UV exposure. The wood fiber component can eventually break down if exposed to constant moisture, which is why proper frame maintenance and drainage are important.
Color fading and staining over time
All composite decking fades in sunlight, though the rate depends on the product line and climate. Fiberon Composite and Concordia fade more noticeably than Paramount and Horizon. In sunny climates, noticeable fading can occur within two to five years. In shaded or northern climates, fading is slower.
Staining from leaves, tree sap, rust, or mold is possible on all composite decks. Some stains are permanent if not cleaned promptly. Fiberon's higher-end lines (Paramount and Horizon) include additives designed to resist staining, but no composite deck is stain-proof. Dark colors show stains more readily than lighter colors.
If color consistency is important to you, ask the retailer or installer about the fade rating for the specific color you choose. Fiberon publishes fade ratings for each product line, though these are based on accelerated testing and real-world results vary by climate and sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Fiberon decking in a very wet or shaded climate?
Yes, Fiberon will not rot in wet climates. However, mold and mildew are more likely to grow on the surface in shaded or humid areas. You will need to clean the deck more frequently — possibly three or four times a year instead of once or twice. may support the deck has good drainage and air circulation underneath to minimize moisture buildup.
Does Fiberon decking get hot in the sun like composite decking does?
Yes, Fiberon boards can become noticeably warm in direct sunlight, though typically not as hot as metal. Darker colors absorb more heat than lighter colors. If barefoot comfort is a concern, choose a lighter color or plan to use deck shoes or sandals during peak sun hours.
Can I stain or paint Fiberon to change its color?
Staining is not recommended because the plastic component does not absorb stain the way wood does. Paint can be applied but will eventually peel as the deck expands and contracts with temperature changes. If you want a different color, replacing the boards is more reliable than attempting to refinish them.
What happens if a Fiberon board cracks or splits?
Individual boards can be replaced without replacing the entire deck. Remove the fasteners holding the damaged board and slide it out, then install a new board in its place. This is one advantage of composite decking over wood — a single damaged board does not compromise the structural integrity of the deck the way a rotted wood board might.
Is Fiberon decking environmentally friendly?
Fiberon uses wood fiber byproducts that might otherwise go to landfills, which is a positive environmental aspect. However, the plastic component is petroleum-based, and composite decking is not biodegradable. Some Fiberon products contain recycled plastic, which reduces the amount of virgin plastic used. Check the product specifications if environmental impact is a priority for you.