What Is XLM Decking?

Decking Materials

• People traditionally have built decks made of wood, and more recently, of a composite material made of wood and a type of plastic known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC consists of 43% carbon derived mainly from oil and gas and 57% chlorine derived from industrial grade salt, according to the PVC website. Decking made entirely of PVC also is available, including TimberTech's XLM decking.

Cellular PVC

• XLM is made of cellular PVC, a material that contractors also use for interior and exterior trim, paneling, window frames and doors. The material has tiny air bubbles inside, making it much lighter than regular PVC while maintaining its durability. Cellular PVC has the working characteristics of wood, meaning it is similar to wood in regard to cutting, finishing and joining. It also can be designed to look very similar to wood, especially when compared with other types of plastic material. XLM has a solid PVC cap for extra structural integrity.

Advantages

• TimberTech chose the name XLM because of the product's extreme low-maintenance character. It does not crack, peel, splinter, fade or rot, and it's highly resistant to scratches, mildew and stains. XLM is a good choice if your deck will have a lot of traffic, according to TimberTech. You might consider XLM decking if you plan to do a lot of entertaining on your deck or if your children will use it as their playground. Its slip-resistant property also makes cellular PVC useful near pools and spas. Because it is lightweight, cellular PVC decking is easier to install and move than other types of decking material. In addition, the chlorine component makes PVC very fire resistant, notes the PVC website.

Disadvantages

• The primary disadvantage of XLM decking is its cost. Cellular PVC decking in general is more expensive than other types of PVC decking or pressure-treated lumber. Another possible disadvantage is that traditionalists may not appreciate plastic decking, even though cellular PVC decking looks more like wood than other PVC decking or composites.