If you're thinking about having a new dock built or are about to replace an existing dock, then consider two popular types of decking material—natural lumber decking and composite lumber decking. Each type of dock / deck building material has it's own unique benefits, and each has passed the test of time in unforgiving elements.
Natural Lumber Decking
Pressure-treated wood decking is a great option for a tighter budget. The classic look of wood gives a more rustic feel, and can be stained or painted to match virtually any color scheme. Pressure-treated decking can be notched for installation of hidden deck fasteners for a clean, fastener-free appearance.
Tropical hardwood has a highly desired exotic look and is very durable. Hardwood species like Ipe have been known to last over twenty years. Tropical decking like Abaco can span greater distances to accommodate wide 24" on center joist spacing. Some hardwood decking comes pre-grooved for use with a hidden fastener system.
Composite Lumber Decking
Composite decking is manufactured from wood fiber and 
plastic to form a plank that requires less maintenance and typically has a longer lifespan than natural wood decking. Composite lumber is similar in cost to tropical hardwood and has many of the same benefits. Like tropical hardwood, Latitudes Marine composite decking allows for long 24" on-center joist spans. Latitudes Marine also incorporates a profiled edge specifically designed for docks, boardwalks and walkways. Additional benefits of composite lumber decking is that it's barefoot friendly, slip-resistant and comes in a variety of colors that never need to be sealed or stained.
Composite decking is an excellent choice for above or in-ground 
pool decks. Whether you're a do-it-yourself or a professional deck builder, consider installing composite deck building material in your pool or spa area for its aesthetics, barefoot friendly, slip-resistant surface and its low maintenance performance. Most composite lumber deck boards now days are available with hidden fasteners and in several attractive colors to complement your home and outdoor living area.
When planning your new composite lumber pool deck, don’t let the deck railing system be an afterthought. There are several attractive options on the market that will complement your 
home and pool design, ranging from aluminum and composite to vinyl.
Metal deck railing, with an all glass panel infill or glass balusters, is one of my favorite styles, as it allows for unobstructed views of the pool area.
If you prefer the look of a deck surface without exposed nails or screw-heads, then consider using a hidden fastener system. Using hidden deck fasteners is a
great way to hide unsightly screw holes in both pressure treated decking and composite wood decking. These deck accessories can be used on virtually any type of decking material, from composite wood and pressure treated wood, to tropical hardwoods.
The most popular hidden fasteners are made of UV resistant plastic or metal. These hidden fasteners include
Equator (made specifically for composite decking), TigerClaw, Eb-Ty
and Lumber Loc.
High quality hidden deck fasteners install from the top of the composite or wood deck and allow for natural expansion and contraction—like a floating floor. These hidden fasteners virtually eliminate the need for predrilling and automatically gap each board with the proper spacing—making installation quick and easy.
With a hidden fastener system, you'll give your deck an extra clean touch without any visible blemishes like nail pops or mushrooms.
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