Above: Graphic from the MoistureShield web site does a good job of highlighting "The Solid Core Difference™" and "the only wood composite deck board that can be installed in the ground, on the ground and underwater."
The photos on this page are courtesy of the MoistureShield web site.
Above:
MoistureShield Vision®
capped wood composite. This is the top of the line for Moistureshield and it is the highest price. Setting it apart form the other capped versions, Vision has DiamondDefense™ coating "to exude distinctive style while resisting scratches, stains, and damage on impact." The "Solid Core" composite formula, according to the web site is an "impermeable barrier" to moisture. The Vision line is available in six different colors, including warm colors from the very dark "Spanish Leather" to the light tan "Mochaccino" and one darkish gray color called "Somkey Gray." The wood grain texture is visibly different from that of other brands being broader and deeper as is apparent in the above photo. Above:
MoistureShield Meridian™
capped wood composite has the same solid core as as Vision and the other lines, but has a much different look with a lower profile and more wood-like texture, and multi-tonal coloring. Shown above is the solid edge or square edge profile, which means it is not grooved for hidden fasteners. All four lines of MoistureShield have both grooved and square edge profiles. You need the square edge for the outside deck board so the groove is not exposed at the end of your deck. Meridian is available four appealing colors that you really have to see on the web site because their names provide no clue about the color. Meridian has a 40-year fade and stain warranty. Above:
MoistureShield Elevate™
capped wood composite has the same solid core and deeply embossed surface as well as a protective cap layer as the Vision series. Being deeply scalloped, it has less content and is therefore the lowest priced MoistureShield decking… their budget-level product. It is available in four colors, two warm browns, and two cool grays. Elevate comes with a 30-year fade and stain warranty. Above:
MoistureShield Vantage™
wood composite. This may be the only composite decking board on the market that is not capped. It has the same deeply embossed grain pattern as the the Visioni® line, but the surface is less smooth… no sheen. And there is no variation in the color. What it does have is the same solid core as the others. It seems an indicator that the company has so much confidence in the impermeability of its core composite that capping is unnecessary. Vantage is available in five colors including Cape Cod Gray, three warm brown colors, and a reddish mahogany color. The uncapped Vantage series is priced higher than Elevate and lower than the Vision and Meridian series.