Father-in-law is looking to redo a deck of a vacation home and is debating whether to go with wood or synthetic deck (Trek or something different) The deck is built on(over) the water of a lake in Eastern Washington. This requires a material that is strong, long lasting and able to handle extremes in weather. Summer gets to be upwards of 100, with winter getting down to the teens and a couple of feet of snow. His preference would be something that doesn’t need paint or stain and that wouldn’t get too hot to stand on. Any opinions would be helpful. TIA
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eon.
Tom
trex or IPE`
Excellence is its own reward!
What's IPE? How does it compare to PT?
Thanks Turtleboy
Run a search here and on google.
It is a Tropical hardwood marketed as Ironwood.
You can also find composite railings made up in kits. Stay away from the plain old PVC though. It and trex have nostructural strength so are unduitable for things like railings, framing, and other laod bearing items..
Excellence is its own reward!
When you say go with Trex - do you mean specifically Trex brand - or composite decking in general?
I am curious what brands of composite decking people think are best.
Ones I have heard recommended most here in Minnesota are WeatherBest and Rino - have heard that people don't care much for Everex.
Anyone else have composite decking brand likes and dislikes?
I've had nothing but good experiences with Timbertech.
http://www.timbertech.com
I am doing Trex brand on my deck now, but my buddy just bought something called Americas Best Decking. It is like Trex but has a woodgrain look to it. I think it looks better than the Trex,,,,but alas! I already paid for my decking and had it delivered! The Trex is a full 5/4 thick though, the stuff he bought is called 5/4 but it's really only an inch thick.I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!
I have used both Trex and Boardwalk. I like Boardwalk by certainteed better than Trex in that it is flatter, a little more gription and the color starts out and stays the same. I think it looks a little less like sawdust. Size, a hair thinner than Trex but takes the recommended spans well. They do suggest a little overkill on stairtreads I think.......unless you're building for a herd of elephants. Price is same. Worth a look.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Thanks for the responses on brands.
Trex would work best over there Neil. Just remember it will expand and contract 3/16" fo every 20 degree variance in temperature, so give it room to move.
I did a cedar deck for my cousin in Spokane and I've never seen wood do what it does over there. 6x6 arbor post turned 180 degrees..............bench miters pulled apart, I just could'nt believe it.
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Thanks, I was amazed how brutal the weather was on their existing deck. Thanks for the info on expansion, pretty critical over there.
Ipe.
Strong. Will last near forever. No maintenance if you let it weather to a silver-gray.
Good stuff.