With many composite type materials available for decking, it is difficult to make a choice. When the cost is finally determined..STICKER SCHOCK.
I am removing my deck surface (old 2×6 pt) after battling over the years with trying to keep it looking good. The deck get full sun and during the winter, snow (if we get any) stays on it till it naturally melts. I am in RI.
I am wondering about the product Thompsonized wood sold only at HD. It has a lifetime guarantee and the cost, initially, is not as high as composites.
Does anyone have any experience with this product. Your comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Replies
My opinion...
Marketing hype.
Just like Thompson's wood sealer. They put their money into the marketing, not into product development. The sealer lasts about a year. It's appears to be 70% mineral spirits. I guess that is why it costs about 1/2 the amount of a good quality wood sealer.
The Thompsonized lumber will postpone your need to apply a real wood sealer... I dono know - maybe that is worth it to you. I do think the boards are a little better quailty (#2+), so that might help the preceived value too.
Total waste of money in my opinion. I think it's just mineral spirits with parafin. Save your money and go with a concealed fastener system. My brother built a very long dock in SC and used 2 by 10 PT for the deck boards. I told hiim he was crazy but he screwed it from underneath and after 10 years there is no cupping, very little cracking and no splitting. It still looks great.