A system in my mind is a manufacturer that offers the railings and related acessories that make the job of quoting and installing a deck easier. I see lots of deck systems in Remodeling magazine that I never even heard of a few years ago. Early composite looked like plastic, developed wear patterns and , some, were not well thought out systems, sagging, expanding w/ heat.
What do you see as the best system out there and why ? thanks, Dave
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I've used both Trex and Evergrain quite a bit. I would say that neither company has put much thought into the actual application of the product, so much as thay have into marketing. Scuffs, watermarks, and color variations are just "tough noogies" and there's apparently no solution other than returning the product. Plus, customers almost invariably look disappointed when they realize that it just doesn't look like wood at all (duh).
As a supplement, Deckorator components are fine products to use with synthetics, especially the rail connectors. The balusters are sturdy but light, therefore less likely to sag out the rails. Royal PITA of accuracy to make the stair balusters look good though, so take your time and don't forget to cut your stairs to the bracket pitch. 35 degrees I recall, but check on the package.
All I can say is I have a 350sq.ft Trexs Deck that I installed 5 years ago on my house. Deck & rails all made of Trexs. Simple rail with 2"x2" pickets & 4"x4" posts w 6"cap.
Best part, take the garden hose once a year for a good cleaning & were Golden!