We’re hoping to use composite decking for a pier and porch on a house we’re building in Chincoteague, VA . Every area dealer seems to have a different composite, and our local contractors haven’t worked with them long enough to develop a sense of what works best for different applications.
My sense is that the major difference is cosmetic. If so, the one we like best is Epoch’s Evergrain decking (nee TekDeck). We’ve also looked at Trex and TimberTech.
Can anyone advise? Have there been any comparisons or reviews of the various composites now on the market?
Thanks.
Edited 7/2/2002 1:18:47 PM ET by Dan
Replies
Dan,
Try searching the archives for each of the products that you're considering. Composite decking has been discussed before, although I don't recall issues for it's use on a pier being brought up.
Since you're right on the coast I'd also be looking at which nails or screws hold up well in your area. Stainless steel or hot dipped galavanized are my bets.
Mike
It's O.k. to think out of the box, Just don't walk off of the plank!
Thanks. I did just that, and found a few more opinions and recommendations. It also seems that there are a lot of other people crashing around looking for the same answers. Perhaps Consumer Reports might want to take this on sometime?
Hi, Dan
I'm a rep for a large building supply in Northern VA and specialize in deck products. It's a rare week we're not pitched with the latest & greatest deck board anyone has ever seen. We may not have seen them all but we sure have seen a lot! We do move a tremendous amount of TREX and do fairly well with TimberTech also. But you're right on the money with Evergrain. We brought it into inventory this year and have gotten very positive feedback. A number of loyal TREX users have begun switching to it. The appearance is very nice and consistent, partly due to the fact it's pressed rather than extruded. A common complaint about TREX is that it varies in profile, ie is often thicker in the middle and that issue is addressed well with Evergrain. We've got a display area that's about a year old now and the faded product is still quite attractive. Here in a more inland environment, cedar is the most popular color. They make one called driftwood though that has no dye added so fading is much greater. But where your are at, most anything will fade anyway. The advantage to the driftwood color is that it should cost about fifteen to twenty cents per LF less. TREX was a great new concept but I think Evergrain is just a more refined product. You should stay away from the TimberTech for a pier as you'll normally have at least movement from wave and wind action. It's not a flexible decking so breakage could become an issue. Otherwise, it's a nice product, especially their new colors. Be sure to use top quality stainless steel fasteners. If you will be using screws, check out http://www.mcfeelys.com They're the best and also a VA company.
Good luck!
Al
Trap eeze screws are supposed to be the cats asss for composite decking.
See adds in FHB a REAL Lumber yard should carry them.
TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Yup, TrapEze screws are fantastic. Imagine, a product that performs just like it claims. But alas, they're not stainless steel. A coastal application would make that a must. And yes, this real lumber yard stocks 'em! So far, they only make 2-1/2" so 2x6 decking isn't wise. We're after them to offer the 3" version as well as collated so they can be installed rapid fire style. Quik-Drive deck guns are pretty popular in our area. Now if I could only get stainless steel, 3" long, and collated...
Al
Thanks!