I have a client that wants his old deck rebuild using composite decking. I have built my fair share of decks just never with a composite deck material. Since there are a ton of companies selling one form or another of decking I just wanted to see what you guys and gals (politically correct) were using.
<!—-><!—-> <!—->
The deck is going to be build in southern <!—-><!—-> <!—->Virginia<!—-> <!—->. It will sit in the sun from sun up till sun down. We haven’t discussed size or any of the details. I want to be able to go in and suggest the best product.
<!—-> <!—->
Thanks
Replies
I'd stay away from composite. Look into PVC, such as Azek (formally Procell) or Trex makes a PVC as well as Timber Tech.
I've got a composite deck I'm looking to replace with a more modern variety.
The latest Consumer Reports has an article on decking, both types and stains. They're somewhat happy with composites, but find the plastic pvc stuff has too much sagging to recommend.
The composite I want to switch out has cracked and broken away from some nails, it sags, and is impossible to use in the hot summer sum of Denver. One cannot walk on it in bare feet, it is soooo hot.
So's I'm looking for ideas too. A light color with a bit of texture, that doesn't sag.
Because composite decking gets so hot, that's one of the reason's I like PVC. You can screw it close to the edges and it won't crack like composite. As far as the sagging, I framed my deck 12"o.c. If you picture frame a deck and 45 the corners, PVC will open up on the joints, but not as bad as composite. Same holds true for butt joints. PVC is so much lighter and easier to work with IMO. I've taken several scrap pieces of composite and PVC and put them out in the sun to see how they compare. Depending on the color, there is a slight variation on how hot they get. But PVC takes on very little heat from the sun. I have installed several PVC decks and the homeowners are extremely happy with it and thank me for introducing the product to them. As they thought 'Trex' was their only option.
I just went thru this drill with my own home, decided to go with IPE (all of 2mos. now) . So far we love it, feels like an interior finished floor under foot 3/4x6. I also like the silver/gray patina it turns to. Approx. same $$$$$ as the PVC and composits.
Thanks for the info. I'm going out on Thursday night to take a look at the job and now I have a few ideas.
Edited 6/23/2008 8:15 pm ET by SVH