Replies

1. 
   Mongo | Mar 12, 2007 06:12am | #1

   Pressure treated for the substructure maybe, but no way I'd use PT for the deck boards.

   You don't mention where you're located in your profile, but that could be a factor with some of the synthetics.

   Some tend to flex more during hot temps or under a hot sun and thus need closer joist spacing.

   There are some better synthetics that have come to market over the past few years.

   More rigid, better weathering, etc.

   If you're "already contracted" do you have a binding contract with a fixed price for the deck? If you tell what your budget is for the decking, we may be able to better aid you in coming in on budget by giving certain product recommendations.

   Mongo

1. 
   Tio | Mar 12, 2007 08:36pm | #2

   Costs are not the issue; longevity and durability are the questions. Will these synthestics hold up to the heat of summer and winters in S. PA.

    

   Tony

1. 
   Mongo | Mar 12, 2007 09:05pm | #3

   Like most families of materials, some synthetics are better than others.But yes, good synthetics will last longer, and outperform PT.Some are more rigid than others, with ones like Trex (for example) being at the mercy of the sun. Colder temps it's fairly rigid, hot summer sun it's spaghetti. Not too much of a concern with joists 16" oc, unless you install on a bias, like on a 45 to the joists, which effectively makes the 16" on center 24" on center. For more info use the magazine article search, FHB has had a few articles in recent year.Mongo

1. 
   Tio | Mar 12, 2007 09:10pm | #4

   Thank U.

2. 
   bayviewrr | Mar 13, 2007 02:36am | #5

   You might want to consider a hardwood like ipe rather than the synthetics.  The cost tends to be about the same.  I live on an island with a mess of vacation homes.  They all have at least one deck and some up to five or six.  Many people like the look and feel of a hardwood over the synthetics and more and more of my customers are choosing the ipe over synthetics when given the option.  A picture framed ipe deck with hidden fasteners and routed edges makes a very impressive end product.  Add Azek trim boards around the exposed rim joists and used Azek for the stair risers and you will have a very satisfied customer.  Just MHO......

   Brian......Bayview Renovation

    

1. 
   Tio | Mar 13, 2007 03:50am | #6

   Thanx, Brian. Really appreciate.

    

   Tony/Tio