I looking in the archives and there is only 1 article that discusses TREX composite decking material, from July 2000. My friend has all issues so I will read that one this weekend.
BUT, does anyone know how this stuff has stood the test of time so far? I know it is fairly new and supposed to last forever, but I do not totally believe manufactures hype. I am also interested in stuff called ChoiceDek that Weyhauser sells though Lowes.
Does anyone know how thse products stand up? I have heard that the deck boards will sag even if mounted on 16″ centered floor joists.
I also have been told that the stuff expands and contracts so much that the fasteners get loose, since pressure treated joists expand at different rates etc.
Any info would be appreciated. This stuff is crazy expensive.
TIA
Replies
Don't know about Choicedeck but Trex is fine stuff. Trex has been around for well over a decade (maybe much longer..someone will correct me), and is still standing proud. It's a joy to work with. Use the proper screws (Trapeez or equiv.). Space as manufacturer instructs (it does expand/contract significantly--especially in cold temps). As for the flex, as long as you stick w/ 16 o.c. on the perpendicular (45 deg application you need a 12" center joist spacing, if I recall) it's plenty solid. You'll be happy with it. I've done a number of Trex decks. Clients are always happy, and so am I.
I think it is low maintenance, but it looks like plastic dog crap.
I won't use it anymore. Mahogany is cheaper, and looks better. Ipe is another option, and not much more. expensive.
It has been around predating that article. I have some on a deck and some on a dock in Florida. Lots of heat and sun. I've had some in ground contact for a decade without insect damage. I've had no loose fasteners. I've used both ring shank SS and NoKorode (sp?) screws by McFeely's.
It will discolor with mold and leaf debris but cleans with a power washer. It outlasts PT lumber, looks better, and when considering longevity it's cost is less.
Gypsyjon,
I used it on a landing outside my back door 6 years ago. I still looks great. The thing I always liked about trex is that it doesn't get slippery when it gets wet like some of the other plastic crap out there.
With a standard circuilar saw blade it cuts like a hot knife through butter.
I love it.
Regards
Tim
Have a 10'x40' Trexs deck on the back of my house, rails & deck all Trexs. Screwed with regular deck screws, every other joist (16" oc 2x10) going on its 5th season. No problems to speak of. All we have done to it is Power Wash a few times. Just like a Timex, gets a licking (summer partys, bbqs & dogs) & keeps on ticking. We used the 1 1/2" gray by 6" by 20' that we cut down to 10' @ the time I think it was about $2.10 a lin ft.
jon... we do a lot of decks...
PT SYp
fir
mahogany
meranti
ipe'
alaskan cedar
and
Trex..
in the wood look, the meranti & Ipe' are pretty nice,
but if it were my house , i'd choose Trex every time, i like the look, and i love the maintenance
all the wood decks look a little shopworn after a couple years, the Trex is like hte Energizer bunnyMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
We put choicedek on five years ago with dd galvanized spiral nails. It looks as good as the day we put it on. No loose fasteners. Costly but good. I have plenty of customers who don't mind that.