I searched through the numerous discussions on the different composite decking materials (Trex, Nexwood, etc), but I saw nothing on Weatherbest, which is what I’m considering for my deck.
Before I sink $3,000 into this stuff, I’d prefer to hear from someone who has used it, or considered using it… Anyone?
Thanks,
Leon
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Replies
Go to http://www.correctdeck.com for a glimpse at a grained decking similar to the decking you're interrested in. Correct Deck offers a hidden fastener along with a natural looking wood appearance. The concealed fastener version of Correct Deck is called The Signature Series.
Thanks, GESMS, I have seen the CorrectDeck website, and they seem to have a very good product. But they seem to only cater to the Northeast area, and I'm in Southern California :(.
Leon
I can't give you first hand info as one who has installed Weatherbest but our yard guys say it's noticeably stiffer than any other composite they handle. They can pickup a 20' unit of Trex and have the forks 6' high before the ends clear the ground. Weatherbest feels much more like wood during handling. Those who've installed it say it doesn't have the "rubbery" feeling when walking on it that most other composites have. It also is the only composite decking product I know of that has a mold inhibitor built in. Here in the middle Atlantic, mold is becoming a big issue not in houses but on decks. WB has an attractive grain pattern on one side but is reversible to show a wire brushed face on the other.
Al
Al, yes, that is exactly why I liked WB. Its modulus is about 570 ksi, much higher than Trex's 170 ksi. But, they have only been around for about 3 years, so I am wondering if they have a well-developed or still-evolving product. I do like its look, so I'll probably cross my fingers and take the plunge :).
Leon
I think you'd be making a wise choice. While it's true WB is relatively new to the market, almost all the other composites are as well. My take on it is that Trex was the first, and for a long time the only, game in town. But they have relied too much on marketing strength and not enough on evolving and improving their core products. The yard I work at has done extremely well with Trex. But in our market, there is growing resistance from both contractors and homeowners to it. The perception seems to be that the next generation of composites has arrived and Trex isn't one of them. My only significant hestitation with these products in general is the typical warranty is only ten years. The vinyl based products have longer warranties but they don't have the look that seems to be most favored. Ten years isn't a very long warranty to have on an outdoor product such as decking. I hope the manufacturers will soon begin to lengthen the warranties as quickly as they raise the prices!
Al