composite decking

[jake00]

I'm going to build a small porch, (6x20)

because its small, I dont think composite will break the bank.

What brands do you recommend?

My house is sided yellow with white trim, am I nuts to want to use white decking?

 

[russlaferrera]

I do not think it comes in white. I have used Trex, with SS screws.

 

[KMR Construction]

I would suggest Azek brand decking with Cortex screws. Ohh and they make it in white

 

[akdiesel]

Keep in mind if you use composite decking you will need to reduce your span on the joists, or you will feel like a sponge.
I believe that the Trex white decking will turn a grayish color with the help of the UV rays. But that is a look that people want and it does look good over time as well, just like bronze and copper in the elements.

 

[rieferman]

I've seen a nice look where grey was used on the decking along with a white railing so that you have the "matching to trim" effect that you're seeking but also have a decking that won't immediately start staining and discoloring.

 

[KenS]

If your deck is exposed to the sun, don' t plan on walking on composite planking with bare feet. Plastic really holds the heat.

 

[jake00]

thanks for the sugs. My wife and I also like the gray/white my work has an account with a place that is a dist (not a dealer) of Azek so it looks like i can cut out the middle man

 

[ImportTuner]

Why is composite decking so much more expensive then redwood .. especially when it is supposed to be made using recycled products ..

 

[volvo]

.
..Is not Trex, the plastic/sawdust/glue boards now having total delamination/disintegration problems making this product unsafe for decks ??

 

[thdewey]

my .02 cents. Pick a length that the decking comes in. Say 18' vs 20' or what ever you can get. No or little cutting is desired. If you want, make it wider for the same sq ft. This will look so much better and leave no waste. That's what I would do if I were going to another composite deck. I LOVE mine but that's what I should have done.

 

[rieferman]

hmmm, I hadn't heard about the Trex delamination issues, but Volvo's comment seems to be on the money. I google searched a bit and found many examples of what he was referring to. Given the cost of materials, it might be worth signing up for Consumer Reports (their online subscription is $5 monthly last I checked, so it's cheap to sign up and do some research, then cancel) or something similar to get the latest product comparisons.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Why is composite decking so much more expensive then redwood .. especially when it is supposed to be made using recycled products ..

I have wondered the same thing, I mean 4 or 5 times the cost of wood, when using products that would have been sent to the landfill? Perhaps the extruding/molding machines are expensive, and the demand is low?

 

[fotoflojoe]

I have wondered the same thing, I mean 4 or 5 times the cost of wood, when using products that would have been sent to the landfill? Perhaps the extruding/molding machines are expensive, and the demand is low?

i've always interpretted the cost as "paying for convenience". Once composite decking is down, it pretty much never has to be touched again. The manufacturers know this and charge a premium because of it.


KenS ain't lying! Composite decking gets HOT in the sun! Mine gets about as hot as asphalt.

 

[Mike83]

Trex has a 25 year residential warranty, but that does not cover removal and replacment labor costs. Also does not cover mold and mildew.

 

[JackOfAllTradesRuss]

JAKE,
I like and have used Timber Tech decking,along with a Tamko railing system. RUSS

www.timbertech.com

www.tamko.com

 

[Torque1st]

Look into TimberSil also:
http://www.timbersilwood.com/
It is real wood. The last time I checked it was not much more expensive than regular ACQ treated wood.