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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Decks Composite vs Wood

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Willie

05-26-2004 15:05:35




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I'd like to build a walk out deck on the east side of our house. 10'x10' nothing fancy just a nice looking place to enjoy the evening. We built our home using things that make it very low matinance due to retirment. I've been looking at some of the composite material so a guy would not have much upkeep. Seems that there is a lot of different kinds of material they make decks from. How is the material to work with? I'd like to know what lasts and what is junk. Brand names would help. Thanks

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Dave

05-28-2004 16:47:30




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
I used trex to build one several years ago still very nice ,,i used stainless screws drilled and countersunk every hole ,,looks great still today ,few more dollars at the time but well worth it



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luckydog

05-27-2004 19:53:06




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
Willie- I have built 2 Trex decks (composite) in the last 8 years. At the time it was 1/3 more than lumber. 16" centers, not slick when wet, NO maintinance!! Love it. You can find it at lumber yards or on-line. luckydog



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Fawteen

05-27-2004 15:44:54




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
I've built a couple using some of the earlier composites that require 12" centers under them. The brand name escapes me at the moment (CorrectDeck, maybe???), but it was about twice the price of 5/4 pressure treated. All holes were pre-drilled, and it was fastened with stainless squaredrive screws.

The decks I built with them were for a Bed & Breakfast, so appearance was a primary consideration. After 5 years, the owner is tickled pink with them. A side benefit is that traction on the decks when they're wet is MUCH better than on PT.

If I were going to build a deck for myself, I'd go that route if I could afford the materials.

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Hal/WA

05-27-2004 00:58:18




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
I used a composite called Nexwood for the surface on a 16x20 deck I built 4 years ago. It was easy to work with and not too much more expensive than good redwood. It looks about the same as when I installed it and has required no more maintainance than spraying it off with the hose once in awhile. I did use expensive stainless steel screws to fasten it down to the pressure treated support structure.

Time will tell how well it will hold up--it is supposed to be guaranteed for 20 years. But I really like not having to do anything to it and it feels just fine under my bare feet, even when it has been in direct sunlight all day.

Would I use composite material again? Sure! Would I use Nexwood again? Probably, unless I found something better for less money.

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mick

05-26-2004 19:40:38




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
I have used several types of material. The old saying still holds true, You get what you pay for. Buy what your budget will allow. I would not recommend spending money for deck material that will outlast the framework under it. Start with better quality frame material. You can always change the top but the frame is a real bugger.



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buck

05-26-2004 17:36:30




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  

Just called in a order to Lowes this afternoon. Enough material to redeck a 720 sq. ft. deck. Lady said she was tired of her children getting splinters in their feet. She is paying the bill for the order so I don't know exactly the cost but undertand it is about 3 times normal 5/4 treated decking. Was told that all holes have to be predrilled and use of special screws. They confirmed that it is ok to go over the existing deck frame without added support and this deck was framed 24"cc. This will be my first installation of this stuff so I am on a learing curve here. Now one thing that I do recommend is the white vinly railing so should you decide to use it, check with your supplier before deciding on the final deck design as long spans of railing can get costly. Good luck and enjoy your deck.

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Bus Driver

05-26-2004 17:25:30




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
Robert is correct about the cost and structural issues. I built with the ChoiceDeck material from the first. Compared to my daughter's deck of pressure treated wood, I think I made a good choice.



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Robert in W. Mi

05-26-2004 17:00:18




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
Two reasons i didn't like it (composites) was, the price! I found it quite a bit more expensive. Secondly, i had a lot of my joist 24" apart, and the composites i looked at will only span 16", so once again, even "more" expense to build with!

If money wasn't an issue, i'd have IPE. It's a plantation hardwood from S. America, and is the most beautiful outdoor wood i've ever seen. May be worth looking into for you, as your decks aren't all that big.

Robert

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Ron

05-26-2004 15:26:13




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 Re: Decks Composite vs Wood in reply to Willie, 05-26-2004 15:05:35  
Home Depot sells all of them and there is a range of prices. They will explain the advantages of each type. Most of the composites can be cut and drilled just like wood using the same tools.



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