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Composite deck ideas

Discussion in 'Home Improvement' started by Shetto24, Mar 3, 2020.

  1. Mar 3, 2020 at 10:22 AM
    #1
    Shetto24

    Shetto24 [OP] New Member

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    Hoping you guys can lend me your experience and thoughts.

    I'm looking to redo my current wood deck with composite/engineered deck boards. There are many brands out there nowadays with Trex being the most well known AND the most expensive. What's your experience with Trex or any other brands? My two biggest concerns are fading and resistance to dog scratches. Hoping to not have to go direct high end with Trex and exploring other brands such as TimberTech, Fiberon etc.
     
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  2. Mar 3, 2020 at 10:25 AM
    #2
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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  3. Mar 3, 2020 at 10:39 AM
    #3
    19TurdPro

    19TurdPro New Member

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    I used Trex, couldn't be happier. On an existing deck replacement, check your joist spacing. If it's too far apart your composite deck will sag in between joists. Trex was 16 inch on center for decking installed 90 degrees to the joist. Less than that if you went at a 45 degree angle. If you're at a 24 inch spacing, you'll have to add in the cost of installing more joists.

    As for fading and dog scratches, it's only been 2 years and I don't have dogs.
     
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  4. Mar 3, 2020 at 10:57 AM
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    Shetto24

    Shetto24 [OP] New Member

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    Good info on the joist spacing. I'll figure that in once I lean towards a brand. I know I'll be adding in a box at the corners as I want to picture frame it in.
     
  5. Mar 3, 2020 at 11:37 AM
    #5
    19TurdPro

    19TurdPro New Member

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    Mine are 16" on center on the south side of the house, so it's full son. So far, no sagging. I kind of wish I would have reinforced with some 2x4s or something while I had the decking off. Cheap insurance.
     
  6. Mar 3, 2020 at 11:42 AM
    #6
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    @1UPPER might have some thoughts on Composite decking.
     
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  7. Mar 3, 2020 at 12:09 PM
    #7
    Mattyc

    Mattyc <insert custom title>

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    I’ve used Trex, Timbertech and Fiberon. They are all very similar in terms of performance. Keep in mind they all get very hot in the summer and with pets you will have to be sure to hose it down periodically throughout the day to avoid injury to your pet’s (and your) feet. They all withstand fading very well and unless you have giant dogs ripping around at high speeds are scratch resistant to a degree (similar to hard wood).
     
    P-Factor likes this.
  8. Mar 3, 2020 at 12:26 PM
    #8
    bsktball55

    bsktball55 New Member

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    When I built my composite deck at my old house 12 years ago, Timbertech was considered one of the best. It looked great, but it got HOT. My dogs couldn't hardly stand on it and I would have to go hose it off so that they could go outside. My current house has an Evergrain deck on it. It is also very nice and it does not seem to get as hot. I know when I built my first deck, Trex did not have the best reputation due to mold issues and other things, it was the name brand, but not the greatest type of thing. I believe recently, they have gotten much better.
     
  9. Mar 3, 2020 at 12:49 PM
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    P-Factor

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    Like Mattyc stated, it gets very hot when in direct son and is very slow to cool making the deck unusable at times. Also, If using composite as a replacement for your original wooden deck, I suggest you recalculate "live load capacity" and reinforce if needed due to composite decking materials being much more heavier than conventional decking.

    Be safe!
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2020
    Mattyc[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Mar 3, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #10
    1UPPER

    1UPPER Not A New Member

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    TEXAS
    Flux capacitor!
    I have worked with Trex on several outdoor projects. I’ve been very happy with the results over the long term. If you look at other synthetic deck options be careful. Some other cheaper options use different resins and can fade over time. Trex does offer several lines of their products. If you have a Lowe’s store near by you, I would check with them on the Trex material cost. They have special pricing on Trex that can be hard for other places to compete with. Most synthetic decks have different fastener systems. Make sure if you prefer to have the fasteners hidden or use screws that go through the surface of the decking. Most people prefer the hidden fasteners.
     
    P-Factor, Shetto24[OP] and Trooper2 like this.
  11. Mar 4, 2020 at 4:26 AM
    #11
    Slayer

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    Don't know where you live or what your climate is but I've seen a-lot of failures over the years here in our rainy Great Northwest.

    I built a deck for my mother in law who went against my recommendation & insisted on trex... It faded & delaminated horribly with-in 5 years.
    There was a class action lawsuit. Trex replaced the product but, allowed nothing for labor or fasteners.

    The new generation trex has held up better... it's been down now about 8 years but, it too is fading & delaminating.
    Trex will do nothing to warrant the new product.

    at 3 times the cost of other natural products like cedar / redwood...

    You might consider putting that money into some cool stuff like, an outdoor kitchen.. or covered deck built out of timbers.

    ..Slayer
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2020
  12. Mar 4, 2020 at 11:24 AM
    #12
    Shetto24

    Shetto24 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the input @Slayer I do live in Washington State, western WA to be specific. The layout of the deck would be directly east facing and would be shaded entirely with the westerly sun. This might aid in fading and heat resistance. So far, leaning towards the Timber Tech and ordered some samples yesterday.
     
  13. Mar 4, 2020 at 12:43 PM
    #13
    Slayer

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    Good luck with your project.
    I’ve been in construction 46 years & I have personally witnessed every exterior man made product they have introduced in our wet climate has failed, except for one.
    Hardie siding products.

    think of what you are buying in that composite decking...
    it’s recycled plastic with infused wood fibers.
    Once the
    Plastic finish breaks down the
    Wood fibers swale.. now you have a mess on your hands.
    The PVC stuff is a little better.. but overtime, it warps & becomes brittle.

    I guess you can tell.. I’m not a fan of man made materials.

    for the costs of these (in my opinion) expensively inferior products...

    you can buy the absolute best.. # 1 grade, clear vertical grain cedar (which is a beautiful & colorful wood) that will last decades, while being the envy of Kings & Queens & STILL have money left over.

    just my 2 cents....... Slayer
     
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  14. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:10 PM
    #14
    Shetto24

    Shetto24 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. I do appreciate your input and for providing another option you think is superior to composites. I guess I've been leaning away from woods because that's what the current deck is constructed with. It's painted too, not stained. I've owned the house for 9 months now and my dogs have absolutely shredded the paint off. I don't know for sure, but I doubt the previous owners used the proper paint and even if they did, I don't think paint could hold up to my shepherds nails. I think staining/sealing would be the only option if I used cedar.
     
  15. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:26 PM
    #15
    Slayer

    Slayer Member

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    yeah, paint on a deck surface is no good.

    Keeping up on the stain is key for longevity.
    Give it a couple coats the 1st year then, once a year for about 5 years. Then as needed after that.. you’ll be in great shape.
    Dogs will be tough on any surface except concrete.
    Ya know .. Another option might be.. installing 16x16 or 24x24 pavers for a deck surface if your current deck can handle the load.

    Feel free to PM me with your phone # bud, if you would like to discuss things personally.
    I would be happy to help with questions if I can.

    ..Slayer
     
  16. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:31 PM
    #16
    RLHULK

    RLHULK Too many gamma rays in all that BBQ smoke.

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    I sell a lot of Moisture shield by veranda. Its less than Trex normally, comes in a god mix of colors and you can get square edged or grooved depending on how you want to fasten it down. If you get the grooved, there are additional costs for the clips and screws needed. If going square edge then there is a specific deck screw you have to use, you cannot use a regular deck screw.

    I recommend joists be at least 16 inches on center min for any deck. Also the use of simpson strong tie hangers brackets and fasteners. your deck will last longer.
     
  17. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #17
    Jpneely

    Jpneely New Member

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    I went with trex on my deck as well. we have moisture problems on the deck so i wanted to use something besides wood for the decking. its been on 2 years and so far just a green algae layer has formed here recently due to the weather. it should scrub off fairly easily. i havent noticed any scratches due to the dogs yet, but i dont really get down and inspect the deck for that sorta thing. i got the grey decking and it hasnt gotten too hot yet, but again its pretty well shaded most of the day which is where my moisture problems are coming from. we're happy with it.
     
  18. Mar 5, 2020 at 2:33 PM
    #18
    RLHULK

    RLHULK Too many gamma rays in all that BBQ smoke.

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    If you paint or stain your deck and you have used PT lumber, let the deck age before you do anything. When you can pour a little water on the deck and the water not bead up but rather soaks in, your wood deck is ready to sand, stain and seal.
     
    Slayer likes this.

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