Deck - Composite vs Treated

[ClayW]

Anyone familiar with the composite decking? Is it worth the extra costs?

Thanks

[100%TtId]

Yes, Choicedek or Trex.

Use stainless or ceramic coated fasteners and enjoy your deck for 20 years with minimal maintenance.

[Atfulldraw]

yes.

the substructure also will generally be more expensive, as the spacing between joists also have to be shortened up.

Hate walking on a trex deck someone tried to install over the old framing......

the only real downsides are the cost (and the heat if you like walking on the deck barefoot in the direct sun.)

[Draco]

If you decide to use wood then check out five quarter decking. It is finished much better than the 2 bys, won't warp as bad and stays smooth much longer.

[ClayW]

Thanks guys

Wife really likes the look of the plastic

[Atfulldraw]

Thanks guys

Wife really likes the look of the plastic

I really have no idea why you would be asking us then....

It's just money.

and her happiness.

[ClayW]

I really have no idea why you would be asking us then....



It's just money.



and her happiness.

Haha

That's about right!

[Mudslinger]

For residential applications, the composites usually have a lifetime warranty against warping or fading. The only drawbacks I have seen is on a 90 degree set to the floor joist, 16" centers is the most recommended and on anything like a 45 degree set against the floor joist, 12" centers is the recommend maximum setting. And this decking will get really hot in the direct sun, not very comfortable when barefooted.

[IowaHunter]

I had an extensive composite deck in my back yard when living in Colorado. It was on the north side of the house and we loved it. No splinters with the kids was ideal.

[2B4Him]

Love our Tree. About 10 years old. I pressure wash it every couple of years and it looks brand new.

[bsills]

I am looking at both right now also, the composite is about 3x more expensive than treated lumber. In the sun it does get extremely hot, like cant walk barefoot on it hot. I have decided to get the lumber, if your not staying in your current house for 20+ years I don't think its worth the investment.

[MQ32Shooter]

Just had a buddy rip his wood deck up after 7 years and replaced it with the composite stuff. He said he was so tired of the wood deck that the additional money was not a big deal.

[Shiner]

I went with treated 8 years ago (because of cost). Pressure washed and sealed once a year. She's still dang nice and I don't see a problem with another 8 years at the least. No cover and open to UV. If money was not a problem, I would have gone with plastic

[Slew]

Some get slick as snot when they're wet but overall I like em. They make great bunk boards for your boat as well. Just don't unhook the boat first on a steep ramp.

[rubydog]

If you decide to use wood then check out five quarter decking. It is finished much better than the 2 bys, won't warp as bad and stays smooth much longer.

5/4 Ipe decking is the way to go but I'm sure nobody will listen to a wood guy.