Composite Decking

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2012-06-19 8:50 AM

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Subject: Composite Decking

Anyone have this on their deck?  We are going to replace our deck and wife wants something with minimal maintenance.  Obviously it is more expensive but what are your experiences.  Likes?  Dislikes?  Thanks!

2012-06-19 8:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
TeddieMao - 2012-06-19 8:50 AM

Anyone have this on their deck?  We are going to replace our deck and wife wants something with minimal maintenance.  Obviously it is more expensive but what are your experiences.  Likes?  Dislikes?  Thanks!

Great stuff!!!  Make sure you use the right screws for it though.  I had a buddy who didn't (thought he would save some money).  Made a mess of things, and ended up costing him more in the end.

If it wasn't so expensive, I would use it everywhere - deck, fence, etc.

2012-06-19 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
I love it so far. Our house had a new trex deck on it when we moved in last year. I would get it anytime.
2012-06-19 9:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
X2 for Trex......I built a new deck on our house 8 years ago using Trex and vinyl railing.....never looked back.  I powerwash it every couple of years, but that's it. I can't think of anyhting I dislike about it.....what I like most is walking barefoot on it.
2012-06-19 10:16 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
Aren't Trex or some of those other composites much hotter in the sun? I thought I heard that, but that would be the only possible downside I could think of beside cost....
2012-06-19 10:45 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
I have helped install a few trex decks. One thing I'd mention is the texture. Don't get one of the smooth textured types. Any little dent/scratch is there permanently and stands out pretty bad I think.

2012-06-19 10:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking

Had ours for close to 4 years now.  All I can say is awesome.  We got Trex with a wood grain pattern in it so it doesn't show any scratches or scars if something were to happen. 

Yes, it is much more expensive but they come with ridiculous warantee's and maintenance is so minimal (annual cleaning is pretty simple). 

Oh, and as for the heat question, I've never had that problem. 

2012-06-19 11:23 AM
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Littleton, CO
Subject: RE: Composite Decking
Composite for sure.  Had the rear deck done with wood, then the front done with composite later.  REALLY wished I had composite in the back as well, despite the cost difference.
2012-06-19 12:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
A few of the down sides of it:

1. composite decking gets STUPID HOT in direct sunlight.. you don't really want to walk barefoot on it in summer - even the lighter colored decking

2. it is NOT zero maintenance. Decking in shaded areas WILL mold/mildew/whatever and will require scrubbing/cleaning/powerwashing.

3. price



Beyond those items, the stuff is great.
That said, I have a small 10x12 deck on the back of my house that I built with composite, and I'm seriously contemplating re-doing it with pressure-treated because any addition I put on will use pressure-treated and I want them to match. Over the first ten years of a deck, pressure treated can and will look just as nice as composite and it's cheaper to use and much nicer to walk on in bare feet (on a hot day, anyway). In cooler weather, though, the stuff is *really* nice on the feet, plus having no chance of splinters is kinda great.

As for strength/durability - it's no better or worse than wood. I've seen a table getting blown by high winds break railings made from both - neither fared any better than the other.

You definitely need to ensure you get the screws designed for composite decking - and make sure you countersink the screw heads deep enough.... those are also really uncomfortably hot on bare feet after being in direct sunlight, lol.
2012-06-21 10:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking

Hello, I am a representative of Trex.  Another great option for installing is using hidden fasteners.  We make two types, Connector Clips, which are stainless steel and Universal Hidden Fasteners, which are a glass filled nylon.  These are both used with our grooved edge boards.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

BrittanyM

Trex

2012-06-21 3:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
We have composite textured decking on a bridge in our community rec area. It is in the open south Texas sun and gets a pretty high volume of foot, skate and bike traffic. I believe it has been in for 5-6 years now and it is holding up really well. 

2013-01-09 7:20 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking

About 3 weeks ago I have added the decking material into my new home. Seems to be great and help me a lot. I have purchased the decking material from Futurewood. Must try to get it once from them. Provide a better product.

2013-01-09 7:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking
benkyesher - 2013-01-09 8:20 AM

About 3 weeks ago I have added the decking material into my new home. Seems to be great and help me a lot. I have purchased the decking material from Futurewood. Must try to get it once from them. Provide a better product.

Geez, at least Brittney owned up to working for Trex before plugging her product!

 

Nothing new to add for the OP... Composite is much better than wood, a bit more expensive but lasts dang near forever without cracking, splintering warping etc.  Yes it gets hot in direct sunlight, and yes a good powerwashing is recommended every now and again but IMHO the pros far, far outweigh the cons. 

2013-01-09 2:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Composite Decking

Our house has a composite deck when we bought it.  One thing I learned is to not spill grease on it.  I do a lot of BBQ and spilled some grease on the decking.  I figured, "It's plastic, it shouldn't absorb it."  Boy was I wrong, I tried pressure washing it out.  It looked good then when the water dried off, it looked the same.  I gonna try Dawn or something next time. 

Also from what I hear, it has no structural qualities.  Make sure there is enough support underneath.

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