Composite Decking?

[Eckie]

I'm sure this has been hashed before, but I couldn't find it, so thought I'd ask --

I'm building a deck on my house and want to use composite -- any preferences out there? I'm thinking of using the Trex Transcend, but would like to hear other opinions of what you guys like / don't like.

Thanks,

Greg

[Skeeter21i]

Azek is worth looking into.

[CJH]

We had a nice large deck built this year w/ composite. For higher end materials all of the Contractors recommended Timber Tech or Gossen. For midrange, they recommended Geo-decking. None of them seemed to think much of the Trex stuff.

We went with the Gossen (liked the look of it better and it was on sale) and have been very happy with it, however it is not cheap.

Good Luck!!

[Hoey]

I have no direct experience with any of these materials, but I have friends who thought they were getting weather proof, no maintenance composite decking. Two years following installation, the decking is molding and growing green stuff, i.e. moss like, and slick...

After looking into the composites, they all are labeled low maintenance, requiring periodic cleaning and restaining...

Seems they all have some organic materials mixed in, i.e. wood fibers.

I also have a friend where the decking bows/buckles during warm weather, as it expands.

[crothmeier]

Composite decking is not mainenance free, it was originally labeled as such by mistake, it needs to be washed and cared for.

It does expand and contract in our climate, if the proper installation is followed you wont have much of an issue with buckling, but the reccomended gapping sometimes isnt very visually pleasing.

All of the brands listed above are good. Trex has been around since the beginning. Its basically a ford vs. chevy arguement. Find something you like the looks of and go for it. I'd throw reccommendations out for: Trex, Timbertech, Azek, Gossen, and Monarch.

"its not cheap" ha, it isnt cheap! I just sold a $13,000(materials only) trex transcend deck/railing.

[LightningBG]

Whatever you do, dont use the little rubber/plastic T-clips that Menards sells with some of their composite decking. PITA.

[timjones]

I have three Timbertech decks on our house. Would never use the stuff again. Had a large Redwood deck on our home we had down in the cities and it looked better, was stronger, and easier to maintain.

[IamZombie]

VersaDeck?

[Ufatz]

Put Trex deck on cabin built ten years ago. We pressure wash it every couple years. No rot, no mildew (but it can get moss if not cleaned off) and no little fading. It DOES flex some when hot. BUT....after putting up with many wooden decks for past fifty years I'd not go back to wood, pretty as it might be. Too much maintenance and the new stuff does not get splinters either! Ha Ha!

[Eckie]

Thanks for the insight, guys. I feel like I'm losing it with all the research I'm in the midst of right now. Seems as soon as I start to "lean" towards one brand, I hear horror stories about it. All of this leads me to believe that this might really have been a Ford vs. Chevy thing.

I will say it does appear that there are a few options that consistently rank higher than Timbertech or Trex...like Apex. Unfortunately, Apex is much more expensive too.

I also think that one has to consider that most companies have come a long way and have improved their products over the last 5-10 years.

Thanks again for the help -- keep the opinions coming!! I will be buying materials next week.

[cavalierowner]

My nephew used ChoiceDEK that he bought from Lowes. After about 1-1/2 years it was growing a lot of mold. When he pressure washed it, the mold came off but it's permanently discolored. There is also discoloring in the areas that the sun doesn't hit a lot. And there is a class action lawsuit going about this product.

Off topic, but I still like the look of natural wood.

[Eckie]

Thanks for the info --

I know there are many who are displeased with Trex, but the new Transcend series appears to be vastly improved from some of the older models --

Anybody have experience with this model?

Thanks!

[eurolarva]

It has been years since I built a deck but when I did the city only allowed one composite and that was trex. Make sure before you go to far that the city approves your plan and materials. I am sure a lot more are allowed now

[Eckie]

Thanks, Euro -- in Maple Grove, this 'list' is available online at the city's HSOforum -- there are many options out there today.

[crothmeier]

I have a few of the new transcend samples in my store, and have a big deck going up soon with it. this will be my first experience with it, but it seems greatly improved from the original stuff. Ive put on alot of different brands. stick with the more popular brands and just make sure you follow THEIR directions, and you'll be fine.

[Eckie]

Thanks, Croth -- my thoughts as well -- I made the decision to use the Transcend series -- will be starting this week once hte permit gets approved.

I appreciate everyone's advice...thank you.

[crothmeier]

Let me know how you like it. The one I have sold might not be starting until next spring now.

[Eckie]

will do -- digging footings in the morning. Contractor expects to have whole thing completed next week -- I'll try and take pic of it when it's done and post it.

[Eckie]

Deck is done! Still finishing up the landscaping/mulch, but thought I'd share the end result.

[CJH]

Looks good, congrats!!

I did lighting similar to that as well and we love it!!

[crothmeier]

SWEEEEEEEEET looking deck!!! Looks great!!

Im starting a 24x12 for a friend this weekend. Just treated though.

[Eckie]

Thank you -- I went 14 x 24 and wish I would've gone 16 after I got all the furniture and grill on it. Oh well, it's fine the way it is -- I'm very pleased with it.

[Hoey]

We are getting the house ready for our son's graduation next spring - 2015. Improving the deck is one of the items on the list for this spring. I am looking for feedback and recommendations on the "improved" Azek or Trex products.

[Down Deep]

Nice deck. The rails and accent posts make the deck very attractive. I put the stair lighting on my deck and it is a nice feature for providing stair light when the exterior lights are off. Mine is solar.

[Eckie]

This will be the 3rd year on this deck .... and I can honestly say it looks as good as the day I installed it.

Here are my other thoughts ---

- like I stated before -- I wish I would have went bigger. It's 14 x 24, and I wish it would be 16 x 32. We bought the leisure furntire for it, which I prefer to the table/chairs, but it takes up more room.

- I would use solar lighting, like Down Deep. Nothing wrong with the low voltage quality, but the quick connects can become loose. I've had to re-wire 3 of the caps so far. Small hassle, but luckily one that I can stretch into a 2 beer project.

- The only downside to composite is -- on hot summer days, this decking is HOT! I've had to put down outdoor rugs (removing them after the sun goes down)to avoid burning the feet!