Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Re: Wood deck question

11 March 2015

Re: [DIY] Re: Wood deck question

I would disagree with the argument against composite decking. I am very happy that I exchanged my wood decks for those made of composite. I didn't like Trek decking but am quite happy with the Evergrain trademark. It is rigid, did note require closer joist spacing, does not warp, does not easily scratch, did not require pre-drilling with proper fasteners and if proper spacing is adhered to, it does not crack. I will say that fascia boards of this material expand more than my contractor thought so there was some bowing on hot days. Where I live in Santa Cruz, the temperature does not get very hot so being intolerable on bare feet is not an issue. However, the maintence is easy and it does not require periodic treatment as did my wood decking. The decks are now over 10 years old and show no damage or wear or fungus. This was a big part of my consideration in changing decking material.

The picture shown in the link shows an improperly spaced installation and the cracks are due to expansion.

-Lee

On Mar 10, 2015, at 12:37 PM, Aki 01dyna@gmail.com [DoIt_Yourself] <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I've done a TON of research on synthetic wood and the general consensus of those that have it done are:

1. It's VERY expensive.
2. It gets very hot as it absorbs heat much more than wood does.
3. Synthetic wood is soft and easy to scratch and is nearly impossible to refinish without damaging the surface
4. They also need to be sealed at each end to prevent moisture absorption

The articles that I read said that the technology just isn't there yet to justify the cost of using synthetics over
natural wood.

Here's one (of many out there) that outlines some of the disadvantages of synthetic wood decking:

http://patch.com/connecticut/newtown/bp--some-issues-with-composite-decking

-aki

On Tue, Mar 10, 2015 at 1:41 PM, 2scott@bellsouth.net [DoIt_Yourself] <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

John and Karen - you must wait a year with new pressure treated wood so that it can
dry out sufficiently and become porous enough for any of the deck stains to soak in.

I am beginning to think that if it might cost 3 or 4 hundred dollars every couple of years
for deck stain maintenance.
( way more if you pay for labor to have it done including pressure washing cleaning etc )

Actually in my case every 5 or 6 years as I am lazy and cheap....
that it might make sense to compare the newer composite deck boards made with
nylon or vinyl or PVC etc etc like Trek or Nyloboard etc.

Yes these boards are more expensive up front but might not be more expensive
over 20 years of use and they may last far longer than pressure treated wood.