Composite Decking

[thinkxingu]

Ok, we're finally getting to the point of replacing the decking on two of our decks this spring. I've got a few brands I've been told to look at: Azek, Fiberon, Trex, and Timbertech (made by Azek?).

I've read through above, but can someone summarize which would be the best combination of durability, low maintenance, and cost? I'm not all that concerned with look, hot feet, etc.

Also, the best place to buy?

Finally, thoughts on vinyl railings?

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[tis]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Ok, we're finally getting to the point of replacing the decking on two of our decks this spring. I've got a few brands I've been told to look at: Azek, Fiberon, Trex, and Timbertech (made by Azek?).

I've read through above, but can someone summarize which would be the best combination of durability, low maintenance, and cost? I'm not all that concerned with look, hot feet, etc.

Also, the best place to buy?

Finally, thoughts on vinyl railings?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

You're not concerned with burning the bottom of your feet? Wow! How about your kids?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by tis

You're not concerned with burning the bottom of your feet? Wow! How about your kids?

Both decks are in the shade, so, unless the decking generates its own heat, yes—I'm not concerned with burning the bottom of my feet. Or my kids'.

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[tis]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Both decks are in the shade, so, unless the decking generates its own heat, yes—I'm not concerned with burning the bottom of my feet. Or my kids'.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Oh ok..

[ApS]

"Old thread"...

So now my two PT decks and docks are 40+ years old.

Every spring, I check for splinters. Using a tube of Thixo and a brick, one or two splinters get the treatment.

Available everywhere, no mold, strong and light--PT shouldn't be overlooked. (But even wood will get hot...! Just hose it down--once).

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Both decks are in the shade, so, unless the decking generates its own heat, yes—I'm not concerned with burning the bottom of my feet. Or my kids'.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I'm not sure anyone mentioned it but Composite decking is much more slick in the winter than the wood decking.

[4 for Boating]

Maybe this will help – we did our deck over with Trex a couple of years ago.
>>> Lowes sells this but it carries different levels of quality – if “flex” of the board is not an issue then the Enhanced line (thinner – carved out underside) will be the most cost effective. We went with the Select line as it was thicker and stiffer. (I believe the highest end Transcend line is also the same thickness as Select line but you are paying for a better looking (visual) and less prone to scratching plank). If you are going to do any type of boarder that is different color you will need to make sure you buy the same line or the height will be different where they meet. Enhanced is not the same thickness as Select and Transcend.

>>> Now to cost, I think you will find Lowes hard to beat for Trex IF you are ok with one of the stock colors they have as they buy in bulk and have sales on them. In other words, they only stock a couple of different colors to put in stores – if you like that color = great deal when on sale if you want something else, maybe not so much…

>>> Lastly – the boards were grooved on the sides to support the hidden fasteners (which were great) and then full square (no grooves) Lave Rock planks for the boarder.

This is what I recall but best to do your own investigation as you are doing…
We are very happy with the Trex Select Saddle Brown (sale at Lowes for ~$3 per foot) and a border of Transcend Lave Rock which was expensive but looks great.

[Water Camper]

Have a pressure treated deck at home here in Pembroke, NH. At least 30 years old. Have used Thompson Water Seal most years. About ready for replacement. splintering
Have a Trex deck up at the lake, at least 15 Years old. Don't treat, just wash each spring. Great shape, not hot on the feet.
Would definitely do the Trex again.

Hope this helps,
Bill

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Water Camper

Have a pressure treated deck at home here in Pembroke, NH. At least 30 years old. Have used Thompson Water Seal most years. About ready for replacement. splintering
Have a Trex deck up at the lake, at least 15 Years old. Don't treat, just wash each spring. Great shape, not hot on the feet.
Would definitely do the Trex again.

Hope this helps,
Bill

We have a 20' Aluminum dock with 2x6 pressure treated top boards lifted with a winch. We extended it another 20' with an aluminum frame docking system with plastic boards that we have to put in and take out every year. In the middle of the summer the plastic is hot as hell!

[Descant]

Last year, we did major dock replacement. Started in May, expected to finish in June but the supplier ran out of the Trex we were using. A little bit trickled in over the summer, but not enough to justify sending a crew and equipment for a day's work and then moving to another location repeatedly. Finally finished in the fall. I don't know if Covid will continue to slow production, but I suggest you buy ALL needed materials up front instead of a little bit at a time as work and budget progress. At the same time, be aware of security if you're not constantly on site, as materials that sit alone tend to disappear.

[Winilyme]

...is what I plan to go with here in CT when we replace our 25 year old redwood deck. The redwood could last longer - especially if we could flip it and screw it down again. The odd dimensions of our deck however won't allow that and I've had it with the maintenance. By the way, redwood is amazingly durable but I don't think you can get it anymore in this part of the country.

Think, I'm a research guy like you so after much browsing on the Internet it came down to Trex or Azek. I've pretty much settled on Trex based on:

1. Trex does better in environments with significant seasonal temperature extremes.
2. Trex is more natural looking.
3. Trex is a more environmentally sustainable solution.
4. Trex is somewhat less prone to scratching.
5. Trex is less slippery and more closely resembles wood.

Can't say personally if these items are true or not but if you surf the web, these seem to be common experiences. What I haven't done yet is hire a contractor to build it so I'll listen to what they have to say before making a final call.

[LakeTimes]

Was looking into Azek because of this thread to learn more and came across this picture on their website. Small World. Right here on Governors Island. Small world sometimes. Great contrast between before and after:

Here's on their website:
https://www.timbertech.com/ideas/cool-deck-features/

If you click on the picture that looks like a slip, it brings you to their Instagram link (which is here):
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByusNABHFFM/