Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Wood is so much maintenance! It needs to be power-washed, sanded, stained, sealed, etc. We have a patio now, but if we had to build a deck I would choose Trex over wood any day. Trex is low maintenance and it looks pretty good installed.
I think it also depends on the climate where it will be built. I was contemplating redoing my deck last summer when I researched composite material decking. I love the idea of the low maintenance but found the product to possibly be slippery when wet. I specifically wanted a gray color so that limited my choices. Also if you choose pvc decking make sure their aren't any issues with keeping vinyl products on your deck. Here's what I mean:
Quote:
TimberTech Tip: TimberTech does not recommend the use of vinyl or rubber products on any XLM deck planks. Items such as rubber-backed welcome mats, vinyl plastic swimming pools, garden hoses, planters, etc. may have a reaction that commonly occurs with PVC decking, creating a discoloration on the deck. Please refrain from leaving items with a rubber or vinyl composition stationary on XLM decking
I live in a dry climate so the issue with mold/mildew wasn't a concern. But I think that could be a concern if you lived in a humid area.
We went with Azek decking, which is basically PVC....and couldn't be happier. Not much of a price difference compared to Trex, and it does not scratch, stain, etc. Every Trex deck I've seen also gets mold after a few years. I think there are other brands besides Azek that do the PVC-style decking, but that is the most popular one I know. Check them out, but I agree that would decks are too much maintenance, and they start to look old and crusty after 5-7 years.
Masonry, concrete or plastic. Wood is so crummy now that many good contractors will not even build a deck with wood (unless you use quality salvaged wood from Pre-1970, preferably pre-1950). Treated wood can no longer be treated withthe chemicals that really make it last. What they rell as "Redwood, is mostly died pine, but even the true redwood is not heart wood and is certainly not old growth and has little rot resistance and little strength. You will not be happy with wood. Many of the plastics are made to look so much like wood that you need to cut it to tell the difference. Many of them are made of recycled materials. Personally, I would choose recycled plastics.
What is the difference between Horizon Decking, Timber Tech-XLM and Azek brand? We live in New York and not sure which is the best product to use. Are these pvc/composite deck cost more than Trek?
I redid mine with redwood two seasons ago and am thrilled with it.
It's work, but what isn't? If you're building it yourself you'll be fine with the few hours of upkeep a year... just like your fence or whatever else.
Personally I spend far more time on my stupid lawn in one week than I do maintaining my deck in one year.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
