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I love my Trex deck! It is in my backyard that is very wooded and often covered with leaves. I just sweep it - no cleaning, no sealing, no splinters, no wood rot. The color has changed slightly since I put it in but in my opinion it just looks better. LOVE IT!
I have it and love it, comparing the railings which are PT wood, with the decking which was timbertech composite, the composite has held up far better after 3 years. (granted I have never re-stained the railings). To me, it is far worth the price increase.
HOWEVER, the version of composite I have WILL grow mildew prolifically, and requires some diligent bi-annual cleaning, (and even power washing) to get rid of. Even then, it does not fully go away.
I have heard of mildew resistant composite, which would be great if it actually works..but I have no knowledge of that.
I contracted a deck builder from Pineville build a deck we designed. I think he got his stuff from Mecklenburg lumber.
I you want, DM me, I can give you his website. I think There are still pictures of my deck (when it was brand new) on it.
Black mildew will grow on anything I leave outside here, I live in a pretty wooded lot..
The common alternative to composite decking in this area is pressure treated wood which is almost always southern yellow pine. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
PTW - cheaper to purchase, cheaper to install, resists mildew/mold, cleaning can bring it back to a new looking state. However it requires routine maintenance including every other year wood treatment. It will turn gray over time if left to weather and boards can cup. This will vary depending upon grade of wood used. Splinters, wood knots, and other issues with a natural product.
CW - Once installed requires little from the homeowner to maintain. Some consider it to have a more upscale look. No issues with quality grades as there is with wood. However it can be significantly more expensive to purchase and install, no resistance to mold/mildew, will get pretty hot in direct sun, will slowly fade.
I've used composit decks on many different projects it does have its advantages and disadvantages. One that isn't mentioned is that it can be stained, by accorns leaves, greese etc. if they are left on it for extended periods of time. Depending on how small your deck surface is you can sometimes get good deals on excess lumber. 84 Lumber on Rozzalles Ferry sometimes has some. Ie you need to buy your whole deck in the same color lot/production lot. If they only have 200sqft left of a lot they will sometimes sell it at a significant discount.
We have a Trex deck thats about 8 years old, and if I had to do it again, I probably would not use composite. Ours has faded a good bit and now no longer really looks like wood. Structure wise it is fine, but the color just doesn't look natural. Our deck is around our pool and is in direct sunlight. I've had some mildew underneath the benches, but a pressure wash in the spring ususally takes care of that.
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