Recommendation for deck replacement? (Black Forest, Palmer Lake: HOA, homes, maintenance)

[beezle1]

I am not sure if this is the proper place to post this, so please move it if I have goofed...

My old wood deck is badly in need of replacement. We were going to replace it ourselves with a composite so that it would be low-maintenance. However, after reading home improvement forums, I am wary of composite due to many complaints of cracking, crumbling, fading, staining, mold, mildew, etc. I think I would rather have a wood deck which costs less, than spend a bunch on a composite and risk having serious issues with it.

I am wondering what experience the locals are having here in our climate with composite decking, good or bad. Is the intense sun from our high altitude hard on it? Did you install it yourself (was it difficult?), or did you have someone do it?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for deck builders in the northern Black Forest/Monument/Palmer Lake area (in case we decide to have someone else do it), please let me know.

Thanks!

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by beezle1

I am not sure if this is the proper place to post this, so please move it if I have goofed...

My old wood deck is badly in need of replacement. We were going to replace it ourselves with a composite so that it would be low-maintenance. However, after reading home improvement forums, I am wary of composite due to many complaints of cracking, crumbling, fading, staining, mold, mildew, etc. I think I would rather have a wood deck which costs less, than spend a bunch on a composite and risk having serious issues with it.

I am wondering what experience the locals are having here in our climate with composite decking, good or bad. Is the intense sun from our high altitude hard on it? Did you install it yourself (was it difficult?), or did you have someone do it?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for deck builders in the northern Black Forest/Monument/Palmer Lake area (in case we decide to have someone else do it), please let me know.

Thanks!

Our TREX deck is now almost 4 years old and as spotless and nice as the day it went in. No cracks, splits, stains, mold or other issues noted. Installed by a sub for Keller Homes.

Bummer is that our HOA covenants/ architectural guidelines specify that railings and spindles must be "real wood" else all of it would be maintenance free. Not sure why it makes any difference, but I'd be tempted to go 100% TREX unless there's a "code" issue of some reason.

[froggin4colorado]

I highly recommend the guy I am using to redo my bathroom. Very professional...great attitude. I will PM you with that info.

[reginhild]

Go with composite such as Trex. Wood degrades very quickly (fades, warps, splits) due in part to our high altitude and lots of sun. We generally don't have mold/mildew problems as this is a semi-arid region. Composite will fade and this is normal - you should pick a color that will fade to a desired shade/color.

[beezle1]

Thanks everyone. I think I am leaning toward composite, since I have not heard of anyone locally who has had issues with it. Don't want to have to worry about sealing the deck every year!

[deckdoc]

built decks made from BROCKDECK tm for years. My 18 yo decks still look new~ and wood decks same age been replaced at least once. You may see if there are any dealers in colorado springs ~ I moved here after I retired and have only seen one brockdeck in cs since I've been here.