Trex vs Treated Pine for Deck?

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by loves2read

Hard to work with though because of density

Minimal "work" in that sense. Mostly cutting it to length. It's a deck, not a bedroom set.

[reubenray]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Composite or PVC deck materials typically call for 2 feet of space below the deck for air circulation. The maintenance, longevity, and appearance aspects of wood versus composite should really be the deciding factors, in addition to cost.

We looked at the Trex colors today and decided what we wanted (at least the wife did) and it is in stock. The deck will be about 3' off the ground.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by MNRoadboss

Next level is high quality paint on cedar.

Isn't the whole point of having a "cedar" deck is looking at the wood? Then why would anyone suggest painting it!?

In the early 90's I had buyers asking for cedar decks a lot- then for whatever reason they would paint the railings/guards. Several years later they are rotting left and right! I can only rack it up to the paint holding moisture in.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Then why would anyone suggest painting it!?...paint holding moisture in.

Stain is your friend.
Cabot stain is awesome.

[loves2read]

Originally Posted by JONOV

Minimal "work" in that sense. Mostly cutting it to length. It's a deck, not a bedroom set.

You have to drill holes for SS screws
I just read you can use lot of bits
Don’t know if that is accurate
Haven’t used Ipe

Stain can have UV resistance factors
Paint not so much

If you use pine or cedar have to wait for it to dry prior to stain or buy pre-treated wood
You can buy semi transparent stain to look more like painted surface
Lumber much more $$$ lately

[reubenray]

My deck may have to be wider or narrower due to a possible septic sewer field line at the 16' point. When I looked today it appears the rain has made the ditch compact and you can see where the dirt has sunk in. Being the house is not complete yet I am trying to get info from the builder if this is a field line or something else. I know it is not the power or water lines which is all that should be there.