Trex vs Treated Pine for Deck? (paint, furniture, stain, mold)
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I am getting quotes for a 16' x 20' deck with separate quotes for 2x6 treated pine and 2x6 Trex. The extra cost for Trex run between $1,200 and $1,500. I like the looks of colored (gray) with a gray house, but I know nothing about the longevity of the trex material vs treated pine. But is it worth it in the long run?
There is virtually no comparison between the appearance, maintenance and longevity between the two materials, go with the Trex (or another composite decking board) and don’t look back!
There is virtually no comparison between the appearance, maintenance and longevity between the two materials, go with the Trex (or another composite decking board) and don’t look back!
This ^^^
Not sure Trex or other composites come in 2x6. "Treated" pine, otherwise known an Pressure Treated, is about as crappy a material as you can buy. Especially for decks where it deteriorates quickly, has LOTS of splinters/shards, and is very hot under foot.
The trex will not be 2 inches thick… It’s very strong and very very heavy so it’s usually not dimensional.
It’s a lot more expensive but we have used it here in our high traffic areas that get wet. We have other covered sections of our deck where we’ve used wood but the trex is awesome where it gets wet - and it doesn’t get as slippery either in our moldy mossy conditions. :-) .
Not sure Trex or other composites come in 2x6. "Treated" pine, otherwise known an Pressure Treated, is about as crappy a material as you can buy. Especially for decks where it deteriorates quickly, has LOTS of splinters/shards, and is very hot under foot.
20+ years is "deteriorates quickly"? If you don't use Kiln Dried, PT will certainly shrink during the first year. What is the temperature difference between Trex and PT ? Both can get pretty hot.
I am getting quotes for a 16' x 20' deck with separate quotes for 2x6 treated pine and 2x6 Trex. The extra cost for Trex run between $1,200 and $1,500. I like the looks of colored (gray) with a gray house, but I know nothing about the longevity of the trex material vs treated pine. But is it worth it in the long run?
This subject matter has been cussed, discussed, hashed, and rehashed soooooooooo many times here on the House Forum it's reached "Beat the dead horse" status! So, there's nothing I can say that will change anything that has been said in this thread or any of the other threads in the past! It's either you like it, or you don't (I'm in the real wood section personally- the PVC section professionally).
To answer your question ("...is it worth it?")- that depends! It falls into basically two different categories. One, it's the initial financial investment. And two, the amount of work you're willing to do (or pay for) to maintain it. Contrary to popular believe, composite can require as much maintenance as PT- depending on the quality. It also depends on the environment. I'll assume this is in Bella Vista*; exposure is a good 4 seasons- Summer temperatures can reach the 90's and winter snow. Is it covered by trees- to infer sap droppings, pollen, etc. All of this exposure requires some type of maintenance; regardless of the material.
Then there's the way it's constructed- is it being permitted? Does the AHJ follow the latest DCA-6 requirements? are they taking any additional steps that are not requirements, but have been proven to extend the life of the structural members (i.e., PT joists)?
There's no 2X composite material- and why anyone would use 2X dimensional for "decking" is just a waste of money. And with the price of lumber right now, you'll most likely get very inflated quotes! Do your planning now- but I'd wait until lumber prices subside.
*As a architecture admirer, One of my favorites is the Cooper Chapel.
We are going back and forth on this. If we go with pt wood we would use the additional $$ for patio furniture. After buying the house we have a specific amount of $$ we want to use for this.
All of the bids are familiar with the local POA/ACC requirements and they will do the permitting for it also. We are not under any direct trees. I would love to wait until the lumber prices go down, but who knows when that will happen. I want/need something to do my grilling/smoking on and this is the best option. The slope of the land is not feasible for a ground (pavers) patio setup. To add a plus to the pt wood side the Trex material is backordered and has been for a while.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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My deck is 5/4 Cedar, and with a color-tinted stain every other year, it's now 23 years old, with only 2 small places having to be replaced in that time. Pine will not last nearly as long, I would never use it. The people I know with Trex or other similar plastic composites have not had any rot over many years, but it does tend to attract moss in our wet climate, and needs annual pressure washing. I don't get that on my Cedar, but it gets really slippery when it's below freezing.
Another option is Ipe, no stain or paint, it will turn a nice grey, no rot, no splinters, is fireproof, and supposedly will last 50 years. Some boardwalks use Ipe.
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