Deck Material

[ZakAttack]

I guess that means it is really expensive! It does look really cool, though.

We've done similar research, and decided on the Azek decking. It is almost entirely PVC, with a very small amount of "flax" as a filler, but much better than your standard Trex composite, which has a lot of wood flour fillers that are responsible for trapping moisture and hence, mold and mildew. The Azek is about the same price, lighter, easier to drill/install, and much more stain and scratch resistant than the Trex, or wood for that matter.

[texdav]

Originally Posted by ZakAttack

I guess that means it is really expensive! It does look really cool, though.

We've done similar research, and decided on the Azek decking. It is almost entirely PVC, with a very small amount of "flax" as a filler, but much better than your standard Trex composite, which has a lot of wood flour fillers that are responsible for trapping moisture and hence, mold and mildew. The Azek is about the same price, lighter, easier to drill/install, and much more stain and scratch resistant than the Trex, or wood for that matter.

I thnik the fact that trex is the preferred decking on the gulfcaost says alot about it. Bascially it is what the federal governamnt uses on those play grounds and the favored on docks. I have had mind for ten years wihth no problem.No mold and easy cleaning;wears great and not hollow sounding liike many of the non solid decking. The hard plastc also has nore expnsion and contraction besides that hollow sound.

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If you are going to spend money to upgrade a decking from pressure treated to an alternative such as Composite or Plastic, consider this; most composite decking and plastic decking has limited warranties. Only one I am aware of has a commercial warranty which is Timber Tech. None of these products have been around long enough to be time tested, and some of the more recognized prouducts seem to have ongoing litigation due to one issue after another.

Ipe is my upgrade of choice. Ipe is a So. American hardwood (tabiebuia) and is proven to last 80 years without mold, cracking, cupping, warping, splintering, checking, or decay. It has oils in it which make it naturally resistant to rot and insect infestation.

Folks, I have been in the deck and dock business since 1980 in Florida. There is no such thing as maintenance free. Oh yes, some decking products require less maintenance than others and certainly the composites and plastics require less maintenance than pressure treated wood decking. Ipe does not require any maintenance "unless" you wish Ipe to maintain its original appearance. If not sealed with one of several products on the market designed for sealing So. American hardwoods. Ipe will turn silver/grey which represents oxidization on the surface. Pressure cleaning will bring the original color right back.

Ipe is a very dense hardwood and requires good skills and professional tools to install it correctly. I highly recommend you use a reputable deck or marine contractor to complete your installation. There is another up side to using Ipe. Framing for most composites and plastic deckings require
support every 16". A piece of 1" x 6" Ipe will span 30" with no support. 5/4" x 6" Ipe will span 48" with no support.

If you just have to have a composite deck, Timber Tech is my product of choice. Crane Plastics, the parent company has been in business since 1946.

[Tek_Freek]

this is what I had my deck treated with three years ago.

Environmentally Safe Sealing | Wood Strengthening Sealant | Masonry Protection System | Concrete Sealant Products | Wood Deck Protection | SealMaxx

I left it unstained because I get tired of having to redo it constantly so it is graying, and I like the color.

From what I've read you want to be cautious about local dealers, so if you look into it check with your BBB regarding the dealer in your area.

The product performs as advertised. The wood on our deck has remained a constant color across the entire deck, including rails and posts, and it is tough as can be. I have gotten into the habit of drilling pilot holes for screws and nails as it is very dense since the application. Nails have a tendency to bend rather than pierce the wood and screws are not easily driven into the wood.

I like the results.