| I try to build my decks so the framing lasts. Time will tell whether the new formulations of pressure treated will last as long as it's predecessor.
I've seen no evidence that composites have got anywhere near the 50% usage rate that Lefty says. I build with mainly ipe (80%), composites (10%), redwood and others (10%). Others may be heavier to the composites.
I can actually get ipe for less then most of the composites in my area, but not by much. I would call it a wash.
I have used the ipe clips, but would not recommend them. They allow too much movement in the wood. We use Headcote trim head SS screws.
Composites probably have less movement, other then expansion and contraction with tempeture. I have heard that some of the clip systems work better with the composites.
That said, we had to return to a composite deck we had built to remove some boards. A cat had passed away under the deck. We had face screwed the decking, so it was no problem (other then the smell). It would have been a pain had we used hidden connectors.  |