| Cecilt,
NOW you are starting to play the game.
I've never installed a Timbertech deck. I've never heard of Monarch. Trex and the other one are special order, so you would order just a BIT more than you need and eat the rest.
Now, try ANOTHER supplier and see what they offer. The names will change, but the policy will be the same. If it's a brand that they carry, or at least deal with A LOT, you'll be able to order a couple of extra boards or return a couple of excess boards. If it's special order, you buy it, you eat it
You are still shopping -- get the one that you like best. YOU are going to be living with the deck for many years.
If you choose to go a special order route, plan accordingly. DO NOT under buy, but don't go crazy on overbuying either. PLAN it so that you know how much you need. Figure out the SQUARE FOOTAGE, then multiply that by 2.2. That's you linear footage needed (assuming that the decking is being laid square to the joists, not diagonally). I usually add a 10% factor to that, but if it's special order, don't add more than 5%, then CUT CAREFULLY. You'll end up with an extra deck board or two, and that's what you'll have to eat. But, $50 or $100 of deck boards on a $5k or $6k project is just what it is.  |