Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Composite decking

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View Full Version : Composite decking


fingers58
06-12-03, 11:00 AM
I'm concidering using a solid composite decking material on a covered patio. Does anyone know of a 2x tongue and groove being manufactured? I want solid so I don't have to cap the ends. If not, can a standard 2 x 6 composite plank be machined for tongue and groove, taking into account the expansion of the material? Thanks in advance for any help.


lefty
06-12-03, 01:31 PM
Why T & G??

Composites need to be able to expand when they get warm and contract when they get cool. I don't think that anybody makes a T&G composite, simply because of the temp. extremes most deck will be exposed to (over 100 degrees in the summer and below freezing in the winter) and there is no way to eliminate the expansion and contraction from occuring. If they size the T&G to be tight at 120 degrees, it will be an 1/8" loose at 40 degrees. That leaves a gap to fill up with dirt and crud, then when the decking tries to expand the following summer, it has no place to go. Not a good idea.

Craig_md
06-13-03, 01:08 PM
I just built a deck from a recycled "poly lumber". This is one is not really a "composite" as there is no wood content. Its T&G, and does not expand width wise. It does have the usual lengthwise expansion that a plastic or composite does. I assume the lack of width expansion is due to the direction it is extruded. So far so good, cleans easily, and is guaranteed for I think 25 yrs against fading, cracking, etc. It cut and screwed very easily, and with being solid, I just routed the edges to make a finished edge. It is 3/4" though, so requires joists to be 12" OC. Only downside is it is really slick with snow on it. Not so much with just water, but snow makes it pretty hazardous. Luckily we don't use the deck much in the snow;)


bpmd4757
06-13-03, 06:41 PM
There are quite a few composite T&G deckboards. TechDeck is the first one that comes to mind