Composite decking-need help quick

[pohocker]

As it turns out, the Epoch brand composite decking we need for the deck addition is no longer available, so I'm looking at having to redo the whole thing so that colors and textures match. I've read about the Trex class action lawsuit for mildew and other problems. The local lumber co. guy says Epoch has some problems of its own to work out. Of course, the contractor wants a decision ASAP. Any advice or guidance about a brand or material (vinyl or fiberglass?) would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Hellrazor]

I've worked with Geodeck T&G and dimensional, both are great products. I would not hesitate to use the product again.

[kiran02368]

Is this Evergrain brand? What kind of problems they ahving because I am considering using Evergrain for my deck.

Please let me know.

Thanks

[lefty]

pohocker,

You probably won't find an exact match (color and texture) for Epoch, or any other composite. Every mfgr. does things to make his product unique. I've used WeatherBest for a composite and have had no problems with it. The problems with Trex aren't mildew -- it's the tannum acid in the wood fiber that they use that causes the black spots. I know it's a problem with the Natural color, but I've never seen it in Saddle, Woodland Brown, or Maderia.

The vinyl decking I use is Pro Cell. I like it even better than WeatherBest.

[pohocker]

Yes, Epoch is the Evergrain product. The local big lumber store that carries that, along with Trex, Weyerhauser, and a couple of others was vague about the problems, only stating that they have had some complaints about Epoch lately. My Epoch, less than 5 years old, had begun to buckle near the ends, and has had nail pops, starting a couple years back. Even though it's relatively new, they no longer make the color I need.
What is the scoop on PVC? I have a friend who will get foam-filled PVC for me at cost, if I want to go that route. Does it install just like regular decking boards? Is it that much better than the composite stuff?
Thanks.

[lefty]

Nail pops?? I've never had that problem, but then I've never nailed a deck -- I use screws.

Warping or buckling?? Never had that problem either, but I ALWAYS have a joists within 2" of the end of every deck board, always use 2 screws at every joist that the deck board crosses, and NEVER overspan the deck boards. (If the mfgr. says 16" O.C., I go 14", or less.) And always gap it according to what the mfgr. calls for. Keep in mind that composite and vinyl decking swells and shrinks exactly the OPPOSITE of wood. Where wood shrinks in the summer because it losses moisture, composites and vinyl swell, due to heat. And where wood swells in the winter, due to increased moisture, composites and vinyl shrink, due to cold.

Don't know about foam-filled vinyl -- Pro Cell is solid vinyl. I like it better than a composite simply because it doesn't scratch like most composites and is less prone to splitting when you installing a screw near an edge or end. (Pre-drilling and countersinking eliminates that anyway) And it retains it original color better than most composites. That's not much of an issue though -- a composite deck is sold based on what it will look like in 6 months, NOT what it looks like on day one.

[pohocker]

Thanks, Lefty. I have no idea if the Epoch was installed per specs-if it's like everything else in this house, I seriously doubt it.
I had no idea until yesterday what a maze I was entering into regarding composite decking. Then, the vinyl alternative was mentioned to me, throwing more fuel on the fire. It seems there are few clear choices. I guess the best I can hope for is to find out what I should absolutely stay away from and choose from the rest. It does seem, though, that the composite stuff is far from being the miracle the manufacturers want you to think it is.