Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Tongue and Groove Decking Materials

Has anyone had an experience with any of the composites that are available in a tongue and groove option?

Our last deck was done with Trex... and I really loved it... but I don't see any products of theirs that are T&G.

We want to have a dry patio beneath this new deck. I'd like to put in some type of decking system that doesn't require the added expense of a product like Dry-B-Lo. I was thinking of putting down a 1/2" sheet of pressure treated plywood with a T&G composite on top of that.

Ideas, thoughts?

NTAC

Geodeck has T&G composite decking. I was impressed by it in the one project i did with it.


The plywood idea wont fly. You need an air space under the decking to help it dry out or the wood will rot. You might be better off making a "roof" under the decking out of corrigated fiberglass or metal panels. That idea has been tossed around here off and on. Check some of the older posts.

Thanks for the tip. I read their installation guide. It sounds like my ultimate goal will cause a ventilation problem. I'll probably stick with what I had before. I'll just need to install a drainage system between the joists.

NTAC

I framed in a sloped roof using 2x2's under a deck that I did and installed corrugated steel roofing over the 2x2's. I used galvanized screws with rubber washers to attach the steel.

It stays very dry, however it may not be the look you are going for.

I have seen a product called underdeck used around here. Looks nice, but I have no idea how it is to install.

Is the roofing between the joists or hanging underneath them? I'm considering fabricating a water-proof slope between the joists so that I can attach a finished ceiling to the bottom of the joists.

My roof for the shed hangs under the joists at about a 20 degree slope. I needed clearance to get in there and attach the roof to the 2X2's as the decking was already in place.

You might want to look at this other thread for another idea.

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=219594

Yeah... I saw that product. I'm intrigued, but wary because I don't think I would like the feel of aluminum decking. I have to contact a local installer and ask to see the finished product.

I had someone suggest that I improve the support structure and install an exterior tile floor as my decking. This deck gets full sun for the entire day. Even if I could eliminate the flexibility in the joists I would think that temperature expansion and contraction would eventually crack the tile.

NTAC