Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Composite Decking advice
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neva1054
05-02-06, 09:03 PM
I am looking at different products available in the area and I am not able to get good enough unbiased information. Would like to know what experience you have had with Veranda, Choicedeck, Fiberon, Amerideck, or Premier. The deck will be 18in above ground in an area new a lake.
deckgrasshopper
05-03-06, 01:02 PM
Veranda and Choicedek are HD''s and Lowe's offerings respectively. Consumer Reports rated them highly and they are very cost effective (the cheapest two brands rated by consumer reports and captured the #2 and #4 spots respectively.
I don't know the other 3 you mentioned.
Some in here like the Procell product....I looked at it and indeed, it seems very nice. Not cheap though....well - none of it is cheap, but Veranda was what I ultimately used and it was very nice to work with. I like the embossed wood grain on Veranda (its has a combed finish on the other side - its reversible). That was just my personal preference.
Don't believe the Trapease screws however - you do need to predrill before sinking those monsters in.
Hopper
I don't know the other 3 you mentioned.
Some in here like the Procell product....I looked at it and indeed, it seems very nice. Not cheap though....well - none of it is cheap, but Veranda was what I ultimately used and it was very nice to work with. I like the embossed wood grain on Veranda (its has a combed finish on the other side - its reversible). That was just my personal preference.
Don't believe the Trapease screws however - you do need to predrill before sinking those monsters in.
Hopper
slickshift
05-03-06, 02:44 PM
I have used Choicedeck
I have not used the others mentioned
I can recommend using something other than Choicedeck
The price is about the same as the Trex Accents from a local yard (the Choicedeck I used had to be ordered from the store-a nightmare in itself-I suppose if it was the one color they carried on the floor, the Choicedeck could've been cheaper), but the quality was nowhere near the Trex Accents, not even close
The fit and finish were not even in the same league
I have not used the others mentioned
I can recommend using something other than Choicedeck
The price is about the same as the Trex Accents from a local yard (the Choicedeck I used had to be ordered from the store-a nightmare in itself-I suppose if it was the one color they carried on the floor, the Choicedeck could've been cheaper), but the quality was nowhere near the Trex Accents, not even close
The fit and finish were not even in the same league
neva1054
05-03-06, 09:02 PM
I did some digging today and found that Veranda and Premier are manufactured by the same company. Something like UFP Ventures. I also found the testing report at www.icc-es.org. I almost was going to with Veranda except that here in Texas (or at least in Austin) Home Depot is going to stop carrying it. Premier seems to be used quick often here by decking contractor and is about 1/4 in wider so the delta difference in price is not much. You indicated that is best to pre-drill everything. What drill bit size did you used?
Thx, for the input in regards to Consumer report. I will chase their assessment.
Thx, for the input in regards to Consumer report. I will chase their assessment.