Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - IPE vs composite decking

This is such a huge request. We are days away from signing a contract to have a wrap-around deck put on our home, and I'm getting concerned that I've spec'ed out the wrong material.

I wanted to use something that we could feel good about, and not require much maintenance. (We'd rather be outside enjoying the deck after a hike, rather than praying the weatherman was right and doing the staining/sealing.)

Someone suggested ipe, but I was told that was no longer available, and probably wouldnt want to use a wood from the rainforest.

I was looking for comparisons for composites, and I honestly cannot find anything that will tell me what might work best.

The area to be "decked" will be mostly shaded with gorgeous old trees that are tall, and can "weep" sap. If we go with composite, do I need to wash it frequently? (Will the washing be anymore than scrubbing with a stiff bristle push broom, and some oxy-clean? -- what's recommended.)

If anyone has experience installing composites, what are the pros and cons of particular brands? (I've read that trex can scratch easily, and because the grooves are relatively shallow, the scratches are less likely to be hidden. With 2 kids, this could be an issue when we go to resell.)

In other words -- HELP!!!
thanks!

The only composite that I can speak to is the "Geo-deck", and I've got mixed results. I bought the first batch of material for my deck in 2004, and it turns out that it was produced during a run of inferior material. The color had never faded, but about 1/3 of the boards are deterioating badly, and will need replacement. That "bad batch" caused the original manufacturer to sell out, and all the proceeds from the sale went to settle claims. By the time I realized how much of my deck was going bad, the claim fund was depleted.

Undeterred, I bought Geo-Deck once again when I was ready to put decking down on my 8x40 covered porch. The later material matches the original in every aspect, and was installed August 2006. It shows no sign of deterioration, and minimal amount of shrinkage. So far, I am happy with the results I'm seeing.

I haven't had a problem with removing any stains yet, spills have been cleaned up promptly and hand cleaner (go-jo type) has lifted anything I've had to deal with so far. There's been no fading whatsoever, even with the bad batch of stuff on the original deck, one of the main reasons I stuck with the product. It has a brushed "grain like" appearance, and any mars or scratches can be repaired with agressive use of a coarse wire brush. When our log home was stained, a few drops went unnoticed for a couple hours on some of the porch decking, but a little scrubbing with paint thinner, followed up with the hand cleaner took care of it.

I've seen examples of other brands that faded to a gray after the first year, which I didn't want. I don't know if anyone other than Geo-Deck has solved the fading problem yet.

Hope that helps some....
Jess

I have used many types of materials throughout the years including composites. The composites I have used look great but scratch easily and it is almost impossible to replace a damage section if you use concealed fastners. I really prefer cedar over everything else. Maintenance is easy, just lightly powerwash once a year and roll on a UV sealer to keep the natural color. If you prefer a color, just use a transparent stain. Good luck.

Not sure who told you Ipe is no longer available, or what he meant by it. Pretty sure it's still out there, but maybe your local retailer just quit stocking it.

All composites will scratch pretty easily as well as stain if you don't keep them clean.

Azek -- this is 100% cell core PVC. (You might know it by it's original name -- Pro Cell.) You'll work to scratch or stain it. And Fasten Master has made the hidden fastener system just too easy. They have screws that couter sink to the proper depth and you go back and install plugs in the holes left by the screws. The plusge are made out of Azek deck boards, right down to the grain pattern.

Cedar, as suggested by DIYAnswerguy, is just going to be a lot of maintenance.