Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - tonge and groove or screw installation

As far as looking better, are there any advantages or disadvantages in the tounge and groove board compared to the standard screw install? Azek offers both for same price and wondering which way to go?

Thx for any info!!

For an open deck, T&G is not a good idea. There needs to someplce for it to drain rainwater. For a closed porch, perfectly fine, in fact better. Easier to keep out critters, at least from under the floor.

Azek has a product, it is called Azek porch. They say it can be used in covered and uncovered applications and should be installed in accordance with the attached installation guidelines, joist should be slope 1/4" per foot to facilitate drainage.

any other info on this? Thx

ednorton1,

I've installed a lot of Azek (Pro Cell) decking, but haven't used Azek's Porch, yet.

I can see where using the T&G would present some challenges. The biggest would be getting it layed straight so that all of the joints appear even. Laying planks, with a 1/8" gap, allows for some variation that doesn't become noticable. With T&G you have virtually no gap, so any variation will be very noticable.

Another option would be to use Fasten Master's Cortex system. It's face screwed, using the bits and screws provided, and then has plugs that are tapped into the holes of the countersunk screws. Since the plugs are cut from Azek, they are almost impossible to see, especially if you match and line up the grain that's embossed on the faces.

The only drawback is that it's only available in 3 of the 5 colors of Azek, (no Ivory or White) but there are Head Cote screws in those 2 colors that are a perfect match. All you see of those is the little #2 sqaure hole in the screw head.

Well just signed contract and HOPE it is done correctly so water can drain and looks good. Contractor says that he installs many Azek Porch for decks here in DE. Will let you know how it went in about a month. What do you think of the Azek products?

Thx

Azek has been dealing with cellular core PVC for a long time. Their decking (the old Pro Cell) is one of the Cadillacs of decking.