Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Decking advice

I have been looking around for a while and reading threads about the different choices as far as material for my deck. We live in Philadelphia so weather isn't a major concern. This is a south facing "roof deck" on the 3rd floor of our house and sits above a bedroom. I had to tear off the existing decking as it was rotting and the roof beneath it needed repair as well. I have all of the framing in place and am now ready to pull the trigger on a decking material. Only problem is I can't decide.

I hate the idea of going with cedar or PT and having to deal with stains/sealers/splinters...especially with it being up on the roof. But the price seems the cheapest of course.

I originally thought about a composite like Trex but I am worried about staining as it sits right under a tree that loves to drop sap and leaves and there is no hose to rinse it off regularly up there on the roof. Also, it is somewhat pricey.

I see a lot of recommendations for Procell/Azek but it sounds like it is the most expensive "artificial" decking choice? My other concern is that most of the framing is 16" OC and I have read that some people have issues with the Procell decks having a lot of flex with a 16" span.

I like the idea of going with an Ipe deck, the look is great but I am not sure about cost as I haven't looked lately. I think it is probably the most expensive option especially with stainless fasteners...as well as the most labor intensive thanks to the predrilling. I love the idea of having virtually no maintenance but hate the idea of lugging all that heavy wood up 3 flights of stairs!

At this point I am leaning towards a composite - specifically the Trex Brasilia - but I am looking for input. Oh, and my wife doesn't care at this point she just wants a deck NOW. Price matters somewhat in that we may not be here for more than 2 years.

Thanks,

-Tim

I have heard alot of good comments about Timber Tech. Have never used it but guys I know are using it and like it.

Bill

Since the deck has to live under a tree that drops sap and leaves, I would opt for the Azek. It is very stain resistant since it has no wood component, like a composite does. And you'll REALLY appreciate the Azek when you have to get it to the third floor -- it's a LOT lighter than any composite!

Call me crazy....but I am actually leaning back towards going with Ipe. I may regret it once I have to carry all those boards up 3 flights of stairs! It will be a little work to install too, but I think in the end I will be happier.

I can get pre-grooved 1x6 Ipe for under $3 a linear foot. It'll cost me a couple hundred for the Ipeclip hidden fasteners too, but the end result should look better and cost less than Trex or Procell.

Tim K,

So you can get the Ipe for a bit under $3/lin. ft. Azek (at least in No. CA costs about $3.25/lin. ft. I don't see much of a cost difference there. You'll have to pre-drill the Ipe -- you won't pre-drill the Azek. The Ipe weighs about a fourth more than the Ipe, and you have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs. Azek can be put down with Fasten Master's Cortex screw system, so you'll never see the screws.

The 25 cents a foot difference is looking like a 'no-brainer' to me!!

Since my deck is in 3 sections I need to use short boards. By taking 6 and 8 footers I was able to get pre-grooved 1x6 ipe for $2.18 and $2.66/LF. The price I was quoted for Azek/procell locally was over $4. I have seen it around $3 online though. Still, its about $300 difference plus the Ipe looks nicer in my opinion.

Since it is sitting on a roof, be sure it has enough ventilation under it, to satisfy the installation warranty. Be safe, G

Yeah, water under the deck is a concern of mine as it sits low to the roof and there is one spot that tends to hold water. I plan to make plenty of ventilation holes in the sides to try to get as much airflow underneath as possible.