Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Composite Decking
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04-21-01, 06:51 AM
Does anyone have any experience with composite decking. I have done some investigating and have found several manufacturers and several different products available. Some of the manufacturers I've found are Trex (wood/recycled polyethylene), Boardwalk (wood/PVC), Anderson (wood/vinyl), Rhino (wood, recylcled polyethylene), and Smartdeck (wood, polyethylene). If anyone has used any of these products, what has been your experience? After the product has faded, is the color still attractive or does it look bad?
04-22-01, 11:27 AM
We have just started using trex about 6-8 mos ago.built probably 30-40 of them and the only complaint we have had so far is the cost.when you explain the cost of yearly -bi yearly washing and sealing the customer usually is happy.i have seen no fading but like i said it has only been 6-8 mos.trex .com i believe it is has pics of old decks that look as good as new,but could just be salemanship.all in all i really like the trex sytem
04-22-01, 07:51 PM
My experience with composite based products like Trex and other wood/plastic post consumer waste products has not been favorable. Most of these products are surface nailed or screwed and do not allow for thermal expansion. The screws or nails should be pre-drilled so as to prevent a "puckered look" at each fastener. In longer deck applications, the fasteners at the ends of the plank can pop-up or snap-off from the expansion/contraction strain they are put under.
These products (especially the darker colored materials) can get extremely hot to walk on in bare feet in the afternoon sun--- not to mention sitting on... Colors fade to a dull appearance(what most manufacturers call "a weathered look".) My experience has also led to issues of mold and mildew buildup in applications where shade or excessive rainfall is an issue.
I have worked with Trex since 1993 and find it to be one of the least favorable of all the products I have researched/ worked with since that time.
My recommendation for a lifetime of worry-free service in alternative to wood deck floor and railing systems is either PVC vinyl (such as DREAM DECK/RAIL products)or High Density Polystyrene (such as EON Extrudawood decking systems)
These products (especially the darker colored materials) can get extremely hot to walk on in bare feet in the afternoon sun--- not to mention sitting on... Colors fade to a dull appearance(what most manufacturers call "a weathered look".) My experience has also led to issues of mold and mildew buildup in applications where shade or excessive rainfall is an issue.
I have worked with Trex since 1993 and find it to be one of the least favorable of all the products I have researched/ worked with since that time.
My recommendation for a lifetime of worry-free service in alternative to wood deck floor and railing systems is either PVC vinyl (such as DREAM DECK/RAIL products)or High Density Polystyrene (such as EON Extrudawood decking systems)