need to replace my deck...

[Howard]

My current backyard deck was made using 5/4's treated pine and after 8 texas summers, it's had enough. I'm looking at replacing it with that new stuff made out of recycled plastic and wood that is color fast, impervious to rot and cuts like wood. Anyone use any of that stuff and which brand to you recommend?

[BadeMillsap]

I have used two different types and can recommend ...

OK ... two years ago I replaced the decking on 500+ Sqft of deck that had been installed almost 15 years ago (5/4 x 6" Cedar). I decided to use a composite and Lowes was running a special on "ChoiceDek". In case you hadn't priced it it runs around $1.85- $1.95 per linear foot. The 'problem' with this deck was it was built on 24" centers (for the substructure) and the specs on the composite specified 16" max ... soooo ... after removing the old decking I used the old deck wood and doubled the substructure to be 12" centers. I installed the composite using regular deck screws I bought at Home depot (3" screws cost about $80/25lb). I am VERY satisfied with this installation ... it is like a rock ...

Sooo ... THIS year I decided to replace the 10+ year old redwood decking (300+ sqft) around the pool ... I did some additional research and settled on "AmeriDeck" SPECIFICALLY because it is touted as handling 24" centers and the substructure of the old deck in this case as well was 24" centers ... doubling up on this deck would have been much more difficult because of the way the substructure was built and I also wanted to reduce the cost of the screws ... SEEMED like a good idea at the time (the price for either brand was exactly the same from the vendor I used in this 2nd case http://www.austinwholesaledecking.com/composites.htm

Well I finished the deck replacement last week and I am not nearly as satisfied with the AmeriDeck as with the ChoiceDek ... there is noticible 'flex' on the 24" centers of the new deck AND the AmericDeck has void 'channels' running thru the material that make the placement of screws a significantly more difficult problem.

MY recommendation ... "ChoiceDek" .. and you can probably get a better deal from Lowes on it than the $1.95/lf ... you can get a lot of information about the various choices from the link above ...

Bade

[Russianwolf]

The stuff is okay, but a bit weak as was mentioned. I would look at Ipe also. Will last 20-30 years with no care and is pretty competitive in price to the composites, but MUCH stronger. It also has the same fire rating as Concrete and Steel.

The composites have a life expecancy of 15-20 years, So don't think they will last forever.

[sacherjj]

Keep in mind that with Ipe and other serious hard wood decking, you will be doing more pilot drilling before driving screws.

[Howard]

I don't remember what centers I used, too many years ago, but I think it was16". I can look at it tonight and see. I want to be able to use the existing framework if possible. It should be in good shape as it is off the ground so and it was penetreated lumber to begin with. It's how I acquired my 12" MS . There are a lot of choices in product. Will have to go and see what's best for the project, all things considered...

[LarryG]

Although I've never worked with them, I know (from trying to walk across them) that some of the composites are slicker than snot when wet. They used some sort of plastic decking for the boardwalks around Old Faithful at Yellowstone, and that stuff was positively treacherous.

[vaking]

I don't know about composites, but ipe is heavy!! It is good for the deck but be prepared during construction that ipe has twice the density of oak and almost 3 times of pine. It does not float.

[Russianwolf]

The best Ipe decking I've found is the grooved decking at www.ipedepot.com. No drilling needed. No screws showing. Nice deck and the weay I will have all mine redone when I have enough money.

[Ken Weaver]

Although I've never worked with them, I know (from trying to walk across them) that some of the composites are slicker than snot when wet. They used some sort of plastic decking for the boardwalks around Old Faithful at Yellowstone, and that stuff was positively treacherous.

We considered the composite stuff when we did ours, but with a pack of small grandkids around we went with wood because of what Larry said, and also we heard of experiences where the composite decking would get so hot it would burn little feet.