Hey Guys,

I'm planning on building a deck this year on the back of my house. I plan on being here for quite some time, if not forever, so I'm going to invest some $$$ into it.

I'm thinking pressure treated for the frame and stuff, but not sure if I should put pressure treated on top and stain it, use cedar decking, or maybe use that composite stuff. Anyone used the composite decking before? I'm leaning towards cedar. We'd like to get a hot tub/spa sometime and the cedar would match the ones we're looking at. Plus, with using cedar I'd be able to mill stuff, angle things or router details into parts of the deck that may be kinda neat.

any input is appreciated, thanks guys

Dave

Dave, You want to definitely go with the composite decking. The wood will just not hold up anymore. We are replacing decks on house that I did back when I started 12 years ago all ready. They were cedar decking, The framing was fine its just the decking. I have been using the composite decking for about the same 12 years. The stuff has no down fall to it. The product we use is called Evergreen. Seems to hold it color the best. Two ways we fasten it down, one is with the deck screw that have the course thread on the bottom of the screw and fine threads on top to make for a clean entry. The other way we do it is with finish nails. Get some hot dipped galvanized 10 finish nail. Drill a pilot hole and nail in and sink the head a little bit. It makes for very clean looking deck.

Justin

Hey thanks Man.... that's exactly what I was looking for, an opinion from someone who's had experience with the stuff.

I think the composite makes sense too, if we're going to be here long term.... do it once and do it right I guess

thanks

Dave

We generally use Trex around here. As far as fastening options, for the most part ditto what Justin said. I have also used hidden fasteners before. The one's I've used more or less look like a flat diamond with a pilot hole in the middle. You use the a block that comes with the fasteners to knock one side of the diamond 1/2 way into the last deck board that was laid down. You then run a screw into the joist, and then knock the next board into the diamonds, then repeat the process. I saw Tommy Silva use something similar one time, but he made it look a lot easier... it was kind of a PITA. I don't know that I'd do it again unless someone REALLY wanted it. Anyway, it seems like there's always an ad or two for fasteners like that in Fine Homebuilding...

Also, if you choose to screw down the deck boards, be sure that you drill pilot holes. Also, Ive had good luck using screws like Justin described, but have a square shoulder (kind of like small Kreg pocket hole screws). They seems to do a better job keeping the surface of the board from mushrooming up.

Anyway, not sure if any of this made sense, but hope it helps a little...

Dave,
Dont forget to space them. Us a 12d common nail to space them.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Justin