Howdy Folks,
As some of you (who might know me) know, we're looking at some serious deck work this year. Old non-pressure-treated deck (23 yrs old) is falling apart after years of brutal sun exposure.
Current deck is 2x4s at 45 degree angle; structure is on 16" centers.
I'd be willing to go to 90 degree angle if composite might work (I understand most such decking is 5/4" not 2x4).
Do any of you have experience with the new big box composites (such as HD's Veranda)? We really need a "redwood-look" color.
At this stage, I'm not too sure what the sub-structure's shape is; some of that may need to be changed also (aaaarrrrgh).
I guess this might be an expensive year (!)
Your thoughts, please!
Thanks in advance,
-k2 in CO (Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum)
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- Trex? Or homedepot "Veranda" composite (knockoff)?
If a redwood knock-off is what you seek, I would suggest using DuraDeck which can be seen at http://www.durationdeck.com
Thanks for responding Homebild! I am already scoping out the website. Yet another project I'm looking at for summertime.
Have you used both materials? Is that HD stuff not even worth a look?
Thanks again,
-k2
-k2 in CO (Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum)
Have you used both materials? Is that HD stuff not even worth a look?
Thanks again,
-k2
-k2 in CO (Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum)
Hi. I'll be using Choice Dek (Lowe's) for a deck I'm building. I've been doing some research...
You can't use composite for structural components. I'm not 100% sure why not, but for one, they don't make it in the sizes required.
For the decking it seems hard to beat. It has a life time guarantee, even if the area is in CONTINUOUS contact with water. I know it's being used for the boardwalks along the beaches here in Florida.
As far as span strength your 16" OC joists should be fine. Choice Dek in 5/4 x 6 is rated at 109 psf for 16" OC. That's far above any code I've ever heard of.
I'm not picky about color, but I think it comes in a variety of colors, including Redwood look.
HTH! I'll let you know what it's like to actually work with once I've done the decking. Should be next week some time - I've got the beams and joists all done.
You can't use composite for structural components. I'm not 100% sure why not, but for one, they don't make it in the sizes required.
For the decking it seems hard to beat. It has a life time guarantee, even if the area is in CONTINUOUS contact with water. I know it's being used for the boardwalks along the beaches here in Florida.
As far as span strength your 16" OC joists should be fine. Choice Dek in 5/4 x 6 is rated at 109 psf for 16" OC. That's far above any code I've ever heard of.
I'm not picky about color, but I think it comes in a variety of colors, including Redwood look.
HTH! I'll let you know what it's like to actually work with once I've done the decking. Should be next week some time - I've got the beams and joists all done.
Well that does sound good, continuous contact with water! Actually our biggest problem is the sun--the deck faces west and the UV just seems to "cook" everything. But hey, lifetime guarantee, right!?
I did send an email to DuraDeck (Homebild's recommendation) and haven't heard back yet. Just trying to find dealers. But I can certainly get to ***** easily enough.
Thanks for taking the time to respond! And please, do keep us posted on progress....I am most interested.
Regards,
-k2 in CO (Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum)
Hi K2, I went and got the decking today. I'm assuming you know it's pricey comparitively. For the 11 x 11 deck addition I'm building it cost $420 (inc. FL sales tax).
So far I like it a lot. It's very easy to work with, really does cut "just like wood" (unlike the Hardipanel I worked with!). I mistakenly thought that since it was a manufactured product that I wouldn't have to worry about warping. That's truly vertically, because it's very flexible, but horizontally I still had to draw some of the boards in with clamps to get them straight.
That's the report so far! If it holds up like it's supposed to, even though it's pricey up front, I think it will save a ton of money in the long haul.
So far I like it a lot. It's very easy to work with, really does cut "just like wood" (unlike the Hardipanel I worked with!). I mistakenly thought that since it was a manufactured product that I wouldn't have to worry about warping. That's truly vertically, because it's very flexible, but horizontally I still had to draw some of the boards in with clamps to get them straight.
That's the report so far! If it holds up like it's supposed to, even though it's pricey up front, I think it will save a ton of money in the long haul.
