Which composite decking material is the best?

Answer 1

i my self dont like trex its plain looking and gets slipery when wet ,there is a brand not sure the name that has a look like it is rough cut lumber, kinda looks like it was sanded with like 40 grit length wise to simulate grain this one is the best the rough groves are random and continuis it looks natural,also the rough cut/sanded look takes stain well and also gives some grip when wet,if you gouge or scrach or even stain it you can sand it out with a 40 grit belt sander too,there is a brand that has a wood grain stamped on it but it looks fake it is a repeating pattern.also i have found that the best way to fasten any one is with a special screw, the screw has corse threads starting at the point then at the last inch it changes to a fine thread what this does is as you screw it in the corse threat pulls the board down and when the fine thread hits the sorft decking it pulls the material down as it gets pulled threw the decking eliminating the need for counter sinking and you dont get a mushrom as you would with a nail or regular screw and i would sugest that you figure out the breaking point of your deck boards and double up that joist or add a sleeper along the side so you dont have to try to screw both end cuts into one 2x6 or 2x8 you will need to space the boards with a 12d nail is a good space even on the end joints as the decking expands and contracts a good bit also dont span any more than 16oc...well good luck

Answer 2

What you need to find out from each type is how far apart the joists can be...when Trex first came out you had to put the joints at 1 foot centered or the trex would droop...which I beleave they corrected this issue...make sure it is paintable or stainable...some type come in multi-color and if you get tired of the color can you change it....but over all they tend to be simalar products...some are solid and some are hollow...Pricing is one thing you will find that is a major difference....I have installed this stuff before...some require a clip system and some you can screw down...this is something you need to consider too...the labor involved.....Good luck...sometimes it just comes down to personnal preference....look in to the ( Limited Warrenty ) ...remember it is the limited part you really want to understand.....

Answer 3

I don't know that BEST can be described to you accurately. It's a choice, based on multiple factors.

I personally prescribe TREX, primarily because I've used that, they've been in that business longer than any other, I've seen the process, they continually evolve, and it's just a good product.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

i installed trex on my 20x20 deck, the grey... it's fading well but stains VERY easily consider a deeper brown if you can go with it. might hide those outdoor stain makers... bird poo, dirt, rust from those darn cheap chairs from homedepot. dont forget you arent supposed to pressure wash it ever.

Answer 5

go to lowes