Anyone have experience with composite decking?

forgop · 04-16-2011, 04:21 PM

Ok, so I think I've decided against the composite decking options. Seems there are too many complaints about mold/mildew and bad discoloration issues.

I may just go with cedar. I love the look, but now I'm curious what I'll have to do to keep it looking nice over the years.

stinkie · 04-17-2011, 06:44 AM

i had a composite decking on the back porch for about 5 years. only problem is it gets slipperyer in the winter with snow ice on it.you just have to power wash every year .no discoloration issues yes its well worth the money. very low maintenance. no staining no replacing warped boards or rotted wood its great.

stinkie

Bunker · 04-17-2011, 07:47 AM

I grew up in a family that owned a lumber supply company so take this with a retailer's grain of salt.

Cedar is beautiful, so is Mahogony, but be prepared to pay dearly for it and have to maintain it every year.

Trex (just the brand I have the most experience with) may not be the most attractive option but as stated before you will never have to do anything but power wash it, it will outlast the pressure treated lumber you use to support it and you will never have to dig a piece of it out of your foot. It was originally deisgned for use on piers and ocean bordwalks. A lot of the mildew problems are caused by incorrect installation or areas that don't get any sun (which would make wooden decks have similar problems).

Save the cedar for railings and ballusters if you want that look but I would not put any natural wood down as the actual part I am going to walk on.
I see decking like I see roof shingles. People pay dearly for fancy architectural shingles and the last time they actually notice them is the first day the roof is finished. Decking is something you are going to walk on, it's not crown molding.

Just my

04-16-2011, 04:21 PM	#1
forgop Not a puffer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Duane Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,869 Trading: (40)	Re: Anyone have experience with composite decking? Ok, so I think I've decided against the composite decking options. Seems there are too many complaints about mold/mildew and bad discoloration issues. I may just go with cedar. I love the look, but now I'm curious what I'll have to do to keep it looking nice over the years.

04-17-2011, 06:44 AM	#2
stinkie Still Watching My Back Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: dan Location: In the sticks/Tarlton ohio Posts: 140 Trading: (2)	Re: Anyone have experience with composite decking? i had a composite decking on the back porch for about 5 years. only problem is it gets slipperyer in the winter with snow ice on it.you just have to power wash every year .no discoloration issues yes its well worth the money. very low maintenance. no staining no replacing warped boards or rotted wood its great. stinkie

04-17-2011, 07:47 AM	#3
Bunker New hardware installed. Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Rick Location: Moonbatachusetts Posts: 950 Trading: (18)	Re: Anyone have experience with composite decking? I grew up in a family that owned a lumber supply company so take this with a retailer's grain of salt. Cedar is beautiful, so is Mahogony, but be prepared to pay dearly for it and have to maintain it every year. Trex (just the brand I have the most experience with) may not be the most attractive option but as stated before you will never have to do anything but power wash it, it will outlast the pressure treated lumber you use to support it and you will never have to dig a piece of it out of your foot. It was originally deisgned for use on piers and ocean bordwalks. A lot of the mildew problems are caused by incorrect installation or areas that don't get any sun (which would make wooden decks have similar problems). Save the cedar for railings and ballusters if you want that look but I would not put any natural wood down as the actual part I am going to walk on. I see decking like I see roof shingles. People pay dearly for fancy architectural shingles and the last time they actually notice them is the first day the roof is finished. Decking is something you are going to walk on, it's not crown molding. Just my __________________ "Good is good, even if no one is doing it - and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it."