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Has ANYONE had success with composite decking?

2K views 18 replies 16 participants last post by  Obscured_by_Clouds 
#1 ·
The 15-30 year old cedar decking around my house will need replacing in the Spring. All told we have about 450 sq ft of deck surface. Since we're getting older the idea of low maintenance is appealing, so I thought about going with composite decking. My only problem is all the horror stories on line. Fading, cracking, peeling molding, etc. Also, it sounds like it acts as a significant heat sink, trapping and holding much more solar energy than wood.

I haven't priced it, but I'm thinking cedar may be too expensive this time around. The other option is, of course, pressure treated white pine, but I worry about splinters and cracking.

I really don't know what to do. Any suggestions will be helpful. Construction could start in a couple weeks if the weather cooperates.
 
#2 ·
The redwood decking on mine is still in good shape after 40 years, but the plain spruce structure supporting it is done for.

I've had several decks in various areas of my yard, redwood, cedar, and pressure treated spruce. The cedar had the short life (about 25 years) and the redwood is the oldest. The pressure treated decks range from 27 -33 years and are mostly still in good shape. They do take a bit of abuse at the stairs.

Splinters haven't been an issue for any of them. The cedar and the PT spruce were decks around the pools where bare feet are the norm. The cedar deck went next door when we sold the first pool and the second pool had a PT spruce deck. Cracking just adds character.

I'm not sold on composite decking. It may be stable, but it does not have the strength of wood.

The city has had over 3000' of 8' wide PT spruce decking along the shoreline downtown for the past 20-25 years. It gets enough pedestrian traffic that the knots on most of the boards are now standing proud. They started a maintenance program of replacing individual boards as required about 10 years ago. Most of the boards are still originals.

I'd go with the pressure treated. For home use, it's a 40-50 year deck with minimal maintenance. Get the grandkids to water seal it every 2-5 years.
 
#3 ·
My parents were an early adopter of the composite material deck in 2007. Needless to say there was a manufacturing problem with the decking they received and there was a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. My parents were reimbursed the cost of new decking but not the labor to install it. They took the money and still have not done anything. There was some bowing and a couple other issues. From what I hear, the composite decking is much much better today. I would not be afraid of it and plan to use it when the time comes to add a deck to my house. However, I do not have any experience with wood decks other than a neighbors growing up. It was around their pool and I was always a bit nervous about splinters as it started to bow and bend over the years. I do not how it was maintained though.
 
#4 ·
Steve,
We installed composite on our existing deck this past summer. To early to give reviews about wear/tear, but looks better than the chipped/warped 20 year old P/T deck boards we had.
It is Lowe's brand, "Style Selection" with hidden fasteners. About 1/2 the price of Trex decking. Only drawback I may see happening is the deck boards are wrapped with vinyl around composite. This is their way to get color & texture one would want.

My FIL had Trex installed on his old house when it first came out. It did fade over time and was hot as heck in direct sun in summertime.

Here's some pics of newly installed. We also installed new railing too.
 

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#5 ·
Hi Steve,
We recently replaced the ~28 year old decking around our pool. The decking had been pressure treated and for the first 15 years or so we left it natural. There was some splintering and we would warn the kids to be careful running around the pool (might have been a good thing). Anyway, we stained the decking about 13 years ago, and that seemed to close in some of the cracks that had opened over the years. Last year we had the pool replastered, the brick coping replaced with concrete, and the mosaic tile (28 pcs in a 6x6 tile) replaced with ones that consisted of only 4 pcs. For the construction, we had to remove the decking as the widths were entirely different. That was a good time to replace the deck-tops. We considered redwood, but the cost was stupid (our house has redwood siding). We also needed 1-1/2" thickness to match the coping height. Cedar isn't really structural, so we ruled that out. To do any kind of composite, we would have had to shim everywhere and that seemed silly, so we decided to stick with PT. Here's a pic:

This spring we'll stain the deck to match the upper deck, and hopefully we'll get another 28 years out of it. Let us know what you decide. :)
 
#6 · (Edited)
We had a composite back deck and front porch installed the summer of 2015 on our house. The rear deck replaced one that was built when the house was new in 1992. The old deck itself was pressure treated and in fair shape, but the structure under it had rotted to the point it fell off the house. The front porch was also ready to fall off the house. BAD carpentry was the cause. Anyhow the new deck needed 12" centers with the floor joists to prevent sagging of the deck boards plus the higher cost of the composite deck and the hidden fasteners made the over all cost about double what it would have been using pressure treated lumber. We like it so far as it is smooth, no splinters, but it does get wicked hot in the sunshine, and you have to use a plastic shovel to remove snow, as a metal edged shovel will damage the surface. Another plus is that you can get very long lengths to prevent seams in the middle of the deck. I don't know if it will last 20 plus years or not, but I like the look now. Ours is Trex brand decking for whatever that is worth. If you are doing the work yourself. be prepared that the composite is VERY heavy to manhandle, and if you need to rip a piece to a smaller width, you end up with a funky looking edge that does not match the rest of the board.

P.S. Cost for a contractor to build a 12' X 16' composite deck with pressure treated railings and a 5 step set of stairs AND a 6'x 6' front porch with vinyl railings and a 7 step set of stairs was about $13,500 in 2015 in north east PA. Not a bargain, but not a rip off either in my neck of the woods. I did get a couple of cheaper quotes, but I was afraid of the quality I would get (shady looking guys with shady references)
 
#8 ·
I'm watching this thread with interest, as my wife would like to replace our existing deck. Won't be a cheap proposition as the deck is 15×40 feet. My Dad and I built it (his health was beginning to fail, so I finished it), some 25 years ago with PT material, and there are still a lot of the original boards in the deck. We'd have one get surface rot, or just get a bad twist in it, and I'd lever it out and replace it. It's looking a little patchy, but it's still structurally sound.

What I've seen with the composite stuff is that I'd have to rebuild the entire deck sub-structure; my stringers are on 24" centers. Composite can't carry a load like dimension lumber can. I'm reading with interest the comments above that it gets really hot in the sun. I live at elevation so the sun effect is somewhat stronger here.

Some things have changed in the interim time in the area of the country where I live: Back then, the only way to save any money at all on the decking was to use PT 2×4 stock. Board foot for board foot, it was one-eighth the cost of 'deck boards' then, and then way, WAY cheaper than cedar was. Also, the reliable way to fasten it down was to through-nail with concrete-coated twist nails. Those buggers do NOT let go easily, even after all this time.

I treated it for the first half dozen years, then once I saw that it was a losing proposition (both in time and money), just quit treating it. Now all I do is pressure-wash it once every year or so, a full day's job. It generally looks fine after washing.

I'm beginning to come down on the side of PT lumber for the deck itself, but composite stuff for things like railings and such. I put composite railings up some years ago and they still look good.

Ah, here's a picture from a year or so ago:

 
#9 ·
We put down cedar when I built the deck some 30 yrs ago. It is still there, although showing it's age a bit. When I installed I used "screws of the day" in other words galvanized. Couple yrs ago I pulled up every screw ( 3 screws a joist set 16OC) and I know you think that was fun but seeing as how we are talking about 400 square feet, I can assure you that it wasn't. Especially since about 1/3 of them had to be coaxed out since the weathered heads stripped. Replaced them all w/ torx head all weather. Cleared out a 10 lb pail supplemented with another box. Had average care, cleaning yearly, but not pressure washing. That removes the softer wood over time leaving grain and a rougher surface. Sanded the first yr I used PW, never again. Stained? sealed about every 3/4 yrs. Now the wood and I are in a contest to see who outlasts the other. At 72 I'm hoping it's the wood. I don't want to do it again and the quality of workmanship out there is appealing. No one has pride and they all think they are worth premium prices. (But that's another story) One thing I wish I had back then were the underneath concealed fasteners. Well worth the extra money both in look and in keeping the surface blemish and splinter free. Good PT is alright but does take more maintenance (IMHO) and the composite, hot, and around the pool, does get slippery. That from observations and experience at couple friend homes that have it. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. My solution for a good deck, no matter which material is used is periodic maintenance, a good umbrella and a sufficient supply of adult beverages to enjoy on it. (I like Sapphire Gin if anyone happens to be stopping by, and a rack of ribs, potato salad and baked beans. But that's just me.
MikeC
 
#10 ·
Our deck (maybe pressure treated, dunno) is original to the house built in 1998. Definitely not composite. Key is maintenance and GOOD sealant/stain. I'm a big fan of a somewhat translucent stain, such as honey oak in color. I normally go for Olympic I think that Lowes sells. It isn't cheap, but cheaper than deck replacement. I quick power wash it for one or two years, then the next year a little more thoroughly and restain. My 14x16 deck takes I think 3 gallons of stain, IIRC. I douse it pretty heavily with a pump up farm sprayer. I swear it takes 2 days to dry. I'm betting it will be good for another 10-15 years at least before I even consider any repair or replacement. There's like one or two short boards that are in direct sunlight year round that are just starting to loosen up. Maybe it's because they're so short they're only held on with like 3 nails. All wraparound steps are perfect, the 15% or so that never sees sunlight has like zero wear.
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I've convinced myself to go with either PT or cedar. I'm still leery of composite. So, more thoughts are welcome!
 
#12 ·
I think I'll be taking on my own deck project as soon as the weather warms up, so I'm interested to hear what people have to say. Seems like cost wise PT cannot be beat. My deck is original to the house, 1985 vintage, 2x6 PT decking. I'll probably replace it with the same.

I was out in Yellowstone last August (2016), and prior to that in July of 2013. Sometime between visits they started replacing some of the boardwalks around the hot springs and geysers with some type of composite. Its an extreme environment for sure and a heavy use application, but the composite looks terrible and has sagged between the joists quite badly. For 3 years or less, I was surprised at its condition.
 
#14 ·
4 years ago I started the project of slowly and on a all cash arrangement putting in a new carport and 6 X 48 covered porch and a 7 X 70 covered deck on the back of my mobile home with a 22 X 34 foot carport we used on the all the decking cedar. It has come out just the best thing my wife and I have ever done for a home improvement. My wife and I sat out in the summer have a majority of our meals outside on the back deck. Yeah the covered area is rather narrow but the pure enjoyment and the protection from the sun is just what we wanted. The cedar decks were stained and I maintain them the best I can. Since the decks are for the most part weather protected I think that we will probably get a good 20 years out of them if not longer. The biggest thing was the cost $14,000 for the covered back deck, $11,000 for the front porch and car port but we just love it and since we had them built like a pole building instead of the cheap aluminum I am thinking that everything is fat better. See this thread for what we did. http://www.mytractorforum.com/88-my-place/269773-carport-awning.html
 
#15 ·
I'm a fan of real wood. Our original deck, which is now on my shop/office building, was built in 1980, still going strong, even though it looks bad, but solid. Deck on front of house where original deck was is also pressure treated southern yellow pine. It's the, what?, 5/4 or whatever it's called, original deck is 2x6s. I haven't even cleaned or resealed either of them. You cannot buy the clear wood preservative any more, at least I can't find it. I don't want to make the color different from natural weathered wood look.

Also, and to me, this new plastic, or whatever it's made of, is just too hot as people are saying. And, it's not real wood. I've gotten to where I hate plastic.
 
#16 ·
I've decided on wood, now I just have to decide if I want PT or cedar. I always like working with cedar, and the smell is a bonus. I was at a friends house for a cook out last weekend and half of their deck was PT and the other half composite. The composite part was trashed and weather beaten. The PT sections were still in good shape and I think they predated the composite part be a number of years. So, PT or cedar? The cedar is priced between PT and composite but not as expensive as I thought.
 
#17 ·
Just found this thread. Everybody seems to be talking about more recent installations.

I did a 6 by 12 deck (back porch) well over 10 years ago, maybe 15 years. At the time, the composite I used was about $2/foot (12' length, $25.00), but I wanted something that was less attractive to wood eating insects. This is a covered porch, so it doesn't really get direct sun all day. It has faded some from the original color and there are some knicks and scrapes in it from things dragged over it. But otherwise it has not degraded at all. It's a tongue and groove type so it interlocks to prevent water seep through at the joints. Since it's formed with ridges underneath (think I - Beams), it's far stronger and less prone to warping than wood. The surface is also grooved for traction and water run-off.

But of course, it's no longer available. The local lumberyard I bought it from has since closed. However, the building is still there and the porch they did with it many years before I did mine is still in good shape getting daily commercial use as a bait shop.

I have looked at a similar non-stock version at Lowes. The price is still in that $2/ft range, but it has to be special ordered. They have a sample board at the Pro-Desk with a few different colors.

They say it can be stained or painted just like wood. I did a tint stain on mine a few years ago, but even that has faded some since. Some day I'll do it again. There are NO issues of splintering or splitting on mine however.

I've had all sorts of issues with cupping, warping, rotting and other problems with PT wood decking and I really don't like it. I don't like the price of composites, but if they last longer than PT which may have to be replaced after 10 years or so, then it might be a better value. I've also looked at the composite topper planks, but if the PT boards underneath are bad, I don't see how they would help.
 
#18 ·
First off I hate decks! Paver/stone patios are the best way to go. However, that does not work for all houses, landscapes etc. My current home (Raised Ranch) had a new PT deck (D.Fir I believe) installed when we bought it. It's now about 6-7 years old and after (every year since ownership) cleaning and staining it's still in near new condition. Mind you I stain flat surfaces every spring with the best stain ever, TWP. Every other the entire gets a coat. Now with 3 years of using the TWP its easier to recoat. This stain is so good, holds up to the sun and winters well.
First 2years used Thompson water seal-this stuff is crap! No uv protection at all. Water is not what kills a deck IMHO, its the SUN!

My Brother installed a composite deck floor at his home in NH about 10 years ago and its still in good shape but is ugly IMHO. The composite has all the issues you list. Black stained mold spots everywhere, is hot as heck, cracked at every single fastener etc. Other than that its fine, personally I told him to try and stain or paint it as it is fine structurally.

The new stuff they offer is beautiful.

My advise, if it's ground level or close STONE PATIO. Other wise anything you go with is a maint. nightmare if you want it looking nice year after year and lasts! I'm just not keen on the up keep of a deck.
My PT looks great but is a lot of work to keep it that way.
I do not want to have to replace it while I own this dump! Raised decks are so expensive!

MU
 

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#19 ·
Pavers have a tendency to be a lot more expensive and there is a lot of prep work involved in the sublayers. I have problems with digging and tunneling things like moles. They can get under, remove the sublayers and cause sags and other uneveness in the pavers which make trip-hazards.

As I post, I'm on a break from laying a concrete walk way because of problems with the quarter-zero gravel that has been there for a few years.
 
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