Should We Use Composite Decking? Which Composite Deck Products Are Best?
Our current dilemma: Whether to use composite decking for the porches and decks of our new log home or not.
First thought...
It's a log home/ Why in the world would we want to use non-log products in our all-log dream home? I know. I certainly feel guilty even thinking about using "fake wood" in our log home. But if I can get a similar look and quality product with less maintenance, then I'm all for it.
Second thought...
Composite decking uses recycled materials, is longer lasting, and requires less maintenance & upkeep. I can just look out our back window for a firsthand reminder of the problems we've had with our wood deck, wood railings, wood stairs, and wood fence. (And they're only 5 years old!)
Of course the biggest drawback to using composite decking is that "fake" look that sometimes results. That is the biggest factor holding us back at this point.
So I'm wondering... Have any of you used the newer composite decking materials for decks or porches? Or, perhaps you've seen a completed project (in person) that was built using composite decking?
If so, we welcome your thoughts...
Some Basic Facts
Yesterday, I made a visit to the local Home Depot and Lowe's. I was hoping I'd be able to touch and feel and possibly bring home some samples of their composite decking products.I could touch and feel the tall stack of boards for each brand that Lowe's and Home Depot had on display. But neither store offered "samples".
What a shame. It seems to me that homeowners might like to see products side-by-side. And, if they're anything like me, they would appreciate being able to make comparisons in the comfort of their own home, under different lighting, as well as indoors vs outdoors.
And let's face it... color choice is probably the second most important factor, after the overall "look" of these composite decks. Not only is it a big investment we're talking about here. But you could actually be unhappy for a number of years if you don't get the end result you were hoping for.
Differences In Deck Boards
I have a lot more research to do at this point regarding the wide range of composite decking choices available to us.
Fortunately, the folks at Lowe's were incredibly helpful in one respect.
The lady behind the counter in the "Contractors" area said that based on what she hears from the contractors who buy their decks from Lowe's, ChoiceDek is without a doubt the superior product. (The other brand that Lowe's sells is Trex.)
When I asked why ChoiceDek had the lead among contractors, she showed me a side-by-side comparison of ChoiceDek and Trex. She said the grooved channels on the bottom of the boards made by ChoiceDek are highly preferred due to their ability to prevent bowing, warping, and splitting. She said while she hears a lot of positive remarks about the ChoiceDek, the contractors haven't had many good things to say for the Trex product that Lowe's also carries.
Some Concerns I Have About Composite Decking
- Color choices
- Natural looking vs fake looking
- Mold issues
- Types of screws/fasteners used
- The ability to use "underdecking"
- Cost compared to wood decks
- Codes issues (I've heard some composite decks don't meet local codes)
- Some maintenance will inevitably be required... is it easy?
- Stains (from spills, grease, etc.)
- How they weather and hold up over time... a long time
I'll let you know what we ultimately decide. As I said, I have a lot more homework to do.
What About IPE?
For the record, we also briefly considered using IPE (pronounced "ee-pay") for our decks.
The IPE deck is made of Brazilian Walnut (also known as Ironwood or Ipe wood), and it is naturally resistant to rot and decay.
IPE is eight times harder than California Redwood, and has the highest rating for termite resistance. This imported hardwood is the finest quality wood available for building outdoor decks, furniture and fencing." Source
We had a change of heart as soon as we learned how quickly the color fades unless you re-oil the entire deck at least every year. More than likely, you'd have to re-oil it twice a year -- including in all those cracks and crevices!
It is the most beautiful deck product in the world though.
More About ChoiceDek Composite Decking
For the record, the brochure I got from Lowe's says they carry "ChoiceDek Premium" by Weyerhauser.Basic features and benefits of ChoiceDek Classic and ChoiceDek Plus.
Check out this guide to understanding your decking options -- including Weyerhaeuser CedarOne Decking and Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek
Here are the features and benefits of ChoiceDek composite lumber.
Other Composite Decking Companies
To be honest, the only one from this list we are considering is IPE. But here are several composite decking choices if you wish to do your own research.
Symmatrix decks are from The Dow Company.
CorrectDeck has some new stonewashed natural looking decks.
Obviously you have not been shopping Ipe for a very long time. Prices are very competitive and there are both government and private organizations such as Forest Stewardship Council that monitor what trees are being cut down and reharvesting 2-3 trees for every one that is too old to produce seeds in addition to selecting specific areas to cut. That being said the Trex material has more than it's share of lawsuits and complaints just google trex complaints and you can get an idea from the pictures displayed and class suits filed. Ipe does have to be predrilled due to the density but it will outlast any product out there.
ipe is way overpriced and requires a great deal of maintainence. it is difficult to work with, and is harvested mostly thru illegal means, again destroying our rain forests. trex is made from recycled products, and has a 25 yr warranty. ipe requires yearly application of tung oil to keep from drying up and checking. dont let anyone tell you otherwise. i own one of the largest deck companies in tennessee. i have used ipe, and every type of composite on the market. this is not just my professional opinion, but my personal one as well.
for a great finished product, hire a great professional deck builder. www.horizoncontractors.info
Ipe is the best choice due to comments above mold, fungus, deterioration. Ipe does require sealing if you want the color to stay brown but the composite decking needs sealing and regular cleaning as it is also known to fade and mold, mold, mold. Another reason to choose Ipe is no chemicals needed naturally resistant to insects, mold and fungus. FSC certified Ipe is available if you want to be reassured you are buying from a responsible forest with reharvesting. This is the most dense and durable material on the market, what you need for outdoors.
A better reason to not go with an IPE deck is you can almost guaranty that this Brazillian wood is being harvested illegally and contributing the destruction of the greatest forest on earth.
Do not buy Choice Deck composite product....mold, mold, mold.....
You will have a major disaster and hug loss of $$$$ in getting rid of this mess.
DO NOT BUY TREX. MOLD DEVELOPS AND CAN BE A HEALTH
ISSUE. RECOMMENDED CLEANING AND CARE BY TREX DID NOT REMOVE MOLD. THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION SUITS PENDING AGAINST TREX COMPANY.
i am owner of horizon contractors.info. we are the best and largest installer of trex, in tennessee. anyone out there wanting a trex deck at a fair price, call us first. check out website. look at galleries. look at options we offer. read testimonials, and corporate referrals. we will actually take you to decks we have built, primarily in tennessee, and especially around the brentwood/ franklin tn areas. joe harrison. 615-406-2415
Composites are far better than wood for a number of reason which you can read about on any manufacturers web site and many blogs. The most important issue to consider when building a deck, dock, or fence is that you like the look of the material you choose. If you don't like the way it looks, you may never be happy with it, no matter how many features and benefits it has.
Composites are not "NO MAINTENANCE" as many believe but low maintenance. You will need to clean them whenever they appear dirty, if you so choose. Composites should be cleaned if they appear dirty to preserve their appearance, like your vehicle or just about anything exposed to the outdoor elements. If mold is an issue, it should be cleaned from the composite to it keep healthy.
If you have read or heard negatives comments regarding composites, they are generally related to staining issues and mold. If mold is an issue, be careful, many manufacturers have not done their homework. Many still recommend or sell biocides (chlorine bleach or products containing sodium hypochlorite / calcium hypochlorite or to be dangerously / illegally mixed with chlorine bleach) to clean mold against the recommendations of the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (O.S.H.A.), and Science.
Biocides have been scientifically found to exacerbate mold growth on porous surfaces like composites and not kill it as the uneducated believe. The use of biocides in an attempt to clean mold may appear to quickly make it disappear the first time you use these toxic, corrosive, polluting, chemicals. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All biocides do is "bleach" the mold, water its roots (hyphae), making the mold more resistant to the chlorine in the biocide. Consequently, when you use products containing biocides in the future, they generally have little if any effect in cleaning mold. The mold then returns with vengeance! This is what has lead to composite owners posting negative comments about the brands they have chosen and is giving composites a bad name in the marketplace.
Fortunately, most reputable composite manufacturers are doing their homework and recommending our proven product for safely resolving ALL common composite staining issues. Corte Clean Eco Friendly Composite Deck, Dock & Fence Cleaner was designed to clean only composites, and that is exactly what it does. We hope that if you choose to purchase a composite deck, dock or fence, this info has helped you in your purchasing decision and you will choose Corte Clean to clean it if you choose to go with the many benifits of composites.
Jeffrey and Jim -
I've posted a reply to your question here.
Did you make a decision on a decking product. I to and leaning toward Timbertech, ChoiceDeck or IPE.
wow, you certainly have done/are doing your homework! i like that about you...it reminds me of me, lol. i'm anxious to hear what you decide.