People have been asking if we made a decision yet about using composite decking on our new log home. Here are some of the questions we've received from Jim, from Jeffrey, and from Ron.

Well, we've actually decided against composite decking at this time. Here's why...

What follows are some of the most interesting things I've learned about composite decks, along with some of the questions I still have about composite decking materials.

Most of my initial questions have been answered by TimberTech reps here and MoistureShield reps here.

Onto the trivial facts about composite decks...

I have met with reps from TimberTech several times now. And they've been wonderful at answering my many questions. I still have a few more... as you can see below.

At this point, I'm leaning heavily toward TimberTech as my composite deck company of choice. (Though I have to say... MoistureShield is a very close second.)

Specifically, I am most intrigued by the Earthwood line, due to its realistic "wood" colors and the degree to which it looks natural even after weathering.

I have thoroughly studied two different composite decking manufacturers at this point:

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) -- maker of ChoiceDek and MoistureShield composite decking

Crane Plastics -- maker of TimberTech composite decking

This, as part of my quest to determine whether composite decks make sense or not for our new log home.

What follows are the biggest differences between ChoiceDek (also sold as MoistureShield) and Timber Tech. Those are the brands I like best at this point.

Here's a guide to asking the right people the right questions...

This weekend I went to the Nashville Home Decorating & Remodeling Show. No, it's not a log home show, but those are geared more for people who are just beginning to consider building a log home anyway. And we're way beyond that... We're at the actual design and building phase now. So we are more interested in the nitty gritty details that separate one roof company or window company from the other at this point.

Okay, so I've gone to this annual event at the Nashville Convention Center for the past 3 or 4 years now. But never have I gotten SO much out of a show like this before!

For starters, I spent 5 hours there ... the first day! And another 3 hours the second day! By myself, too. (Jim's out of town... again.)

Okay, after a 45-minute conversation with the customer service rep at ChoiceDek's manufacturing plant (and 6 full pages of notes!), I have to say I am quite impressed by what I've learned so far.

Both, about composite decks in general, and the ChoiceDek brand (also sold as MoistureShield), specifically.

Where do I begin???