Log home owners with dogs may be interested in incorporating some "log" features into your dog's lifestyle too. For example, outdoor dog houses, porches, barns, and beds for dogs.

Check 'em out...

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...

I think I've finally found my "porch pig"!...

You may recall that I've had my eye out for that perfect one-of-a-kind figurine or statue to grace the front porch of our new log home.

Since I don't want anything too "tacky", I honestly didn't think I'd ever be able to find something cute, fun, and classy. But alas, I may have finally found it.

But wait, there's more!...

Yesterday I met with a rep from Undercover Systems... again. Usually, I've just run into them here & there at conventions and trade shows. But this time one of the reps happened to be in Nashville. He traveled from Chattanooga to follow-up with a handful of potential customers here.

I have to say, I really like this company. They're no-pressure, honest & upfront.

Here are the details of what it would take (and what it would cost) to install underdecking on our new log home...

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...

Underdecking is a drainage system that turns the area under a deck or balcony into dry usable space.

Regardless of whether we end up going with a composite deck vs a pressure-treated wood deck, we will probably use underdecking on at least 1 or 2 of the 4 overhead decks/porches that we have on our log home.

I have only explored 2 underdecking manufacturers at this point:

Undercover Systems

TimberTech's "DrySpace"

In theory, they both offer the same thing. The differences are in the details.

One interesting thing I learned from the guy at TimberTech is a trick for covering deep scratches in composite decking.

It's going to happen. Over time, scratches are practically inevitable. For the most part, "routine" scratches won't even be noticeable, but the deeper scratches you will probably want to cover up.

Some examples of circumstances that might lend themselves to deep scratches:

• ...if you happen to drag a heavy piece of furniture over the deck (particularly if it has metal "feet").


• if someone wears metal golf cleats on the deck.


• if repair men, contractors, etc. enter your home via the deck and they carelessly drag their industrial-strength equipment on the deck.

So what's the "fix" for deep scratches?...

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.

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???