The Pros And Cons Of Composite Vs Wood Decking

Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood. However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood deck. As more builders and homeowners learn of wood decking problems, many are turning to high-performance composite decking.

Learn How To Build A Deck With Composites And Other Rot

Could I compress soil and level, and put down cement boards, special tape, and thin set over it and somehow install trex as a floating deck, not very high. but reading this maybe I need to install the trex off the cement boards somehow? I do not know what sleeper is or how to build a deck. On this old house a patio was built using cement boards on soil and patio blocks on top. Unlike most wood decking, composite decking is not prone to damage from termites and other wood-destroying insects. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot and high maintenance cause many headaches.

How Far Apart Should You Place Floor Joists On A Composite Deck?

The upfront cost may seem a bit pricey, but the long-term expenses are relatively low. Composite decking has a very long life span with very little maintenance needed. Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, making it last for 25 to 30 years or longer. Composite decking is easy to install and with the manufacturer instructions you’ll have your boards installed in no time. If they’re going to lay diagonally on the joists, they should be positioned 12 inches on-center.

Decking Over An Existing Deck

Some composite materials mimic wood grain and others are monochromatic or multi-chromatic. Composite decking can also be hyper-realistic to resemble a tropical hardwood without the labor-intensive upkeep. Bottom line is that composite decking won’t break the bank, particularly when you consider the long-term savings. Consumer Reportscompared wood decking to alternative decking materials. They reported that pressure-treated pine is very popular and very inexpensive; but the wood tends to change color very quickly, and will rot, crack, and splinter over time. Pressure-treated woods have the shortest deck life expectancy, and while the initial cost is relatively low, the long-term costs for repairs, upkeep, and replacement tend to be very high.

The basic problem is that the UV-inhibiting additives are themselves broken down by exposure to UV radiation and lose effectiveness over time. This is the primary reason composite decks turn gray. ormal use of the deck wears off the protective plastic coating that surrounds the wood particles in the composite, leaving them exposed to mold and mildew. Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC.

Lastly, secure connections can also be made with through bolts, although this will require being able to access the threaded end of the bolt from inside the house. For those keeping the wooden structure of their deck and just replacing the surface, a mismatched appearance may be another concern. Posts on the perimeter of a wooden deck often rise up through the deck to provide the posts for railings.

If you prefer they are perpendicular to the joist, position them 16 inches on-center. With the frame complete, you’re ready for the decking. This final part of our How to Build a Floating Deck series takes you step by step through the process of installing composite deck boards. Then we’ll suggest some finishing touches to get your new deck ready for relaxation.

When you’re mixing materials, you’ll end up mixing finishes, too. The finished product will be a two-tone deck, but if you plan well, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Choose a color that is complementary to both your home and the existing wood so that the finished deck has a cohesive look. Adding a hot tub – When a homeowner decides to upgrade an existing deck, they often have a specific purpose already in mind. Aside from weight, there are a few other hot tub specific issues that homeowners should consider when replacing or resurfacing an existing deck. First, adding a hot tub will introduce a lot more moisture to the surrounding area, in particular the decking located directly underneath the tub.

Hidden Fastener For Slotted Boards

• Every decking material needs at least a periodic washing.
• Mold, mildew, and dirt attack every deck - plastic, metal, wood or composite – with evenhanded tenacity, and have to be taken care of at regular intervals.
• Routine cleaning and maintenance are required for both wood and composite decks.
• Composite manufacturers now admit that there are no "maintenance free" decking materials of any kind.