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LG[_6_]

wrote:
On Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:09:23 -0400, wrote:

wrote:

On Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:09:44 -0400, wrote:

jps wrote:

On Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:29:51 -0400, wrote:

jps wrote:

On Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:21:07 -0400, Secular Humoresque
wrote:

I'm thinking of building a new deck, approximately 15' x 25',
approximately 9' above grade.

I have no concerns about structure; I know what to do about that.

I'm considering using the newer "composite lumber" (Trex is one brand
name) for decking, rails, balusters, stairs, et cetera...you know, the
stuff that shows. I'm wondering how well it resists weathering, rot,
checking, splitting, whether it needs any maintenance aside from a good
washing, et cetera.

The last time I built a deck, I used cedar over pressure treated
supports. The cedar was fine, but it did require a coat of transparent
stain every season.

Experiences with "trex" or other similar products?

Thanks.

I don't like the look of trex and it's expensive. I built a deck
using 2x4 sunwood (treated) 15 years ago and it's doing great.
Powerwash and oil once a year. I've had to replace a couple of
lengths over the years but very little rotting. It's 6 feet off the
ground and, as you might imagine, wet a lot.

6" wide boards are customary for wood/composite decks.

Maybe in your part of the country.

I've lived all over the country. Find a 4" deck board on the Trex site
and get back to me.

Nominal 4" decking fell out of favor when the nominal thickness went
from 2" (1.5")_ to 5/4ths (1"). You can't span as far. Trex only makes
that worse.
Our docks use 1.5" x 5.5" decking on 18" O/C stringers so a wheeled
cart will not bow them.

Do you mean 16" OC joists/stringers? 18" would involve a lot of cutting
and waste.

Why would that be?
The stringers run the length of the dock and the decking goes
perpendicular 36" wide
We cut down 12' deck boards.

I had that 15 X 25 deck in mind. 16" centers work best with 8', 12',
and 16' boards. In your case it doesn't matter - they could be 13-1/2"
OC and it would still work.