On 10/1/10 1:41 PM, nom=de=plume wrote:

"Secular Humoresque" wrote in message
news
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.




--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

My dad used one of those (forget the brand). The results are pretty good
as far as weathering/looks goes (a bit too much on the subdued pink
color I thought, but...), but they tend to expand/contract a lot and can
sometimes pop out of the brackets at the end of long planks. So, his
advice to me (I was considering a deck upgrade, but went with concrete
instead) was to try and use shorter vs. longer sections.



Thanks! :)

--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

"Secular Humoresque" wrote in message
m...
On 10/1/10 1:41 PM, nom=de=plume wrote:

"Secular Humoresque" wrote in message
news
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.




--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

My dad used one of those (forget the brand). The results are pretty good
as far as weathering/looks goes (a bit too much on the subdued pink
color I thought, but...), but they tend to expand/contract a lot and can
sometimes pop out of the brackets at the end of long planks. So, his
advice to me (I was considering a deck upgrade, but went with concrete
instead) was to try and use shorter vs. longer sections.



Thanks! :)

--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

I can find out the exact name of it if you want...