Replies

1. 
   frontiercc | Jun 14, 2002 05:27pm | #1

   Funny- I was going to post a very similar question today.  I am looking at composite decking also for a deck I am putting around my swimming pool.  I like the Fiberon product for this application.  It is more "plastic-ey", has a higher concentration of resins.  Also comes in alternative colors that are less prone to fading.  Or so I'm told. 

   I like it, but cannot find it anywhere other than the big orange box.  And I won't buy it there because the color I want is a Special Order item and we all know how Special Orders at the warehouse places go . . . . . . . .

   I like the Weyerhauser product too, it has a rougher surface than the trex, which should provide better slip resistance around my pool (water and kids, etc).  Unfortunately, according to Weyer, only available at Lowe's.  Again, a place I'd rather avoid. 

   The other local yards only stock trex in standard color of gray, no railing or other accesory items, everything is special order. 

   I will follow this discussion closely to see where it leads, but the Fiberon is nifty stuff. (http://www.fibercomposites.com)  My mom has some stuff similar, but it is slippery as hell when it gets wet.  The fiberon doesn't seem to be bad in that respect. 

   I am looking for experiences of others as well as recommended place of purchase.  None of the small independent yards seem to have much. 

1. 
   frontiercc | Jun 14, 2002 05:50pm | #2

   Another I forgot to mention is Timber Tech.  (http://www.timbertech.com).  I am going to look at this tomorrow.  The place that carries it is a local guy that does a lot of high end doors and windows.  Had good service and product from them before, so I'll see if I like their decking product. 

   Anyone ever used this?  Care to comment?  I think the T&G product they have sounds promising.

1. 
   J7223 | Jun 15, 2002 04:59am | #5

   Hey guys,,the timber tech T & G is the top of the line composits in my book,,we have done a lot of it for new counstruction,the hand rail detail requires a bit of  inovative think on your feet kinda thing,,but it is the only one with a quick no fasseners showing,,only down side is if your project is close to the ground,,like less then 18" its a very good thing to provide ventlation,,,I will have some pictures on my site in a little while of a curved one we did with it,,John Hyatt deckmastersllc.com

1. 
   MikeWillms | Jun 18, 2002 04:29am | #6

   Trex Trex Trex... Fastenmaster screws are specially designed for Trex as well.918 Contracting - Residential Construction

2. 
   vasalesman | Jun 14, 2002 08:10pm | #3

   First post here for me, although I've been reading FWB & FWW almost since day one.  My career path is a bit different than many in this forum as I've sold building materials for a couple of real lumber yards (where you don't wear an apron!) for nearly thirty years.  We're in an affluent area & have access to many products fairly soon after they're introduced to the market.  Deck supplies are a large category for us and it's rare for a week to go by without someone showing up pushing a new line to us.  We stock large quantities of TREX, Evergrain, Timbertech, mahogany & CCA.  We have frequent orders for Ipe, cedar & several others.  In the composite world, I'd been a TREX fan for quite a while but I'm more impressed with Evergrain.  Like the general trend, it's a mix of wood dust & plastic.  To my knowledge, it's the only decking that's pressed in a mold rather than being extruded.  That allows a higher density than the others which in theory will give increased stain resistance.  TREX is also notorius for dimensional inconsistency so ened to end joining doesn't always look good.  Evergrain has an embossed wood grain, comes in colors, has a BOCA report that's required in some jurisdictions, and has good fade resistance.  As far as some competitive items, Fiberon has a hard, somewhat glossy surface that shows scratching pretty easily.  Timbertech is a very well made product but is a bit brittle and needs to be handled carefully until installed.  It doesn't get as hot as some others in full sun and has a T&G version.  The T&G requires at least 18" above grade and good ventilation underneath.   You can find out more about Evergrain at http://www.epochwood.com.  Good luck!

1. 
   calvin | Jun 14, 2002 11:40pm | #4

   Used the Certainteed product (boardwalk) a year ago and am satisfied with it's ease of installation, traction, and resistance to staining.  The lite grey color in partial shade doesn't get too hot to bare feet.  Follow manufacturers installation instructions, but maybe don't heed their stair stringer centers recommendation.  Mine did fine 16"oc.  Saw one that followed I guess inst. instructions.  Waste of wood.  Do a test yourself and you be the judge.

   I did not like installing TimberTech.  The product was too tight a fit (PITA) even in the fall weather.  It looks good, but held my breath till after the first hot summer.  If you like the look of the weep holes in the tongue, it's alright I guess.  The homeowner wanted it crammed together.  He uses a citrus product to clean food stains and is quite satisfied with the decks look and wear.

   Caution on both types of decking and maybe all "plastic" products, they are extremely slippery to the feet of a leaning ladder.  I did watch the homeowner ride down the sliding ladder.  Luckily he came up unhurt.

   I'm going to try a new screw for the next trex job.  They're made by fastenmaster or at least that's a product name.  Cutters on screw thread, and  some sort of cutter on the head so mushrooming (w/o pre-drilling) doesn't occur.  Ran a few in and they do sink to flush with no mushrooming.

   best of luck.

   __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    

    

   Edited 6/14/2002 4:42:19 PM ET by calvin

2. 
   vermonter51 | Jun 18, 2002 07:26am | #7

   I put in TimberTech with a redwood railing. Nice texture, feels good on bare feet... no slivers, much lighter than Trex, easy to cut. Not a bad choice.

1. 
   crawdad12 | Jun 18, 2002 08:02am | #8

   Thanks to all for the informative replies