Is A Composite Deck Worth The Money?

Weathered Wood

I had to replace a 20 year old wood deck that was rotting and decided to go with the Trex Transcend product over wood in spite of the cost. I chose a Pro Platinum rated builder because I didn’t want to take any chances on this $30k plus project. I have to say I am very disappointed with both the product and the builder. The balusters rattle when I walk across the deck. The boards are wavy (because I didn’t buy the steel joists) and the ends of the deck boards have “ski tipping” where they meet up. All that is on top of the deck having to be leveled because the columns sunk. On top of that, there is sagging and ends popping up.

We regret that we do not provide a warranty in this instance. Wood or gas fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking. However, gas fire pits may be installed beside or between deck boards with a protective wall made of stone or other fire-resistant material used for insulation. The breadth of the Trex lineup means that there are Trex products to suit nearly any residential or commercial need.

Trex Composite Decking Company Information

• 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.
• Every decking material needs at least a periodic washing.
• Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not.
• I am merely talking about some of the issues that have been noted with the material.
• All composite manufacturers now recommend a periodic maintenance schedule, specific procedures, and even products by brand name for cleaning and maintaining their composite materials.

Sometimes the materials fail, but it’s very rare. Every material in the construction trade can have a bad manufacturing run. In fact that’s true of just about anything you buy. That’s the reason we have lemon laws for cars and laws protecting consumers.

Decking

Left in the wake are consumers complaining about mold, cracking and discoloration problems with their decking. Law firms, meanwhile, have been casting about on the Internet for participants to join a possible class action lawsuit. Pressure washing hardwood decking is another effective mold removal strategy, but it is a harsh method. Annual cleaning of hardwood decking can add decades to the lifetime of the decking material, not to mention the fact that it will look beautiful again. But even hardwood decking won’t look good for very long if mold and debris are left unclean. High density hardwood decking species such as Ipe decking, Cumaru hardwood decking and Machiche decking are well known for their natural resistance to decay from mold.

Some competitors only offer 3-sided capped composite boards, which leave a full side of their boards exposed to the elements. Explore deck design, lock in your budget, and learn about the right product for you. I also purchased Trex product in 2004 and I installed it to the manufacturers recommendations and had to go through the pictures and having someone come out because it was flaking away. They replaced the material and now it is falling apart again. I am a Cabinet Maker by trade so I know I installed it right, and there is not one 90 degree cut its all angles.

Insects, rodents, and other wildlife will also not be attracted to your modified wood deck. Last, but not least, modified wood ages beautifully (even becoming a silvery-grey) and rarely splinters.

Composite Decking Brands

Many manufacturers of synthetic decking offer a variety of railings, such as provincial or Mission style, that can help the deck fit with the rest of the house. If your decking has cracks, looks dirty, or suffers from mildew, it's time to decide whether to refinish or replace it entirely. We test, evaluate, and compare different types of decking to save you time and money. With so many materials available, it’s tough to know which will stand the test of time. Use this buying guide to consider smart options that fit your budget and help create a space that's both relaxing and easy to care for. By 2009, though, the company had filed for bankruptcy protection, and its assets were sold to what became GAF Decking Systems. Two years later, the parent company shut down the decking business, citing a decision to focus on roofing and other lines.

If I opt into the settlement I appear to be releasing them from any future claims if, as is likely, the balance of the deck goes bad. Since the manufacturer admits the decking does absorb moisture, anyone with Trex decking needs it to dry as soon as possible when it gets wet. This does become problematic in areas that experience lots of rain over months of time. To prevent the growth of mushrooms, fungus and mold on the underside of your decking, you may want to consider implementing what I’m doing. The front porch I’m rebuilding is going to have new and vastly improved ventilation.

Warnings Issued For Trex Decking

We build using Trex composite decking regularly because it’s known for it’s gorgeous style and long lifespan. When homeowners ask us how long will Trex decking last, we start with the minimum 25 to 30 year span covered by the warranty. But we also let them know that composite decks can last far longer. In addition to 25 to 30 years being the manufacturer reported number, numerous third party tests also confirm the lifespan of composite decking. You’ll pay more for the installation going with a pro, but it is worth it. Trex has a hard time denying the warranty if your contractor follows the proper procedures.

I’m so sorry Carol, unfortunately there is not a lot you can do to fix the power washing companies mistake. I see this often which ruins the decking by putting a 1/8” groove all through out the boards surface. To belt sand all the boards would not be cost effective! Transparent and solid stain will show every mark.

A ranch, raised ranch, or contemporary house style can work well with many deck designs. It's more challenging to make a deck work with older styles, such as Tudor, colonial, or 1920s bungalow.

Nails and screws are inexpensive, easy to handle, and suitable for nearly any material. But nails can pop loose over time, while screws are more permanent.

Skip Composite And Stick With Real Wood

This means your synthetic deck can be environmentally friendly. Unlike wood, composites don't need to be painted or stained to match your home's exterior. Consumers must decide if the look and feel of natural wood is worth the work that goes into periodic staining, painting and replacing sections that have begun to decay. If you'd rather spend your time doing something else, composites are your choice. From cost to maintenance and durability to look, there are many things to think about as you decide between composite or wood for your next deck. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide which product to buy. Within the first week, my two German Shepherds had left dirty paw prints.