trex vs wood deck

[Brett Hartwig]

we will be adding on a deck in the near future, about 20x20. Estimate for project is $6300 for Trex supplies, screws, concrete, etc. Estimate for treated wood is $3100 for same supplies, concrete, etc. So, go with Trex and no maintenance or wood for cheaper? Opinions?

 

[Richard L]

I agree. Trex is virtually maintenance-free, and that alone is worth twice the cost for treated wood, and Trex will still outlast the wood.



The only real trick to getting a good long life to any deck is using a quality materials in the sub structure and check to insure that the deck joists, beams and support post are constructed as solid as possible and that they are installed correctly If the substructure fails, you wasted a lot of money on Trex decking. If you can jump up and down on any part of the deck and you feel it bouncing, you have a weak structure and the builder installed it wrong or cut corners to save cost.



...Rich

 

[Todd Z]

The Lowes and Homedepot "trex" brands are a great cheeper product too.....I avoid wood..



Todd Z

 

[Wes Davis]

Not sure if you're aware but there are a couple new methods for screwing down or otherwise attaching the treads to the framing from the sides with no screws showing. One method uses a jig to put the screws into the side of the tread and another method uses clips. This is the way to go as it gives you a very clean look that is even more maintenance free. No more screw or nail heads all over your deck.







/

 

[Robert Thomas]

All you need to know.

 

[Brett Hartwig]

i checked into the hidden clip idea, was told it's better to screw the boards down. The decks my friends have walked on with the hidden clips seem to jiggle a little, don't feel as sturdy as screwed down boards. A carpenter friend is going to charge me $1500 for the labor to build this deck. Seem fair?

 

[H D]

I couldn't judge what a fair price is. Have you talked to someone at Home Depot about installing it? They do the supplies and install and should be able to tell you in a few minutes what your total price would be. That would give you another quote to judge by in a few minutes.

 

[Richard L]

freeport,

I would still go with the decking clips. The earlier ones were not as sturdy, but the newer ones are as strong as deck screws, and way stronger than nailing. Then newer style screw down with hidden screws and not having to worry about nails or screws popping up is a big plus....you can even walk on your Trex deck in your bare feet and not have to worry about spinters, or getting snagged on a nail or screw head sticking up. You can also use construction grade adhesives on the joists in addition to the screws, and you will not have any loose deck boards.



You never mentioned if this will be an elevated deck, but the higher off the ground, the more bracing is needed to prevent flexing....flexing is what destroys wooden structures like decks. The flexing and swaying will start to pull the joints apart and thats when things start to fail.



...Rich

 

[Willie Anglin]

Seen some older trex and it mucks up also.

 

[Robert Caffyn]

My deck has been countersunk and screwed with S/S screws. No worries about catching on anything or with the heads 'popping' up. Only nails did that! In my opinion, screws are the best and here on the shore(salt in the air), stainless hardware lasts 10 times longer than anything else. Besides, due to wind and storms, we have to use hurricane straps, 16" on center joists and 3 screws per joist when putting the Trex down. I wouldn't consider the clips under these circumstances. Bob

 

[Les]

Seen some older trex and it mucks up also.

What is "mucks up"?

 

[Patrick Wallach]

Trex all the way. So easy to clean and never have to paint it.

 

[Brett Hartwig]

I think we decided on a Trex floor with cedar railing and black metal ballisters. Most cost efficient, while having Trex on the walking surface which I figure is the most important part.

 

[Richard L]

Bob C,

All good points, however Freeman lives in Freeport, IL which is near the Wisconsin border, and probably about 100 miles from Lake Michigan. I don't think he will encounter any hurricanes and salt air from the oceans.



Decking clips can be purchased in Stainless Steel as well as Galvanized steel, so that should eliminate any problems with rusting out due to the harsh winters. Also, clips can be replaced without any visible damage to the decking.



I personally don't like to screw or nail through the surface of decking. Even when the screw heads are slightly below the surface, they often leave a rough edge around the countersunk hole and that also traps dirt and is not as attractive as a smooth clean deck, void of any nails or screw heads.



....Rich

 

[Brett Hartwig]

Diggers hotline was called yesterday, framing lumber ordered today...should start Monday!

 

[Richard L]

freeport,

Sounds great! be sure to post some pic's of your finished Trex deck :grin:



:worthless:



...Rich