OT: Deck Materials

[UConnLen]

I used Azek a few years ago w Camo screws that are hidden. Used the existing PT support I built 15 years prior. 12’x20’ deck near screened porch and pool. The Azek wasn’t that hot in the sun but I also have a large sun setter awning motorized for hot days.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Does composite have a reputation for being slippery? Ours is not at all. (Not sure why it insists on formatting incorrectly)View attachment 55231

Yes, it has that rep. More the PVC stuff like Azek according to my research. It has les of a textured grain to it.

As for pictures, I have no idea why this site only allows landscape pictures. It flips every portrait photo to landscape. I crop mine to make them square and it works. @temery

 

[CL82]

I used Azek a few years ago w Camo screws that are hidden. Used the existing PT support I built 15 years prior. 12’x20’ deck near screened porch and pool. The Azek wasn’t that hot in the sun but I also have a large sun setter awning motorized for hot days.View attachment 55242

Nice! What color did you use?

(FYI, I have the same siding and the same Andersen French door. When I saw the picture I was like... wait...)

 

[8893]

Nice! What color did you use?

(FYI, I have the same siding and the same Andersen French door. When I saw the picture I was like... wait...)

Lol. Same exact slider and Anderson French door for us, too.

 

[BPT2Storrs]

Timely thread. I’m currently looking to have a deck installed, as I only have an elevated three season room and a deteriorating patio underneath. I’m considering an elevated deck that would allow for access from my kitchen but have also thrown around the idea of keeping the stairs that currently lead to the grass but to a new floating/platform deck, which I assume would be a cheaper option.

Does anyone have experience with a floating/platform? My biggest concern is I don’t want a plain looking space, I’d like some nice design incorporated into it, such as levels/tiers, etc. I also have a very woodsy backyard with a Steep slope that would Likely require railing.

How did you all go about designing your deck? Any software out there that can assist?

 

[8893]

I used Azek a few years ago w Camo screws that are hidden. Used the existing PT support I built 15 years prior. 12’x20’ deck near screened porch and pool. The Azek wasn’t that hot in the sun but I also have a large sun setter awning motorized for hot days.View attachment 55242

Nice! What color did you use?

(FYI, I have the same siding and the same Andersen French door. When I saw the picture I was like... wait...)

Lol. Same exact slider and Anderson French door for us, too.

So, assuming you guys have the sliding screens with the Anderson French doors going out to your deck, how many times have you had to replace the screen because someone didn't realize it was there and tried to walk through it?

I've become pretty skilled at repairing the little wheels on the bottom that are supposed to glide in that groove, and even surprised myself last week with one that I thought was beyond repair. I've easily had to do it at least a dozen times, and one time I had to replace an entire slider because the frame was damaged beyond repair. I cringe every time someone tries to walk through it, thinking it will be irreparable again. Took our newly-adopted dog a day or two to get used to it, too. She seems fine now, but I'll be curious to see if she runs though it once she sees a chipmunk or squirrel on the deck.

 

[CL82]

So, assuming you guys have the sliding screens with the Anderson French doors going out to your deck, how many times have you had to replace the screen because someone didn't realize it was there and tried to walk through it?

I've become pretty skilled at repairing the little wheels on the bottom that are supposed to glide in that groove, and even surprised myself last week with one that I thought was beyond repair. I've easily had to do it at least a dozen times, and one time I had to replace an entire slider because the frame was damaged beyond repair. I cringe every time someone tries to walk through it, thinking it will be irreparable again. Took our newly-adopted dog a day or two to get used to it, too. She seems fine now, but I'll be curious to see if she runs though it once she sees a chipmunk or squirrel on the deck.

It hasn't been an issue for us, fortunately. There was a small puncture hole a the bottom left once but it was easy to patch.

I did just upgrade the handles/lock to match our kitchen hardware. Anderson marks them up ridiculously. Still, the door is probably 30 years old and is still going strong.

 

[huskiesNhoos]

Timely thread. I’m currently looking to have a deck installed, as I only have an elevated three season room and a deteriorating patio underneath. I’m considering an elevated deck that would allow for access from my kitchen but have also thrown around the idea of keeping the stairs that currently lead to the grass but to a new floating/platform deck, which I assume would be a cheaper option.

Does anyone have experience with a floating/platform? My biggest concern is I don’t want a plain looking space, I’d like some nice design incorporated into it, such as levels/tiers, etc. I also have a very woodsy backyard with a Steep slope that would Likely require railing.

How did you all go about designing your deck? Any software out there that can assist?

Lowes Deck Designer Framework

This design tool on Lowe's site helped a ton, and this was a useful book i picked up at some point:

Amazon product ASIN 1591866650
Not really sure what you mean by a floating platform...it's got to be supported by something. I'm thinking maybe you mean using a deck block similar to this?

4x4/6x6 Deck Block

This concrete post support pier helps simplify building a deck! This sturdy post support pier stabilizes the posts for your deck. You can have a strong and durable deck without the hassle of mixing and pouring concrete on your own. This pier is made from high quality concrete to maintain long...

www.menards.com

these are pretty nifty if it's just covering a flat grade similar to a poured slab...only a deck. Tons of DIY videos on youtube are super helpful too.

 

[NJHusky]

No, it’s just a solid straight edge like wood! It’s a great product - they also sell little hole fillers so your deck has no nail holes. If you want some closeups I can take them tomorrow! We also went for the post top lights!View attachment 55234

Nice of you to build a deck for your dog! You forgot a spot for the doggie bed

 

[Edward Sargent]

I checked and didn't see a thread. I have a pressure treated deck 12x14 with patios on each side. It's as old as the house (1993). I'm tired of restaining it every year, the stain always chips. We have to shovel snow off of it and that does a number on it. Ideal color would be a driftwood grey. Deck is only about 24" above the ground.

Options:

• Azek or similar all PVC boards. Contractor we initially called and have used before, likes this best. Plenty of colors. I think it tends to get hot, and can be slippery if wet. Not structural material, no more supports will need to be installed. Other thoughts?
• Trex or similar composite. Looks a little better than PVC, but heavy and subject to mold and mildew. Not structural so more supports will be needed.
• Ipe, Tigerwood or other tropical hardwood. Beautiful, but not the grey color we'd prefer. Lasts a long time. Cooler surfaces. Structural material uses existing supports. Very hard to work with and requires specialized tools.

Anybody put in a deck with any of these three? Thoughts?

I had a large deck with grey Trex in NJ which I installed 1998 and we sold the house in 2007. Never had a mold or mildew problem? We sunk a hot tub in it and I would warm the tub up then shovel around the deck (yes metal snow shovels didnt damage) once done shoveling would settle in for tub time! Liked the way deck screws self countersunk in the Trex and I think I remember once taking my neighbor's power washer to it after some staining due to fall foliage. I love Azek too though as I used that for all my trim on a house we built on the Cape. We had decks there too but used teak, which was okay but got slippery in ice and snow.

 

[87Xfer]

Does composite have a reputation for being slippery? Ours is not at all. (Not sure why it insists on formatting incorrectly)View attachment 55231

Sorry if I missed it but what product is that? Looks nice.

 

[CL82]

Which is Better Azek or Trex?

 

[Excalibur]

Sorry if I missed it but what product is that? Looks nice.

That is Wolf Decking.

 

[Drumguy]

Yeah, I would definitely like to see more pictures. It came out terrific. How old did you say it was again? Did you do it yourself? Can you take some of the end grain in of the side of a board?

Sorry, had to run to work early this am, I'll take some pics when I get home later!

 

[Drumguy]

ok, I took a few closeups of end grains, filled holes for the azek deck but the pictures are too large? Help!

 

[NJHusky]

That is Wolf Decking.

Why did you pick that instead of Trex? How's it wearing?

 

[CL82]

ok, I took a few closeups of end grains, filled holes for the azek deck but the pictures are too large? Help!

I think there are ways to scale down the size of the file but the easiest is just using snip and cutting down on the size of the photo.

 

[Minicoop69]

Lowes Deck Designer Framework

This design tool on Lowe's site helped a ton, and this was a useful book i picked up at some point:

Amazon product ASIN 1591866650
Not really sure what you mean by a floating platform...it's got to be supported by something. I'm thinking maybe you mean using a deck block similar to this?

4x4/6x6 Deck Block

This concrete post support pier helps simplify building a deck! This sturdy post support pier stabilizes the posts for your deck. You can have a strong and durable deck without the hassle of mixing and pouring concrete on your own. This pier is made from high quality concrete to maintain long...

www.menards.com

these are pretty nifty if it's just covering a flat grade similar to a poured slab...only a deck. Tons of DIY videos on youtube are super helpful too.

Personally, I liked Menards deck builder better than Lowe's. But depending on where people live they might prefer one to another.

 

[Excalibur]

Why did you pick that instead of Trex? How's it wearing?

It was strongly recommended by my contractor. Same guy who did my kitchen. It’s been 4 years. It doesn’t heat up as much in the sun, and I haven’t seen any fading. Very good warranty.
Two boards lost their finish In a couple of spots (likely due to a deck chair that lost its plastic pad) and the company replaced them, no questions asked.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Careful on those trex deck it’s pouring out

 

[uconnfan68]

Lol. Same exact slider and Anderson French door for us, too.

So you all live in the project?

 

[UConnLen]

I used Azek a few years ago w Camo screws that are hidden. Used the existing PT support I built 15 years prior. 12’x20’ deck near screened porch and pool. The Azek wasn’t that hot in the sun but I also have a large sun setter awning motorized for hot days.View attachment 55242

 

[Hankster]

I checked and didn't see a thread. I have a pressure treated deck 12x14 with patios on each side. It's as old as the house (1993). I'm tired of restaining it every year, the stain always chips. We have to shovel snow off of it and that does a number on it. Ideal color would be a driftwood grey. Deck is only about 24" above the ground.

Options:

• Azek or similar all PVC boards. Contractor we initially called and have used before, likes this best. Plenty of colors. I think it tends to get hot, and can be slippery if wet. Not structural material, no more supports will need to be installed. Other thoughts?
• Trex or similar composite. Looks a little better than PVC, but heavy and subject to mold and mildew. Not structural so more supports will be needed.
• Ipe, Tigerwood or other tropical hardwood. Beautiful, but not the grey color we'd prefer. Lasts a long time. Cooler surfaces. Structural material uses existing supports. Very hard to work with and requires tools.

Anybody put in a deck with any of these three? Thoughts?

I just had a quote for my deck. Trex is the answer for me. My treated is rotting away. The frame is excellent still. However spindles railings are rotting away. I got taken. So, no permit needed since the frame will still be used. It is a replacement rather than rebuild. All to the tune of over $15K.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I looked at materials yesterday and I think I’ve decided on Azek vintage collection Coastline. I like that it isn’t just one color.

 

[HuskyHawk]

So, assuming you guys have the sliding screens with the Anderson French doors going out to your deck, how many times have you had to replace the screen because someone didn't realize it was there and tried to walk through it?

I've become pretty skilled at repairing the little wheels on the bottom that are supposed to glide in that groove, and even surprised myself last week with one that I thought was beyond repair. I've easily had to do it at least a dozen times, and one time I had to replace an entire slider because the frame was damaged beyond repair. I cringe every time someone tries to walk through it, thinking it will be irreparable again. Took our newly-adopted dog a day or two to get used to it, too. She seems fine now, but I'll be curious to see if she runs though it once she sees a chipmunk or squirrel on the deck.

I seriously need help with this. Not the screen the door. Mine is constantly sticking. Wife found a repair kit but I don't really know how to get the door out of the frame to repair anything. As always, she just wants a new one even though it's fine aside from sticking.

 

[8893]

I seriously need help with this. Not the screen the door. Mine is constantly sticking. Wife found a repair kit but I don't really know how to get the door out of the frame to repair anything. As always, she just wants a new one even though it's fine aside from sticking.

There are three micro-adjustments on the inside of each hinge that you need an Allen wrench to adjust. There are also adjustments on the top and bottom of each hinge, also requiring an Allen wrench. I wouldn't mess with those, though. Try the other ones and play around until you find the right swing and tension. I need to adjust mine a few times a year to account for humidity changes and wear.

 

[CL82]

I had both a mason and deck guy out and I waiting to hear back on the bids. This is the leader for the deck colors:

Spiced rum trex transcend. @HuskyHawk, this is similar to what you are thinking about.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I had both a mason and deck guy out and I waiting to hear back on the bids. This is the leader for the deck colors:

View attachment 55680
Spiced rum trex transcend. @HuskyHawk, this is similar to what you are thinking about.

We are going with a grey color (Coastline), but similar railings. I've been trying to get a flat top rail (drink rail), but my contractor keeps saying those are all special order and expensive. It's driving me crazy. I don't really like those posts with caps. Looks more like a wood deck. But I'll probably be stuck with the standard rail.

 

[CTMike]

I had both a mason and deck guy out and I waiting to hear back on the bids. This is the leader for the deck colors:

View attachment 55680
Spiced rum trex transcend. @HuskyHawk, this is similar to what you are thinking about.

I was pushing for that Spiced Rum but we ended up with Havana Gold. Came out awesome. Whoever noted that Trex or composite gets hot... yes, yes it does. But other than that very very happy with it.

 

[CL82]

We are going with a grey color (Coastline), but similar railings. I've been trying to get a flat top rail (drink rail), but my contractor keeps saying those are all special order and expensive. It's driving me crazy. I don't really like those posts with caps. Looks more like a wood deck. But I'll probably be stuck with the standard rail.

I think it must be a PITA to install. My guys said he'd do it, but suggested away from it.

I started thinking grey but am leaning toward the spiced rum, today at least.