Decks

[04 commemorative]

We are done inside now from Super Storm Sandy,with many changes due to flood ins. Now we need to put the 14X32 foot deck back on the sand which goes to the beach. We had 5/4 pressure treated with board on board privacy fences inbetween. We need 4 of them (4 unit townhouse)
Thinking of a composite maybe but every contractor has a different favorite so....what say the professionals here?
Price will make a difference too.

[JRD77VET]

Blue Collar Comedy Tour - BIG DECK - starring Drew Carey - YouTube

[beep-beep]

To me, it sounds risky to stay there.

[04 commemorative]

Have to say I am surprised that there were not any real answers,but JRD that was funny !
beep, it's my home,I know it will never happen again as long as I live,if it does....I sell as is and move.
Thanks anyway.

[beep-beep]

I hope you are right.:cert:

[04 commemorative]

I hope you are right.:cert:

Trust me, I hope so too ! :yesnod:

[RedLS1GTO]

Really depends on how long you plan on being around it.

If you plan on hanging around a while, I would see if there is anything specifically made for a harsh environment like that. Most of the composites I have personally seen don't look all that great after a few years in Ohio weather. If it is something you are less concerned about, toss some 5/4 on it and be done.

The cost of composite vs. 5/4 is rather large. Keep in mind that if you are doing the work (and it isn't that hard to do) you could probably replace the 5/4 once and still come out cheaper.

[Black94lt1]

I'm not a fan of composites, partly because the framing is still pressure treated, so even if a composite lasts longer, will the framing last? I've seen galvanized steel been used for framing lately, so that could change my opinion on composites

[Iron Chef]

I have a small deck in my backyard. Less than 5 years old and the paint is peeling and the wood is starting to split. I'm done. The deck will be rebuilt, a bit larger, using Trex composite. Yes...I know..."it depends on how it was built, painted, blah blah..."

I don't care what came before (and I don't know since the it was done by a builder and sold to the previous owner).

I want to do this once and not screw with it again. I also want near maintenance free upkeep. I'm willing to pay more to get that.

[RedLS1GTO]

I have a small deck in my backyard. Less than 5 years old and the paint is peeling and the wood is starting to split. I'm done. The deck will be rebuilt, a bit larger, using Trex composite. Yes...I know..."it depends on how it was built, painted, blah blah..."

I don't care what came before (and I don't know since the it was done by a builder and sold to the previous owner).

I want to do this once and not screw with it again. I also want near maintenance free upkeep. I'm willing to pay more to get that.

Deck paint generally isn't meant to last 5 years...

[Jeff '79]

One word. Stamped concrete.

I'll never be responsible for the maintenance of a treated wood deck and railings as long as I live. :ack:

[04 commemorative]

One word. Stamped concrete.

I'll never be responsible for the maintenance of a treated wood deck and railings as long as I live. :ack:

I think that's two words ,lol sorry had to say it before someone else did.
That will not be easy to do on the beach but I hear ya.

[simpleman68]

One word. Stamped concrete.

I'll never be responsible for the maintenance of a treated wood deck and railings as long as I live. :ack:

:iagree:
Exactly what I'm doing now. I've spent a retarded amount of time refinishing wood and some Trex decks over the years. The old Trex stains/mildews to the point it is in the top coat. Newer Trex is supposed to have fixed that....

Been working with an architect for months on plans/ideas for my new deck.

I considered Trex, specialized PT types, kiln baked ash etc etc.
I stumbled across some very nice galleries with photos of stamped concrete that mimic virtually every pattern.

I'm doing a stamping to replicate dark, wide plank flooring with a stone perimeter wall, outdoor fireplace, lighted waterfall and hot tub pavilion.
Scott

[04 commemorative]

Wish we could do all that on the beach,as it is we are planning on doing it in winter because the 4 decks that were taken by Sandy weer never permitted.....sooooo to get permits,etc will be a ton of $ and the other people involved will never go for that.
Like **** in the night we'll construct.....actually Jan to March lol.
Just still not sure what decking to use yet.

[mrvette]

I think that's two words ,lol sorry had to say it before someone else did.
That will not be easy to do on the beach but I hear ya.

Whole damn state of Florida is nothing but a beach/sand bar....my glass room has tile over concrete I poured over the old porch foundation.....as well as another deck one is about 14x16 or so.....the other one is 14x12.....:seasix:

[04 commemorative]

Anyone use this? They used it on the public boardwalk in Ortley.....thinking of this now....
Garapa wood, sometimes called Brazilian ash.

[04 commemorative]

no one?

[Black94lt1]

I'd go with a wood product before a composite for the actual decking as I like wood better and the previously mentioned longevity of the framing. Railings etc, I'll take composite as I can't stand cleaning and staining railings

[04 commemorative]

Well we think we're going with that,the public boardwalk has thousands of people a season dragging chairs,dogs shitting and peeing on it (they shouldn't be there) kids dropping gum and drinks on it and it looks really good.
Does not get hot and turns a silver gray if left alone. We like the look,and

[Bucwheat]

I have three decks in my back yard,one was built 19 years ago and still looks good,it was built using wood from a local building yard,the other two were built 5 and 7 years ago with lumber from Lowes and need to be replaced,none were painted .

[Frizzle]

Composite will need more material for your joists as if you use 16" there seems to always be more flex in the composite boards.

The old pressure treated wood isn't really worth the hassle after a few years.

Teak wood decking is expensive, but no need to stain and with the oil of the teak keeps water out. I know several homes, and commercial properties down at the beach that use teak wood decking. It looks awesome!

Stamped concrete is a good option as well. Just don't go Utah about cracks.

To me, it sounds risky to stay there.

Hardly risky... the last great storm was 56. That happens every 50-60 years, beach replenishment programs and the building of better dune structures have reduced a lot of the issues. Its not like your living down south where there is a much greater chance of a lvl 5 bearing down on you.

[04 commemorative]

I find that Lowes and Home Depot lumber is not as good as from a good lumber yard.