5 Things You Should Know Before Building With Composite Wood

Composite decking wood sounds good but costs a lot of money. Composite decks are not too strong either and require additional sub structural strength than normal decks. If your contractor does not build them properly the company that manufactured the product will not stand behind the guarantee, so be careful in your choice.

They all fade in the sun. In recent years however, they have made some improvements. If composites are so good, then why do they require you to use only treated wood as the framing underneath? One would think that if the wood is so good, why can't you use it as a substructure? Why do so many composites require a gap of one foot per joist? Instead of the universally accepted 16" O.C. (on center). Because composite decking wood is very weak structurally, it requires real wood to be used underneath. On hand rails, it is even worse.

Why do composites decks need such a big gap between the decking boards? - They swell from water absorption.

I have seen countless Trex decks built by inexperienced contractors fail in the first year.

They did not put enough gap between the decking boards, and when the winter rains came, the deck absorbed the water and expanded like a wet sponge. Soon the deck mushrooms up above it's decking joists below. The gap between the boards is needed to allow the composite wood to expand as it get wet. When confronted with these complaints the manufacturer replaces the wood for free plus gives you $2500, to settle. We got the recipe wrong on that batch of wood is the answer given as an excuse to the home owners. Do you buy that? I most assuredly do not!

That is why they changed the lifetime guarantee to a " Limited 25 year guarantee". Composite wood decking fades over time. It has so much glue content, you can not paint it because it looks weird and the paint does not take to the composite. Now they have Trex dye. So many people complained, they invented a dye for decks. I do not know about you, but, give me a break. I would rather get new carpet, than to have it dyed. I use dye to color my Easter eggs, but that is about it. Point being, research it before you use it. Composite wood salesmen talk a good game, but do they walk the walk?

Tired of getting the run around on your decking needs? Contact a professional at Delphi Construction to answer any of your decking questions today.

Chris Doctor is a licensed general contractor in the state of California.
Owner of Delphi Construction # 631583
Celebrating 20 years of building.

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Composite Decking - Five Benefits That You Should Know Before Making Your Decking Choice

A deck is something home owners build with the intent of it being a gathering place, a centerpiece that connects the inside of our homes directly to our yards. A place to sit with the morning coffee, read the paper and wave to our neighbors. The deck is the main entertaining area for our backyard barbecues on those summer get togethers we so look forward to. For this reason, a deck is perhaps a little more personal than other home addition projects. There is no right or wrong in the type of product or brand. However, because it is so personal, you should gather as much information on what is available and ensure you will be satisfied with the end result.

Composite decking was generally referred to as Trex decking due to its early foothold in the industry. Nowadays it is called by a multitude of names reflecting the many different product brands on the market. Each company claims to have something the others do not, that is something you will have to determine yourself. When you do your research, you will find today's composite decking comes with a great number of benefits, so let's get started.

1) LOW MAINTENANCE. Properly constructed and installed, a composite deck will relieve you of the misery of sanding and sealing. I know personally, as I dreaded the process of waking up on a beautiful spring day and saying " I have to refinish the deck", especially the pickets on the railing. Yes, you know what I mean.

2) Durability; composite decking is a very sturdy and weather resistant product. Winter rain and snow will not cause it to rot. Summer sunshine and heat will not cause it to peel and splinter. It is so much nicer to walk out in your bare feet and not have to hear the theme from Jaws in your head, fearing the rogue splinter that awaits you.

3) Termite resistant; due to the fact it is weather resistant, insects have no place to begin their onslaught, they pack up the kids and move on to your neighbors gathering place. Try to be supportive and not smile when they tell you the nightmare the termites have caused on their beautiful deck. Karma will be kind to you for this.

4) The new generations of composite decking come in a variety of colors. They also come in reversible grain enabling you to create a pattern to your design by simply turning the boards over. For instance, the style of decking I used had a smooth grain on one side and a "wood" grain on the other. By simply turning certain boards over, I was able to create a look that was diversified. This may not be something you would want to do, but it is nice to have the option.

5) Finally and I know this is not everyone's main concern, but it is a plus. A percentage of composite decking is made from recycled material. When I look out on my deck and I see this beautiful surface, that I know I do not have to sand and seal, that I will no longer hear the theme from Jaws, that there will be no insects feasting on my gathering place, and that its make up consists of recycled materials.... I love it all the more.

In your research you will find drawbacks to composite decking, let's face it, there is no perfect solution. The initial cost will be more compared to some wood products. The construction specifications are more demanding than wood products, in regard to the span of your joists, further adding to the cost.

I promise you though, on that beautiful spring day when you are headed out to the golf course, and you look over at your neighbor refinishing his deck, you will feel the beauty of a composite deck. And this is way before the termites stop by to pay him a visit.

Thank you for reading this article.

For all your Home Addition and Landscaping Ideas, please visit http://www.insideoutadditions.com Beginning February 1, 2010 you will find a free listing of local remodeling and landscape contractors.

You will also find a comprehensive gallery of Landscape and Home Addition projects, ideas and designs. Many of which are supplied through the contractor's own portfolio. Joseph Killian is a consultant and writer for insideoutadditions.com

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