Hi, we are planning to build a large deck and until recently were dead set on using composite decking, despite the higher price tag. I have recently read that some brands of composite decking can have mold issues. We live in the rainy northwest and it is damp A LOT! Should we steer clear of composite? What other material would be a better choice? Thanks!
Another issue with composite decking that I have experienced is that it is very slippery when it gets wet, and if you don’t space your joists close together enough (12"), you will end up with swaybacks in you deck. I would recommend using cedar or redwood, and a good water seal, not only for your deck surface, but for all of the framing as well.
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Another issue with composite decking that I have experienced is that it is very slippery when it gets wet, and if you don’t space your joists close together enough (12"), you will end up with swaybacks in you deck. I would recommend using cedar or redwood, and a good water seal, not only for your deck surface, but for all of the framing as well.
References :
Composites don’t have any greater mold issues than wood. If you get mold just remove it like you would with a wood deck.
I like composites based on the fact they don’t warp. I currently have a Trex composite deck and it’s great, no splinters, no warping and looks the same as the day it was installed.
Only negative I can think of (besides price) is cleaning it. Dirt appears to get absorbed into the pores of the material and it’s a pain to clean. You have to use a special composite decking powder cleaner.
Other than that there’s no way I would go back to wood.
With all the rain you get you should probably steer clear of wood and go with something that won’t warp.
I don’t know where Mr. P got the slippery info. The boards have little ridges that reduce slipping but not enough for your feet to notice when you walk. If anything there’s less slippage than wood.
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