Should I use composite wood for our new deck?

January 23rd, 2010 | by admin |

We need to replace our deck. It will be on the West side of our house, and there isn’t any shade, so it will get hot during the summer months. I was wondering what people’s experiences with it have been, and specifically —

(1) recommended brands; (2) whether composite wood is easily scratched (and whether the scratches can be repaired); and (3) whether it would warp in the sun. it’s possible to repair scratches to composite decking.

Thanks!

There are a few disadvantages regarding composite lumber (assuming you are referring to products such as TREX) for your specific project:

1. The composite lumber will be much hotter in the sun compared to sawn lumber. You’ll be much much more comfortable bare foot on sawn lumber in the sun vs composite lumber in the sun.

2. The composite lumber will not warp (in the wood world warp refers to a drying defect) per se, but will creep over time. You can limit the creep (creep is visible as sagging or deflection in a board) by spacing the supporting members closer together.

3. The color of the composite lumber will fade in direct sunlight.

That said a lot of high end homes opt for composite lumber in place of teak or other ‘resistant’ species. A quality pressure treated product will do just fine and save you some money to spend on an awning!

  1. 2 Responses to “Should I use composite wood for our new deck?”

  2. By J on Jan 23, 2010 | Reply

    I don’t know specific brands but no, it doesn’t scratch or stain and it doesn’t warp. I have a friend who had the porches and decks of his house built with composite and it looks great! Its worked very well for him. I was worried when he said he was using composite that it might look weird or cheezy but it doesn’t at all! One thing though – I would do real wood for the hand rails if you can. The decks are great but for some reason, it seems that the rails are a tad flimsy?
    References :
    friends beach house

  3. By cloiser on Jan 23, 2010 | Reply

    There are a few disadvantages regarding composite lumber (assuming you are referring to products such as TREX) for your specific project:

    1. The composite lumber will be much hotter in the sun compared to sawn lumber. You’ll be much much more comfortable bare foot on sawn lumber in the sun vs composite lumber in the sun.

    2. The composite lumber will not warp (in the wood world warp refers to a drying defect) per se, but will creep over time. You can limit the creep (creep is visible as sagging or deflection in a board) by spacing the supporting members closer together.

    3. The color of the composite lumber will fade in direct sunlight.

    That said a lot of high end homes opt for composite lumber in place of teak or other ‘resistant’ species. A quality pressure treated product will do just fine and save you some money to spend on an awning!
    References :
    Wood Engineering Graduate

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