Deck material opinions wanted

[Ken45101]

Probably won't work for you with wood framing but using the 24" square concrete pavers has gotten popular in the marine construction business for things like decking boat docks. They have some advantages over the other options.

Concrete pavers on a boat dock? Isn't that very heavy for something floating? I'm interested because I need to redneck our 8x20' dock.

Ken

 

[Carl_NH]

My neighbor did 5/4 mahogany decking over 2x10s like you have on a 18x20 deck 5 years ago with no surface finish and it still looks very good today. Weathered out very nicely. He used 2" SST small head screws so they are just under the surface and can barely see them now and no splinters either.

I agree on the heat retention of composites - they get too hot to walk on in bare feet - go with natural wood.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is going to be some deck!!!!! Do you have a good source for mahogany? I have trouble paying for it when building something relatively small for clients. The price of wood has gotten too rich for me to even think about using it for anything anymore. Pine is my new friend and what I use for all my stuff. On a deck, I like to use treated 2x8's for the decking. It gives the deck a look that seems to be a little bit more solid then 2x6's. I never use 5/4 wood for myself for anything and I strongly encourage my clients to avoid it too.

When comparing composite materials to treated 2x lumber, the cost factor is so huge that nobody wants to spend the money. With screws to attach it that are screwed well into the surface, it's easy to go over the deck and sand it nice and smooth too. It's all personal taste, but to me a freshly sanded deck is a thing of pure beauty!!!

Eddie

 

[BitChin1]

Ipe was too pricy. For the most part, we do like the variations in color that you see in some woods but did not like the look of Cumaru. Looked into Massaranduba also. That looked good but close to the mahogany in looks for significantly more $$

We used Tigerwood - similar to those you mentioned but on the lower side in terms of cost - like the color variation and after 2 yrs seems to be very stable - will definitely will use this again as other projects come about

 

[HillStreet]

I used white cedar on my deck 4 years ago, installed with stainless steel trim head screws over pressure treated framing. Holds up real good--- no twist, curl, or rot, bugs won't infest either. Every two years I rejuvenate and stain with Sherwin Williams oil-based semi transparent stain. Very good wear and appearance.

Cost of the white cedar is about 1.3 times PT.

 

[MacLawn]

This is going to be some deck!!!!! Do you have a good source for mahogany? I have trouble paying for it when building something relatively small for clients. The price of wood has gotten too rich for me to even think about using it for anything anymore. Pine is my new friend and what I use for all my stuff. On a deck, I like to use treated 2x8's for the decking. It gives the deck a look that seems to be a little bit more solid then 2x6's. I never use 5/4 wood for myself for anything and I strongly encourage my clients to avoid it too.

When comparing composite materials to treated 2x lumber, the cost factor is so huge that nobody wants to spend the money. With screws to attach it that are screwed well into the surface, it's easy to go over the deck and sand it nice and smooth too. It's all personal taste, but to me a freshly sanded deck is a thing of pure beauty!!!

Eddie

Wha' old Eddie said (he's not so old, but I just talk this way). Hmmm, 2x8, eh? Think I'll use that when I replace my 10x20 5/4 deck that I inherited.

 

[KennyG]

I redid my deck with Azek in a light color. The heat gain is not bad. From a maintenance/longetivity viewpoint, I wouldn't consider anything except a high quality composite.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Take a look at KDAT #1 premium select treated lumber. Might work for you