The maintenance on a hardwood deck is fairly simple with the normal sweeping and washing down with water. Choose composite decking boards from our collection and forget about sanding and staining. Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market. Now composites do offer a low maintenance option BUT, it's not maintenance free. Having said this, there are problems. I will say the lighting systems look great when functioning properly. Even some popular composite deck cleaners like Thompson’s are not designed for … The deck boards are made of a PVC or plastic cap surrounding a ... Veranda Brazilian Walnut Decking | Home Design Plans Related article for … Dinizia with clear oil finish: Look after it weathers: - Anthology Woods "Wood with a Story" This low-maintenance alternative to wood is made from varying amounts of recycled plastic. Deckorators TROPICS deck boards also have quite a bit of embossing that reduces the amount of slipping when wet. I don't know much about it, most homeowners buy this stuff from box stores because it is cheaper in comparison to other lines of decking which offer a much better warranty. I fear that it will not stand up too well to sliding things across it or dropping things on it. Trex uses recycled plastic mixed with sawdust. I went to the website and filled out a lengthy complaint form including many photos (taken from several angles as requested) and my receipts. More and more homeowners are opting for composite materials when replacing a deck or building it from scratch. There are lots of colours and styles available. It’s not uncommon to see decking manufacturers have more than a few product lines available. We were not told this in 2015. I have found some references online to a Fiberon Tropics product, like this review from Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/products/decking-material/fiberon-tropics-120733/overview/ and this product page: I can't tell if this is the same product as what I saw at Lowes however. It was right next to the Trex. Other reviewers here have mentioned many issues with weathering, spotting, warping, etc. Simply click them together and enjoy! The new capped composites product lines appear to perform better and as of now they don't seem to suffer from the flaking that it used to in the past but its only been in the market a few years. Stick with the reliable pressured retreated lumber is my advice to anyone. It's not very slip-resistance so, you'll have to buy rubber mats if there's a hot tub in mind. I also would note that the environmentally friendly part of Trex is non-existent in many of the other composite decking brands. The uncovered portion is standard pregrooved decking with a gap so water can pass through. Would probably take as much time to maintain wood but once resealed, etc, it looks new. Composite Decking Clarity Charcoal 10 Square Metre Pack (incl. They came and were a totally different color. Composite Deck Gold Coast | Composite Decking . It was right next to the Trex. The warranty person called to say that in 2015 Trex changed the installation guidance. Available at Lowe's stores in an 8' solid … There is no installation technique to remove the warp, so the ends must be removed. All Rights Reserved. Don’t be fooled like I was. Trex, when used with a hidden fastener system, is very unforgiving when trying to install over uneven joist work. Unsubscribe easily. I always tell my customers, instead of buying something cheap that will fade or fail in a few years and need to be replaced again, spend a little more and have something lasting. As a builder and contractor who has much experience with Trex installation, I cannot recommend their products. Composites are susceptible to mold just like wood but if it penetrates to the core of the board it won't go away. I called Trex back, asked them for the name of the area rep but they refused to give me his contact information. Check out their website for more info. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. 100% recycled Dinizia is also native to Brazil, very dense & durable, and resists decay & insects. Ian Francis. Deckorators has several series of decking solutions, including the Classic, Vista, and Heritage series. Ipe is a magnificent wood. I hope this helps you come to a decision that will make you content for many decades to come. Tropical and Terrain capstock decking against color fading of more than 5 Delta E units. It's competitively priced at about $2.25/LFT with some nice gray colors in stock. Composites do tend to get hotter in summer and you won't be able to walk on it barefoot. No more staining. The warranty was similar to Trex -- 25 year prorated. These boards also feature a wood grain design. Your rep did not come out to view just replied it was installed a wrong leaving customer unhappy saying there is no warranty. It has a lifetime of about 75+ years when proper maintenance is given. Composites contain a blend of ground-up wood, plastic, ultraviolet inhibitors and borate preservatives. You blew it Trex. Although composites do have a solid plastic outer layer, that if scratched deep enough by an object, you can have a chance of mold entering the core of the board. Dinizia is on-par in terms of performance & price with Ipe. The deck will fade over time as well and won't be able to be rejuvenated to its original state. One of the best things about having a natural wood product is that in case there is any scratching or gouging of the board, it can be sanded and repaired. There are color-matched screws available, but when installed, are far more noticeable than screws capped with color matched plugs. If you’re thinking of adding walnut decking to your outdoor space, we strongly recommend that you consider TimberTech’s EasyClean Tropical Walnut capped composite decking as an alternative to traditional hardwood boards. Our Ipe prices are comparable to the high end composites so price should be right about the same, if not cheaper. The boards are wavy (because I didn’t buy the steel joists) and the ends of the deck boards have “ski tipping” where they meet up. Composite boards available in a range of eight unique colours. Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck. Fading of 3 Delta E … Companies pay us to be accredited or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. ft. of the TROPICS product from LOWES a month ago. But growth and innovation have allowed Timbertech to become a leader in composite railing systems. We put a couple of nicks in the coating while installing. The builder said all he can do about the ski tipping is to put screws in the end of the boards and try to pull them down. I have searched hard on google and houzz and can't find anything about this brand. Need help deciding what material to use to build a deck. These materials allow for reduced maintenance, minimal fading and longer life, … On the general note if you can find any information online from the manufacturer or if the store who sells, they can't provide too much information or literature, I'm sure there is a reason for it. I returned them and they resent another 8 boards and they were also a totally different color. On top of that, there is sagging and ends popping up. They are scalloped on the underside and are useless to use as trim for the planter. Choose wooden effect composite decking for the look of a … We install decks when someone requests it. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! I trusted Trex and made a huge investment in their product based on all their marketing claims. This means you can sand it down without having to replace the entire board. I thought, no big deal, I’ll just hose it off. Plus, any stain would only be on the surface of the board because it won't penetrate the density of the hardwoods. At Homebase you’ll uncover a variety of colour options, from oak and cedar … Could this kitchen sink material be right for you? I went back and forth with Trex a few times and finally got a hold of the builder who told me he was never contacted by Trex. If it's low maintenance you're going after you have two options: High end composites or Hardwoods. Composites work as long as you don't mind the plastic look and feel of it and hope to never replace a board. Crafted from a mix of wood fibres, plastics and a small amount of bonding agents, composite decking requires much less maintenance than normal wood decking but still looks more authentic than plastic options. All that is on top of the deck having to be leveled because the columns sunk. They started off being helpful and wrote a technical letter to the contractor informing him the deck does not meet their installation expectations. Hello flopsycat1, You aren't alone in these questions! have generally established a good track record, they have not always lived up to owners’ expectations of a truly maintenance-free 4, Installed Trex about 9 years ago as a no/low maintenance replacement for wood. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. One of the best things about Ipe is that it's a natural wood, so the feel, the grain patterns, the look of it, is the real thing. We were considering two other projects using this product. If you intend to Oil then maybe massaranduba if that's the aesthetic you're going for? Soft pressure washing does nothing either, it’s like the dirt is baked in. Composites aren't the first thing you think of when you picture a deck, and with good reason. I replaced my cedar decking five years ago with Trex Transcends Havana Gold decking. The deck is already fading as well and has developed these white speckles. A: While some products are safe, it is best to follow their guidelines with cleaning or stick to their branded products. We fell in love with the Lowe’s Tropics Composite Deck because it looks so much like real wood, and the Hana … I had to replace a 20 year old wood deck that was rotting and decided to go with the Trex Transcend product over wood in spite of the cost. I don’t recall seeing that in any of the decks shown in the Trex catalog. Can be face-fastened or edge-fastened and has two usable sides. Have tried to clean; somewhat successful but takes much work and cleaners for mold, etc. Will not happen!!!! Most of the composite, plastic, and aluminum decking we tested kept its original color better than unfinished wood. … I was short about 8 - 24 ft Havana Gold boards so I ordered those. These countertop materials look great with little effort, From Florida to Hawaii, Houzz readers show us how they capitalize on their petite outdoor spaces, Want to increase your living space outside? It went down ok and it looks good. Color-matched plugs are not available for some, if not all Trex boards that are ribbed on their underside. Many also fended off mustard, wine, and other stains. I wish we had not picked this product. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. There's no need for water sealant, and stains. composite decking | decking tropics decking high performance decking composite decking ... Mum Mum. Copyright © 2020 Consumers Unified LLC. Before and After: 4 Yards Transformed by Decks and Patios, 7 Low-Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen, 10 Compact Decks, Patios and Porches for Making Memories, Kitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability, Materials Workshop: Polycarbonate — a Low-Cost Alternative to Glass, How to Pick the Right Paving and Decking Material, Durability of alder wood for my kitchen cabinets. Given your situation, Brazilian hardwoods will do great. Ipe won't splinter as it ages and it doesn't need sealing. Composite decking which is used today however, requires a low-maintenance making it the perfect solution for individuals who don’t want to have to worry about repairing their decking every so often in order to keep it looking spick and span in time for summer gatherings. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to … Partial functions, or short life to some. We purchased the Trex decking in 2015. I have had issues with the somewhat over-priced Trex lighting controls. Given your deck would be covered, you will not run the risk of having the decking get extremely hot. It's competitively priced at about $2.25/LFT with some nice gray colors in stock. We submitted a warranty claim with Trex. They currently have eight styles of composite deck boards available, including deck boards geared for both water and land. Composite decking is no different. It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. We used your fasteners and it was 50 degrees out. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. But if using the matching fascia boards, there are no hidden fasteners used to install these boards, so one must use the color- matched screws without plugs. https://thecraftsmanblog.com/the-problems-with-composite-decking There is no other way to contact them about this warping problem. I did my deck in Trex composite decking, just about 625 sf. It's dense, strong, heavy, and very durable. Deckorators Decking Review . This company is not yet accredited. Do yourself a favor and avoid this company. However, the beautiful part about Ipe is that if you wish to keep the rich dark color, a coat of Ipe Oil once a year is all it takes. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our When choosing a composite decking solution, you want to take a look at the entire lineup to see if the company has the style and colors you want as well as the accompanying accessories you require. HomeAdvisor's Composite Decking Material Guide compares the best composite deck materials: synthetic decking, plastic decks, vinyl, recycled rubber, and other man-made, maintenance-free materials. Measures 12-ft x 5.5-in x 1-in The Lowes clerk said it is a Trex product rebranded specifically for Lowes but he didn't give me a lot of confidence he knew what he was talking about. They entered the composite decking market in 1997, also with only one decking board in one color. Installation concerns: First off, I do not recommend that deck building should be done by persons inexperienced with structural concerns, power tools, and proper framing and finishing techniques. Another big issue is if a board(s) need to be changed you must keep the original order code to get a board from the same stock or else color variations may occur. Within the first week, my two German Shepherds had left dirty paw prints. What I did notice is that it nicked easier than Trex. FAQ. Read our reviews of each artificial type, including info on top brands. I put down about 800 sq. 2.5 pounds per foot. Its a more affordable line of decking made by Fiberon, I think they use that line of decking strictly for Box Stores. Get buying tips about Miscellaneous delivered to your inbox. To ensure it is sustainable look for FSC reclaimed. It's a natural wood that requires sweeping, soap and brushing. Go with wood and pay someone to refinish it every couple of years. I have scrubbed with Dawn a total of four times now and the prints remain!! Deck still looks great. The contractor didn’t think any of my complaints were legitimate so I contacted Trex. I did my deck in Trex composite decking, just about 625 sf. If you’re put off decking by the thought of getting splinters in your feet as you dash for those herbs, then … If price is a big factor, option for other hardwoods like Cumaru or Tigerwood will reduce the price significantly and still provide you with 50+ and 30+ lifespan respectively, as well as the same low maintenance as Ipe. TimberTech’s award-winning rail line was the first to include black as an option and … My friend use Timber Tech decking and his still looks great 10 years later. If you're going to let it weather grey than it is really just a question of price/durability. We invested a lot of money in this project only to be extremely disappointed. This has been such a huge mistake and this company will not stand behind their product!! And here's the rub. With the hidden fasteners, future board replacement will require deck screws and plugs to install new boards. NOT SO with Trex; once faded it keeps looking worse over time. Looking for something lighter, stronger and less expensive than glass? Composite decking is a beautiful yet durable option for the decking area in your garden. Boost usability and your garden’s overall look with a stylish deck or patio, Fingerprints, stains, resealing requirements ... who needs ’em? Genuine hardwood walnut decking requires a lot of maintenance and, more importantly, its manufacture can be very detrimental to the environment. We stopped by Lowes today and saw some fairly attractive composite decking by a brand called "TROPICS." "The TimberTech composite decking has given a whole new feel to the garden with its graceful curves and a pleasing colour finish which harmonises with our brickwork. Go with Trex Transcend, you will pay a little more but you will have a nice long lasting decking. Unsubscribe easily. The Dura-Life decking and railing product lines include the Siesta collection of … Our composite decking is made of a unique composition of 55% recycled wood, 40% HDPR plastic and 5% additives that not only save these materials from landfill but create a high-quality product with greater longevity and durability than timber wood decking. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Never was a big believer in composite decking but have changed my mind. Lost another loyal customer. Consider it for decks, fences and more, Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs, Get the pros and cons of wood, plastic, composite and more decking materials, plus a basic price comparison, Looking to invest in your backyard? If you go to our site www.soluslumber.com you can see photos on each individual specie (as well as some videos maintenance in the video gallery) and that will help give you an idea as to what the end product will look like. Hi Rozanne, We agree with Noel Cross+Architects. Choose from: Savanna, Amber, Cedar, Mocha, … This was a self installed project. Deckorators TROPICS deck boards also have quite a bit of embossing that reduces the amount of slipping when wet. Tropics composite decking boasts a variety of features that underscores why Deckorators is the leader in design innovation: With resilience that needs no splinter sanding or re-staining, the cap stock layer supplies durability, makes your deck easy to clean, and is resistant to rot and mold ; Backed by a 25-year limited warranty, this low-maintenance composite decking … Seems Trex could offer plugs for that reason, but they apparently haven't thought that one through very well. I explained that I hired the person based on Trex’ rating but that didn’t matter. Trex curled on ends of each boards. Regardless of the type of decking to be used, it is critical to ensure that, if using wood, the joist work is free of excessive crowning, (all crowns up, remove crowns completely, or select straight boards). Early in the industry’s development, white PVC railing was the only color option available. Then I went to build a planter, ordered boards to use as top trim sitting on shelf angles and now the Trex boards are no longer flat on the underside. https://www.lowes.com/pd/TROPICS-12-ft-Tidal-Gray-Grooved-Composite-Deck-Board/1000117063 It gives them an opportunity to set different price points based on quality, but Deckorators takes things a step further. If you (or anybody else) recently utilized a deck, some adjustments to that deck may not appear for approximately 15 minutes. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. Of course, proper framing should apply to all deck building, and is most important when using composite decking such as Trex. I have used the various hidden and exposed fastening systems made for Trex installation. Hidden fasteners don't need plugs since there shouldn't be any screw holes. Spent $18,000 on two new decks. Tropics Decking Low-maintenance decking that resembles tropical hardwood. It took them two weeks to respond. The Tropical Collection has a similar price point but with a cathedral wood grain pattern, ... Can I use other brands of composite deck cleaner on TimberTech decks? We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. Do you intend to keep the wood oiled or let it weather grey? On the covered portion the material can be milled into a T&G profile so its really more like hardwood flooring. A link has directed you to this review. Finally, you only need to do an oil on the Brazilian Hardwoods once a year to maintain their color. But Timber Tech instead. I am a "gentleman professional". I have to say I am very disappointed with both the product and the builder. After 3 seasons my TREX decking began to warp. If you prefer a weathered gray patina look. Over time dirt settled in, mold spots appeared, and the look became worse and worse. We offer both Teak and Dinizia in FSC reclaimed decking. Quality control: Most of the deck boards and some of the very expensive 12" trim boards I've dealt with have warped ends on the flat. I would get some paperwork and read up on it and compare apples to apples what they use to make that what the warranty is in comparison to other brands. The only reason I purchased Trex over Timber Tech was because they were flat on the underside, So Trex changes the board shape to scalloped to save money (scalloped uses less composite material than solid flat) without any notice to save money and now they are no better than Timber Tech or other lesser costing composite decking. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. We stopped by Lowes today and saw some fairly attractive composite decking by a brand called "TROPICS." This tidal gray composite deck board features a grooved bottom and measures 1-in thick by 5.5-in wide by 12-ft long. Based on initial product cost and install cost, I believe the Trex system is overrated. The balusters rattle when I walk across the deck. BAD decision. Buyer beware. Not enough time to see how it weathers. We submitted all of the information requested. https://www.lowes.com/pd/TROPICS-12-ft-Tidal-Gray-Grooved-Composite-Deck-Board/1000117063. I have a large dog and haven’t experienced the scratches others claim, I power wash once a year with Corte Clean and it looks like new. Therefore, Trex was not willing to reimburse us for any out of pocket expenses to repair the deck. This is the only concern I have at this time. Comments on durability, fading, and/or mildew resistance would be much appreciated! You would still have to brush it, water it down, & use an approved cleaning product. Tropics Decking; High-Performance Decking ; Composite Decking; Marine Decking; Installation; Uses ... Composite Decking - Landscaping Network Capped composite decking is one of the most popular choices among decking professionals. Warping and bowing. This Hana brown composite deck board features a grooved bottom and measures 1-in thick by 5.5-in wide by 12-ft long. Does not save time and costs more than wood. I purchased Havana Gold for the field and Spiced Rum for trim and accents. Not quit as good as Trex but in the ball park. The Deck Handbook: Part 7 Composite Decking Reviews. In tests conducted of decking products in 2009 by Intertek Plastics Technology Laboratories, Earthwood Evolutions, the predecessor to Legacy, faded 7 Delta E units after a simulated four months of exposure. Solid. This adds up to a lot of wasted product. I had no choice so I took them and rearranged the boards I had already installed to have these appear as another accent. Tropics Composite Decking - Whether you Currently have a deck and Want to Enhance or Update it Or you would love to devote a brand-new outdoor area for your house, you ought to consult a seasoned deck designer. Having a team of specialists in the … Contemporary Decks in Gold Coast has successfully installed composite decking in several residential and commercial properties. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. Spend more time relaxing on your deck than cleaning it, with Deckorators ® Tropics ™ low maintenance composite deck boards. Once this occurs, you have to change the entire board. If you go to the following project on our Houzz profile you can see an Ipe project that is both covered porch and uncovered porch. Ipe's biggest challenges aside from the annual Oiling for color, is its installation. We value your privacy. Dura-Life. … I‘ve only had the premium Trex Transcend decking installed a few months ago and now regret not going with a much less expensive wood that could be refinished every 2 years because Trex Transcend Scratches Very Easily and there is nothing you can do about it except replace the board, which isn’t practical if you used their hidden fastening system where all the boards are interconnected not to mention a total pain. I am so upset right now! (Note you can put pregrooved decking in a covered application, but do not put T&G in an uncovered application) https://www.houzz.com/projects/2745609/5-4x4-tongue-and-grooved-ipe-burlington-ky We are fans of cedar, but for durability and lifespan a tropical hardwood like Ipe or Cumaru should long outlast cedar and redwood. I chose a Pro Platinum rated builder because I didn’t want to take any chances on this $30k plus project. The warp is a manufacturing issue, not due to shipping or storage, and the warped end sections are roughly 6" to 14". Installing another wood deck would require more maintenance than we wanted, so we looked into composite decking. what is this dripping from the wood mantle. Has anyone used this product? You’ll save money in the long run and have a better looking deck. There is a reason tropical hardwoods are so popular in decking - the natural material lends life and they last for ages. Don't apply the oil and continue doing proper maintenance. As Jeff H stated, its heavy, it requires pre-drilling for every hole and it will blunt out blades quickly unless you have carbide tipped blades. They also said the area rep would contact the builder and tell him that he needed to fix my deck to keep his Pro Platinum standing but I never heard from the builder. Multiwall polycarbonate may be a good option, Once you’ve got the walls or fences of your garden figured out, it’s time to consider the ground surface or floors, Chicago's Leader in Custom Kitchen & Bath Remodels | 2x Best of Houzz, https://www.consumerreports.org/products/decking-material/fiberon-tropics-120733/overview/. Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. When I pushed them for more support they said that they only cover material issues and I had a problem with the build of the deck. By combining the authentic appeal of wood decking with the low-maintenance durability of plastic deck boards, composite products offer homeowners the best of both worlds!