Survey on Trex composite decking - Page 2 - DIY Chatroom

Brik · 02-14-2008, 09:46 PM

Thanks hardwood decks. I am planning my spring deck project in my head and have been considering Ipe or Mahogany. I now have a few more things to look at! Way cool. Thanks!

mcd · 02-21-2008, 10:28 AM

I am having the exact same expereince with my Trex deck also installed in 2005. I have gotten no cooperation from the Trex Company on this issue. This problem is apprently wide spread. Does anyone know of a class action or group action?

jpiette · 02-28-2008, 06:53 PM

About to install planks onto deck we just built. OK, we won't use composites, but can you go over the differences between the materials you recommend: Ipe Decking , Cumaru Decking , Garapa Decking , and Tigerwood Decking ? Why did you pick Tigerwood over the others? How hard is it to install?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardwood_decks

It seems that composite decking companies have spent millions of dollars advertising their products instead of spending money and time testing their products, thats why everyone things its low maintenance - their advertising works but their products don't!

I would never install a composite deck because I don't want to deal with the complaints and problems that every composite decking material has. I only use hardwood deck materials because certain species can last 40+ years with no splitting, no cracking, no cupping, no warping, no splinters, NO SCRATCHES, and NO MOLD. The only OPTIONAL maintenance that you may want to do is apply a UV Inhibitor like Messmers so the sun does not bleach the wood that way you can keep the rich exotic look of the wood. If you don't apply the UV Inhibitor the wood will turn a natural silver color which some homeowners want anyway. The UV Inhibitor is about as easy as spreading warm butter on a hot roll! The decking materials I usually work with are Ipe Decking , Cumaru Decking , Garapa Decking , and Tigerwood Decking which is my personal favorite.

By the way when you install decks that look this good you typically get so many referrals you won't be able to handle it.

Brik · 02-29-2008, 08:56 AM

jpiette - Hardwood decking can be as simple as installing other materials but you have other options than just screwing it down. If you screw it down it may require pre-drilling a pilot hole. I wouldn't go that route. You are putting down a premium product and you want a premium look. That premium look involves no visible fasteners. There are many options. Here is one I am familiar with.

http://www.ebty.com/
Which can be bought online at http://www.mcfeelys.com/deck-construction

Googling "hidden deck fasteners" comes up with a bunch more options.

TC1 · 03-31-2008, 09:16 PM

Well I finally got word after trying for 20 months that TREX will not pay for the labor to replace the deck...They sent a check to the lumber yard to cover for new material but will not pay to have it replaced. I apparently will have to dig into my own pocket. I had 2 reps from TREX out to see there product since it was installed and they both said it was a bad batch (I wished I had a recorder) they however told me today it was basically my fault, that I shouldn't have installed it in the first place (some had blisters on them) and that part is true I will give them that I SHOULD NEVER HAVE USED TREX, because they won't stand behind there product. Every single butt joint has now split and the color of the deck has completely changed, not just faded but changed.

I will never use there product again...

HandyPete · 04-01-2008, 07:00 PM

Geeeez am I glad I read this thread!!!!

--pete

chalk_hill · 10-09-2008, 08:49 AM

To provide a contrasting view; I have been installing composite decks (mostly Trex) since the stuff was invented, and wood decks since 1980. I've tried a lot of stuff and seen numerous wonder products rise in a flurry of advertising and vanish soon after.

Nothing looks as good as a new wood deck - I'm a wood guy and no polymer will ever match the luxurious sensations of fresh wood. But sun, dry air and dirt destroy wood - most especially when it is horizontal and walked on. Show me a ten year old wood deck that is still flat smooth and pretty and I guarantee you that the owner is a slave to his deck.

Out west, once you get away from the ocean, wood just doesn't hold up. Period. You will never get a splinter from a composite deck, and you'll never have to sand or refinish it. That's why composites have taken hold in the marketplace.

Trex has the bulk of that market and I guess they made a LOT of decking between 2002 and 2005 and enough of it was made wrong that they now have an expensive chore on their hands.

My experience has been that if you refuse to accept their offer of replacement material only and hold out for the cost of labor as well, that they will step up.

The only defect they are warranting is the deterioration (surface delamination) and as far as I know this hasn't been seen in their railing systems, just the deck material.