Advice on composite deck materials

[nightfighter]

Sorry Spence, but dat's what we in the trades face in every bid. I build with Weather Best for my composit deck products, but you're not off base with the materials price. I have one job where the client wants me to just remove and redeck and put on new composite rails, thinking he's going to save money...but the PT is the cheapest part of the job. I fear he might be paying up if we have to mess around with existing structure/framing that isn't good enough to receive the new deck screws... The rails systems are expensive (110 for 6' plus sleeves) but they are slick and you aren't going to need any maintenance, (just watch out for hamburger grease, does stain) Ratio for materials/labor including demo and disposal Generally runs about 50/50 on a job like that.

That said, these composites have been around for 5-6 years, so we really don't KNOW what their lifespan is, but so far so good all but the very early products. Gotta agree with Steve on the mahogany though,,,, nice wood and at BIG discount from fir. Just my .02

[spence]

I'll look into the mahagony as an option. Our deck is somewhat near the water and very exposed, so I'd rather keep the year to year effort down if possible...but it's difficult to swallow the long term cost of ownership when you're trying to stay on budget.

I was thinking the labor quote was a tad high, but given the comments it may actually be reasonable. It's from a reputable local crew who we've worked with before. I need to get a few more quotes though...

Thanks for the help

-spence

[capesams]

most of the home's we build are high end,,1-4 million and most are 100' or less to the salt water..the mahogony hold's up the best...a lt. coat of oil once a year keeps it like new..if nothing is done to it...it turns a silvery grey. hand nailed with sst ring shank...finish heads[small].

[basswipe]

Originally Posted by spence

I'll look into the mahagony as an option.
-spence

From a painters perspective:

If you do go with mahogany put a good quality clear stain finish on it.Don't use garbage like Thompon's.Use something like Messmer's or Sikkens.Oh make sure to do BOTH sides of the decking.Your deck will last MUCH LONGER.

PS.You may also want to look at epai(ipe).More expensive than mahogany but less than composite.The nail bangers here would know better than I on the pricing.

[spence]

I've seen ipe decks, pretty nice...that stuff is HARD!

It will be interesting to see how mahogany compares price wise.

thanks again guys,

-spence

[UserRemoved1]

Spence, AYC makes beautiful decks too...and if you ever need wood to turn you could just go rip off a deck board or two

Seriously though I may have a connection I can get you this stuff wholesale.....

[spence]

I've already sold my soul to the devil, what else could I have to loose

-spence

[HighTide]

Built a mahogany deck on my house about 7 years ago. Before I installed the boards, I rubbed a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and thinner on them and that really brought out the color of the wood. But that didn't last through the winter so after that, I've been treating it with either Messmer's or Cabot (fire mahogany). It's alot of work to do esp the railings (I used fir and clearcoat them every other year or so, I usuall finish around Labor Day). But it all looks nice when its done.