Composite Deck

[Brandon Riffel]

I'm planning on removing the 10x10 treated lumber deck that my builder added to the house before we bought it with a 12x20 composite deck. I've done WAY too much reading to know what is best. So now, I'm asking what is best. I've heard that there have been mildew issues with some of the Trex materials (which is what Home Depot near our home carries), so I've tentatively decided to go with Evergrain. What are your thoughts? I used the Trex Deck Designer and it has 7 posts! Our current 10x10, only has 3. I got a bid from a fancy deck builder in Olathe, KS and they want almost $10k, and say that their superior design only needs 5 posts.

I've also read that you might not want to tie your deck to the house, because of the peace of mind you get knowing that the holes in your house aren't leaking.

I know that each product is different, that they each have different components, requirements, warranties, and building instructions. This just compounds my confusion and frustration.

I have a friend that works at a local lumber yard that can get me Evergrain at their contractor rate, this is also why I'm interested in it. Problem is, there are like 5 different kinds of Evergrain.

HELP! Brandon

[Rick Brandt]

Do you live where a permit will be required? A few years ago I went through the process of drawing up elaborate plans for a new deck only to find that our decking material of choice was not "sanctioned" by the county. Being a newer product it had not yet acquired various certificates for fire resistance.

If you are down to a few choices something like that might narrow the field for you.

[MediaMoet]

Brandon, check out AZEK Deck at

It's cellular pvc, but reinforced with flax fiber for reduced expansion and contraction. It repels stains and mildew. They are coming out with a porch product in April.