Deck Flooring

[Bob]

Hi,

Have an outside (uncovered) Deck. Live in New England.

Will be having a contractor come in and replace the Deck flooring which after 30 years isn't too good. It seems to be now wooden planks about

5-3/4 wide x 1 inch thick.

Would like to learn about deck flooring a bit before having them come over.

Looked in Google, and apparently these days there are many, many, types of materials available for outside Deck flooring. Everything from the simple pressure treated wood, to composites, etc.

Awfully confusing.

I am wondering if anyone might offer the pros and cons of the "popular" types as regarding cost, life, wear, do they have to be stained & maintained, warr., etc. ?

Again, we live in New England, so snow and ice laying on it in winter (even shoveling doesn't get it all off), temp. extremes, etc.

Any good questions to ask the Contractors when they come over for estimates ?

BTW: are they all fastened with screws rather than nails these days ? Stainless Steel ones ?

Much thanks, really appreciate the help, Bob

[hrhofmann]

Just recover the deck with the new plastic recycled boards, they are readily available and I'm very happpy with my TREX decking

[notbob]

Cost vs wearability. Cheaper to go treated or untreated w/ sealants/paints, etc. How long lasts. Are you gonna be around THAT long?

Not likely stainless, unless you have really deep pockets.

You might consider exotic woods, like tiger wood:

This might be a viable option, as composites/synthetics require a whole different sub-structure with lotsa reinforcement techniques not necessary in traditional wood decks. Not likely you'll be able to put composite floor decking on old wood support structure, even if it's in great shape, like mine is.

I'm no expert, but see a lotta decks go up around me, each year. Plus I'm also looking at a complete deck refurb/uprade. I watch and pay attention and have some carpentry experience from long ago. Also, am in high CO Rockies with lotta snow and see different approaches to protecting/preserving decks. Fer instance, one guy completely Varathaned his deck. Didn't last 2 seasons. Bottom line, I will still be consulting more than one pro for advice/estimates.

nb

[Keith]

Just recover the deck with the new plastic recycled boards, they are readily available and I'm very happpy with my TREX decking

I'll go along with this. I also used Trex (ten years ago) and there really doesn't seem to be any change over time. I used SS robertson screws FWIW.

Keith

[Ed Pawlowski]

The tigerwood is exactly what I'm in the middle of doing. I'm using ipe clips and they come with SS screws.

There are a few exotic woods that will last from 25 to 50 years with no treatment. I'm putting on Penofin oil to enhance the color and give added protection.

My joists are on 24" centers and this works well. Some composites require 16" centers for support and to avoid over flexing.

The better composites do look good, but they also need some maintenance. I just prefer the look of real wood and was willing to pay a bit more to get it.

[krw]

If you're spending that much money on a deck, stainless fasteners aren't a big deal.

[notbob]

How much is he spending? From what I've read, even he doesn't know.

OTOH, you may be right. It appears buying in bulk is a lot cheaper than a few at True-Value. ;)

nb

[krw]

Try buying sheetrock screws or nails in individual packs. ;-)

[r.mariotti]

My $.02 worth:

My original deck was constructed of non-pressure treated framing lumber and even with annual recoating it rotted out in 25 years. To replace it I used White Cedar with concealed fasteners so there are no nails/screws showing nor will they pop up. The one complaint I have is after several years now is that the first year it looked like fine furniture with Penofin on it. After that it peels and doesn't hold stain hardly at all. In fact this year I washed, bleached, rinsed and allowed drying for several 80-90F days and then applied Cabot New Cedar decking stain. Two days later it rained and my deck looks as bad as it did prior to any work.

If I had to do it again I would seriously investigate man-made materials such as Trex, etc. BTW - I'm located in East Central CT.

Good luck and post what you end up with?