What is best option for rebuilding a deck?
Question:I'm in the PAC NW with a northside deck that gets little sun, but lots of rain. The wood on top rotted, so I need to put something new on my pressure-treated 4x6 joists (24" apart on center). I want something I can put down & forget about w/o having to add additional joists. I found timbertek composite decking for $2.79 per linear foot. Is that a good price & good choice of material? Can I put that on 24" center-to-center 4x6 joists, or will I build a trampoline instead of a deck?
Answers:
Why not use exterior grade plywood? Cookie cut it to fit with as few seams as possible, then use DEK COTE products per instructions. Comes in lots of nice natural bright colors to brighten that shady zone and deflect the water.
Build the patio...but get some new wood.You do the measurements.Stain it with a wood color then galze it with the Rain proof glaze
The Trex type fake deck wood stuff is good, but it will turn grey over time and might give you just as mch trouble as regular pressure treated would. An option that I am considering for my deck is a type of wood called Ipe. It's a super dense South American hardwood that is suppose to last 25 years without any maintenance. It will be a little more expensive, but it's worth a look. Below is a link to a company that I know of that sells it and would probably ship it.
Not enough info to give opinion on trampoline effect, but normally on deck framing that is 24' O.C. you would use a 2X4, 2X6, etc. to stiffen the structure. Redwood and Cedar can only last for so long, but people like the high quality effect. Treated lumber is still the best choice for your application. Seal the BACK SIDE before installing, ( even though it's treated ). This will help any deck wood last longer. You may also consider the extra cost of using stainless steel deck screws.
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