Any builders, contractors or homeowners who have recently done outside decks with a wood alternative?

I am currently looking at replacing and expanding an existing deck. The wood alternatives appeal to me but I would like to know of any first hand experience. I know the initial cash outlay can be steep but the lack of yearly maintenance really appeals to me.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Michael

 

Friends of mine have a large deck on their home. The decking itself is the new "plastic-wood". They have had great luck with it and love it! Of course the "plastic-wood" can not be used for supporting structure but is perfect for the decking itself. There deck is about 4 years old and it has been subjected to temps in the high 90s with high humidity and covered in snow with temps in the single digits. The only thing they do is mop it once in a while.
That's about all I know other than in New York State you are no longer going to be able to buy pressure treated lumber so I suspect the plastic wood prices might come down in the future because the demand is going to go up.

 

Michael, I publish a magazine for the building material industry, and we had a recent issue that had a special advertising section on composite decking products. If you'd like, I can send you a copy. Composite decks are definitely growing in popularity, largely because of their low-maintenance aspects.

And the pressure-treated lumber market is changing---it will still be available; the new preservatives will no longer contain arsenic.

 

GoHiking,
The magazine sounds great. I've sent a PM with my mailing details. Thanks!
Michael