AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Expert: Eugene Clayton Date: 6/24/2008 Subject: decking material
Question QUESTION: Hello, Mr. Clayton. Back in April I asked you about your thoughts on using a composite material (Trex or ChoiceDek) for putting a new surface (and new railings) on an old deck in Virginia. That job still lies ahead for me, as it will be September before I am living in that place and ready to undertake the job.
You indicated that you prefer wood, but still had some regard for the composites. Since then, I've been hearing more about composites that make me leary about using them. So I'm not fully decided, but I think I'll probably be going with wood after all. In the meantime also I've heard some people say that CEDAR is a good wood to use. I'd assumed I'd use pressure-treated, if I went with wood, but I'd like to ask you about cedar, or any other kind of wood that might be a better choice.
So, what kind of wood do you most recommend? Cost does matter, but if I could afford the Trex I would also be willing to pay for a wood that didn't cost more than that-- if there were reason enough to do so.
Your thoughts, please?
ANSWER: Andrew good to hear from you again,
I love the way cedar smells when its cut, and the way it looks after it is first installed. Thats about as far as I go with the cedar.In all my years of tearing down decrepit decks and rebuilding new ones, by far I have torn down more cedar than PT, and by far the cedars were in worse shape. Also carpenter bees love cedar its like dairy queen to them. But in total fairness it really depends on if the deck was taken care of. We build allot of decks and come back months later and they are still not stained or sealed. (we don't offer the service)
For the money you cant beat PT you just have to take care of it.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, Eugene.
In terms of PT (post traumatic ?), is there really only one kind, or are there choices to be made among different kinds? Does it matter whether one buys from one kind of store (e.g. local lumber yard) or another (e.g. Lowes)?
And am I right in thinking that one should put a Water Seal product on it a couple of months after it goes up? Does it matter what brand? ANd how often thereafter over the years? Anything else to know about taking care of it so that it lasts?
Is there anything that keeps it from splitting and cracking?
Thanks for your counsel.
Answer Andy!!
Lets see, I personally like the new yellow wood. In my area Ga. Our Lowes has green wood , real wet. Home depot has yellow wood , But not necessarily true ( Yellow Wood brand) it's just not green. Prices are going up on wood weekly. But home Depot is pretty competitive with even the big Lumber yards. One advantage of Home Depot is unlike allot of lumber only yards they will take back your unused lumber for cash refund. And you can pick through and get only the best looking boards. It's a hassle but it keeps you from using or returning bad lumber.
You should seal or stain-seal the lumber when it appears dry, usually in the summer about 2 weeks after install and 2 days of sun no rain if using yellow lumber, green seems to be wetter and might require longer waiting time.
Buy a expensive brand, cheap is just that (cheap) ask a pro at the paint store.
Re-sealing depends on the amount of weather your deck gets. And the type of sealer you use follow the directions on the product.
Keep the deck clean of moisture holding debris, leaves etc..
