Deck Material Recommendations

[DuckDogDr]

The future Mrs and I are about to replace our deck boards and I am wanting some suggestions .
First importance we want durability and absolute minimal maintenance as I work 90-100 hours a week and she works 50-60. We want to set it and forget it so to speak .

Second we want heat dissipating / minimal retention as we have 7 dogs and really don’t want their feet getting burned during the hot summer months.

The remainder of any issues can come out in the wash. As far as color / cosmetics etc.

Been leaning towards composite decking but both of the sample pieces I’ve ordered are really too hot for my liking . Going to order some lighter color samples and set them side x side to see how much of a difference that makes

Are there any companies I should look at that excel at this or certain board designs .
General guidance appreciated

 

[grfox92]

Composite decking is going to be hot in the sun. Wood Decking will require maintenance.

Red Pressure treated like they sell at Home Depot, shouldn't require any routine maintenance. Pay someone to re seal it every 5 years and your good to go.

Composite to Wood decking itself isnt a huge difference in cost. Where composite gets really expensive is i.n the accessories. Post sleeves, Railing kits, Stair kits, facia boards, encapsulated boards for perimeter and stairs, concealed fastener systems, thats what makes composite twice the price. I just finished a big covered deck with composite, 2 weeks ago, and spent the last week building one with Red Pressure treat. Ill try and post some pictures tomorrow. I dont have much on my phone unfortunately.

 

[Whaledriver]

I used Fiberon Sanctuary in latte color. Grayish brown. I live in Colorado and have not noticed an extreme heat issues. Held up well to dogs and kids. Fairly scratch resistant. Best of all no maintenance. I love Redwood and Cedar but got tired of constant upkeep. Used tiger claw hidden fasteners. Looks brand new still after 3 years.

 

[Aperventure]

Trex just came out with a new type in he enhance product line; golden sands. Supposed to be better at heat. I just put some on a south west facing deck in utah, so far it’s decent. Still hotter than wood tho. Not zero maintenance, I have to wash it with soapy water sometimes then hose it off.

 

[Howdoyoulikemenow]

Living in the Pacific Northwest I’ll never build another wood deck no matter the grade. Ever. Maintenance is absurd. All three of my current decks on my house I used composite. Very light gray. The west and south facing decks get full sun. Never too hot to walk on.

 

[fishdart]

100% PVC decking is supposed to stay cooler in summer vs the typical composite decking.

It is usually a bit more expensive and the c-to-c span of the joists of your existing deck is likely too wide (assuming 16"). I think the Azek stuff I've seen calls for 12"o.c.

There are expansion/contraction considerations with the 100% pvc stuff as well.

In any case, the lighter the color, the less it will absorb and hold heat.

 

[Weldor]

Just finished welding in deck supports and frame on a huge house, they put some type of composite deck boards. It rained for about 10 minutes one day and it was like working on an ice rink. No thanks. I'll stick with Wolmanized lumber.

 

[displacedtexan]

Where are you located?

 

[JPeters218]

I know it’s a tik tok but give this a watch. Some guy takes the temp of a bunch of deck board samples that have been in the sun

TikTok - Make Your Day

 

[digger]

Keep them coming . My daughter needs a new deck in Kansas

 

[Big_wals]

Most composite decking I’ve used gets hot. I’d look into Tigerwood, it’s more expensive than standard pressure treated lumber but also a massive step up in durability, not to mention much nicer looking. I’ve only built one deck out of it about 5 years ago, dont think I still have pics.

 

[naked wombats]

Tigerwood, ipe or thermo hemlock are expensive, but potentially all good options.

A good exterior rug can really help with the heat.

 

[DuckDogDr]

Thanks for all of the replies we are in Alabama

 

[Wrongside]

A nice clear grade of 5/4 or 2x cedar. Build the deck with proper water management details and it’ll last for many years, with minimal to no maintenance. As long as you’re good with a nice light grey, natural weathered look.

 

[ChrisAU]

Thanks for all of the replies we are in Alabama

Well then you sir should be using pressure treated southern yellow pine!

 

[displacedtexan]

In Alabama... Pressure treated pine.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Need deck pics