Material for outside deck

9 years ago

Is the man made synthetic material the best for an outside deck. I want something very low in maintenance. What are the pros and cons.

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PRO

AdvantageLumber.com

9 years ago

If it's low maintenance you're going after you have two options: High end composites or Hardwoods. There is no such thing as a maintenance free deck but you can come pretty close with these two materials.

Composites work as long as you don't mind the plastic look and feel of it and hope to never replace a board. Given your deck would be covered, you will not run the risk of having the decking get extremely hot. Having said this, there are problems. Composites are susceptible to mold just like wood but if it penetrates to the core of the board it won't go away. Another big issue is if a board(s) need to be changed you must keep the original order code to get a board from the same stock or else color variations may occur.

Hardwoods on the other hand are the real thing that composites try to mimic. Given your situation, Brazilian hardwoods will do great. The maintenance on a hardwood deck is fairly simple with the normal sweeping and washing down with water. Plus, any stain would only be on the surface of the board because it won't penetrate the density of the hardwoods. This means you can sand it down without having to replace the entire board. Finally, you only need to do an oil on the Brazilian Hardwoods once a year to maintain their color. There's no need for water sealant, and stains.

Hope this helps and if you have any other question feel free to contact us!

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Comments (12)

PRO
Dytecture
9 years ago
Composite decks are low maintenance and somewhat environmental friendly due to their longevity.
granahan thanked Dytecture
granahan
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you!
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PRO
Chermac Builders Inc
9 years ago
I agree with Dytecture above. Composite is the way to go. They are definitely more expensive, but in the long run the lack of maintenance and durability will prove well worth it.
granahan thanked Chermac Builders Inc
lagwagonshow
9 years ago
We have some friends who put in a composite deck a few (3-4) years ago. I can't say I've witnessed less maintenance, nor does it seem more durable than wood. They power wash every year to keep it clean, for which they bought a piece of equipment - still looks a bit on the dingy side. UV beats the heck out of it, so the color is bleached out.

Plus side, no splinters 10-20 years down the road (if it lasts that long), and it is a way to recycle the plastic for another go-round before it finds its way to the sea.

It's a perfectly functional material, nothing wrong with it - but the claims of longevity and lack of maintenance are sales pitches.
granahan thanked lagwagonshow
granahan
Original Author
9 years ago
My deck is on the North side so doesn't get the sun penetration - have had lots of problems with carpenter ants and carpenter bees. Also rotting and splinters - but can't complain too much - it is 20 years old and is now rotting away. Thanks for your input.
abbyjean
9 years ago
WOW! Great info just shared! Makes me soooo happy to have the hardwoods!!!
granahan thanked abbyjean
PRO
Chermac Builders Inc
9 years ago
Great information AdvantageLumber.com about hardwood. We are out in Las Vegas, and that is the first time I've ever heard the use of hardwood for decking!! Got to love this forum!
granahan thanked Chermac Builders Inc
PRO
Thomas Decks, LLC
9 years ago
Even though as deck builders we install composite for our customers, I personally will have nothing but a hardwood deck or porch.
granahan thanked Thomas Decks, LLC
PRO
Maison Moderne Home Staging
9 years ago
We built this deck out of Mangaris Diamond wood this summer. It looked beautiful, however it caused a lot of staining on the surrounding area when wet. We were not made aware of the problem with that particular type of wood when we bought it. I was told to water it daily in order to get the chemicals out and it seems that after a few months the water runs out the color of "light tea" and doesn't cause staining. The wood has lost some of its rich color and has water stains so could you advise on what would be the best type of sealant to treat this wood. Thank you
PRO
AdvantageLumber.com
9 years ago
Hello isasharp,

I am terribly sorry to hear what happened to the Mangaris. The Mangaris is also another type of hardwood from the tropics of Malaysia and it's actually Red Balau (Mangaris is just the brand name, like kleenex). From what we understand Mangaris is naturally resistant to decay and termites which is a bit odd that they said you needed to wash it daily to get "chemicals" out.

We would suggest trying to use Ipe Oil or Messmer's UV Plus for Hardwoods. They are both mineral based oils that are made specifically to penetrate these dense hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood but will work with any other hardwoods like Red Balau.

Having said this, I would suggest using some sort of brightener and cleaner to remove whatever previous oil or stain was applied and then getting a board and applying a small coat of the sample (follow the directions because the penetrating oils have to be wiped off, not just left to dry). If it works, and doesn't run off the Red Balau then it has been a success.

If you need a sample of Ipe Oil, we would be more than glad to supply it. Just send us a private message.

Hope this helps and best of luck!
PRO
San Diego Cable Railings
9 years ago
Our experience with mangaris diamond decking and dimensional timbers is that even when prep sanded and sealed prior to installation bleeding can occur. We notice it most when moisture is present via morning dew or the first rain of the season. Bleeding looks like an over application of stain at times, and some people mistake it for stain because of the reddish color.

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We have heard from other pros that mangaris can be water soaked prior to prep sanding and staining in order to expedite the bleeding. After the initial bleed the planks can be sanded and sealed once the timbers are dry.

Material for outside deck

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Dytecture

granahan
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Material for outside deck

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