[fookie]

We're getting bids for a backyard landscaping redo that includes a deck with:

- 4x4 Landing
- 16x12 Deck
- Flight of stairs (1 story or about 96")
- Freestanding
- Hidden fasteners
- Fiberon railing and PVC trimboard

We were looking at the various materials and wanted to get some advice on what we should get. The various contractors recommended Trex Transcend, Fiberon Professional, and Evergrain products. What would you choose or suggest?

The are will be in direct sunlight for most of the afternoon and will be a main path of entry for us but not guests. We will be using the deck area for dining al fresco.

Any ideas on what I should expect for pricing? I've been getting prices that range significantly (the highest is more than double the lowest).

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Justin D]

We use Trex when PVC materials are specified. Been pretty happy with it.

As far as estimates being so different that is not a surprise. I find that all the time. Especially with the economy how it is, some people are basically working for free right now cause it beats sitting home. However check out a deck or two built by each company. I'm sure you'll see a difference. How many prices have you gotten? Usually there will be a few prices right around the same range. Sometimes you find one way off in one direction and it's important to find out why. Maybe they are including something the others are not, or maybe they missed something entirely.

 

[fookie]

Thanks for the info. You helped me out last time when we needed an HVAC replacement. I've been stuck on Ipe...that stuff is sweet looking. Fiberon makes a synthetic product (PVC over composite) that has the color variations and tones of Ipe and it looks like we may go that route.

Fiberon - Composite Decking Products

 

[Justin D]

Ipe is nice, it's expensive though. Looks better than all the PVC choices. Another nice choice is Garapa, a friend just completed a deck with it. Very affordable option and was FSC certified which was cool (Forrest Stewardship Council, they certify the wood is sustainably grown). It's a total different color than Ipe though.

I remember the HVAC thread, how'd that all work out?

Thanks for the Fiberon link, I'll have to check it out

 

[fookie]

We ended up signing the contract today after negotiating another 10% off of list (45% total). We ended up with the Fiberon Horizon Ipe. We saw the boards at the local Fiberon dealer and were impressed. We also ended up signing on a patio and retainer wall using Nicolock Tumbled stones. I'll have to post pics when it's done.

The HVAC system turned out well. We ended up with the Trane XLi15 3Ton unit with an Aprilaire 400M humidifier. They did a great install and threw in a 10 year parts and labor warranty as well as a 3 year maintenance contract.

 

[Justin D]

Nice, definitely post up pics of the deck I want to see how that product is.

 

[saintv90]

I have Trex on my deck. My deck is about 20'x30'. I only wish I had used Trex on the railings so I didn't have to re-stain every other year. Highly recommend it. The only maintenance I have done on it is pressure washing. And only did that once in the last 5 years.

 

[The Alchemist]

We had a 500 sqft deck put on about 6 years ago using Timbertech tongue and grove planks which have a wood grain. It still looks as good today as the day it was installed. It has a nice patina to it, similar to how cedar looks.