My husband works for Weyerhaeuser building materials - he said they make a "Trex" like product called Choice Deck that is really good. We used a similar product that was an off brand and love it - its very low maint. I didn't like the look of Trex since it didn't have any texture. This kind of deck is a little harder to put down than wood because you have to predrill holes and use a special screw - I think we went through about 30 torx bits (there really cheap). Hope this helps

Oh, we used Clear View Railing Systems and love it as well.

Brick

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I have a Trex deck and love it. Limited colors though.

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LeMans,
I've always had PT Wood decks at our houses...I just like the more uneven look, lol!

They are a tad more maint. intensive, as I re-stain them, with solid or barely translucent, oil based stain every half a decade. but, I like the wood. "Wolmanized" is a brand name of pressure treated/injected CU/Arsenate treatment.

The Trex brand, the TimberTech, et al, have come a Long way in the past few years, though. My only opin on those is overseeing the way they are intstalled: it takes a real freakin pro(s), and very carefull installation to hide the "nail" holes. There are several rec'd fastener methods rec'd, but the key is to somehow get those pilot holes not looking like crap.

On a reg. wood deck, the fasteners, (stainless steel screws are exp. but, rec'd) lie flush or just barely counter sunk. On the Trex stuff and their knockoffs, it takes someone with patience and dedication to get the fasteners to look good. This is not an opin based upon being a construction guy, but simply from viewing 3 or 4 dozen Trex-like decks done in our Mtn 'burbs, ranging from 6 yrs old to brand new.

Add'l, the more cutsie stairs, raised plateaus and bs, eg the promo pics, the less real surface area you have to use. Looks cool in the pics, but most people soon realize that floor space is the deal, with some design elements, as opposed to Designer Elements vs. sq ft of floor space, imo.
GL,md

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