What
kind of deck material is best here in the west?
Redwood and Composite Decking (such as TREX)
What
is the price difference between Redwood and Composite
Decking
As the price of Redwood and ACQ continue to rise,
the cost difference between wood and Composite Decking
has significantly decreased, especially when you consider
consider stain and maintenance. Please contact one of
our stores for current pricing.
Why
should I buy Composite Decking?
It is a low-maintenance product that lasts for many
more years than Redwood or Treated.
What
is Composite Decking made of?
From 100% reclaimed or recycled products. Approximately
60% reclaimed wood fiber, and 40% used plastic, mostly
stretch film and recycled grocery bags.
Can
I buy composite decking for structural use like the
posts and beams?
No, Composite Decking is not a structural product. The structure
needs to be made of wood.
What
colors does Composite Decking come in?
Each manufacturer offers different colors, many which
match natural wood or earth-tone colors to match your
landscaping.
Will
Composite Decking ever rot?
Never.
What
is the difference between all the brands of composite
decking?
Trex is the original composite decking which as been
on the market for many years. Many other comparable
brands are now available and stocked at our different
locations.
Do
you install Composite Decking?
Most stores can arrange installers familiar with
Composite Decking installation.
Does
the color of Composite Decking change once it’s installed?
Most colors take about four months to "season".
After that initial fade, the color stays permanent.
Are
there colors that do not fade?
Yes. The newer darker Composite Decking colors include
a pigment that resists fading.
How
do you clean Composite Decking?
Best with a pressure washer. Tough stains are easily
removed with Dow Scrubbin' bubbles or Simple Green.
Can
Composite Decking be painted?
Yes, but it defeats the purpose of a low-maintenance
deck. Once it’s painted, it must be continually painted
in the future to keep a pleasant appearance.
Is
Composite Decking safe to walk on when it gets wet?
Yes. Composite Decking normally has a very slip-resistant
surface. Some brands have a slight crown that can help
displace standing water down through the cracks. Others
have a woodgrain texture.
How
far apart should my posts be?
This can vary, but generally not more than 10 feet.
What
size are the joists and beams?
Depends on the span. Usually 8-12" joists, and
2x6 joists.
Can
they be smaller?
It’s not recommended.
How
high does the railing need to be?
Between 36 and 42 inches.
Do
you need a gap between the deck boards?
Yes, usually ¼" is adequate. Both directions
on Composite Decking, depending on the time of year.
What
is the proper spacing between the balusters?
As a rule of thumb, a four-inch diameter ball cannot
pass between two balusters.
How
high can I build a deck without a rail?
Usually not more than 16 inches
How
do you attach to the house?
With a Rim joist board. Usually a 2x10 securely anchored
into the wall.
Which
way do you run the boards?
Run the decking parallel with the house.
Does
it matter which direction you lay the decking boards
down?
Bark side up, you can determine by looking at growth
rings.
Does
Composite Decking need a closer span across joists?
Yes. No more than 16 inches. Wood can be 24"
Can
I run decking diagonally? Does it cost more?
It is very pleasing to look at, however it can cost
up to 30% more when you factor in waste.
Do
I need to cement the posts in?
Yes. You can also use saddle brackets to attach the
posts to cement.
How
deep should my post holes be?
Usually 24" deep. Check your local codes
Should
I use screws or nails?
It’s a matter of preference. Either will rust-stain
wood. Screws tend to secure tighter and prevent future
squeaks. Stainless steel screws will not streak or rust.
There are also small-head fasteners available for Composite Decking
that look better.
Do
I need joist hangers?
We recommend them versus just nailing the lumber
together.
Can
I use deck screws to fasten the joist hangers?
No, you should always use a special galvanized joist
hanger nail because it is stronger, and won’t shear
under pressure. Many screws are made of a soft metal.
Can
I fasten the decking without nails showing?
Yes, by using special deck clips on ground-level
decks, or special long brackets on taller decks.
What
is the proper step rise?
Usually 8" high and 10" across.
Can
my deck support a hot tub?
Not without special planning and consideration.
How
can I reinforce my deck to support a new hot tub?
Have a professional engineer be the judge.
How
often should I seal my wood deck?
Most products like CWF-UV,
Penofin, Super
Deck or Olympic
stain all require annual maintenance.
My
wooden deck has weathered gray, can it be restored?
Yes, there are special chemicals, or you can simply
pressure-wash it and re-seal the surface.
Do
you design custom decks?
Yes, many of our stores use a state-of-the-art 20/20
computer design system.
Do
you have instructions how to build a deck?
You can get instructions with your custom computer
estimate, or a simple fact sheet.
Can
I use pressure-treated decking?
Yes, but it still needs to be sealed.
Is
treated lumber more prone to warping?
During the treating process, the lumber is literally
injected with water. As the product dries, it can crack
and warp.
Is
CCA safe for children and pets?
CCA was replaced by ACQ treated lumber in early 2004.
Airborne CCA sawdust was considered a hazard. The installed
product is usually safe. There are many public documents
available on this subject. You can find more
info about ACQ here.
The
above information is for general information only, and
is not necessarily the opinion of Sutherlands. Always
check your local codes before building, and obtain the
required building permits.
