Composite decking - yes or no

Asker

greencode wrote: »

Definitely cheaper using wooden joists rather than composite joists and pedestals. I'll still be buying the hidden fasteners and starter clips to keep things nice and neat.

Good man (I'm assuming, sorry), thanks.

I've ordered a sample pack from composite wood company in Oldham, I'll let you know what that's like. They are quite happy to suggest you put it on timber joists saying it won't affect their warranty at all. That may be something to consider when comparing options (cf dinodeck)

Asker

greencode wrote: »

Definitely cheaper using wooden joists rather than composite joists and pedestals. I'll still be buying the hidden fasteners and starter clips to keep things nice and neat.

I'e jsut ordered samples from select-decking too.

They are slightly dearer but have a more expensive range too that is warrantied for longer. It specifically mentions "capping" too which is what these American youtube vids seem to be talkign about, which makes them stronger and more scratch-resistantaccording to the website, so I'm hoping that'll be useful. I'll let you know what it's like. I've also requested their cheaper range to compare.

greencode

Asker wrote: »

Good man (I'm assuming, sorry), thanks.

I've ordered a sample pack from composite wood company in Oldham, I'll let you know what that's like. They are quite happy to suggest you put it on timber joists saying it won't affect their warranty at all. That may be something to consider when comparing options (cf dinodeck)

I've just received the samples from Cladco. The boards are thicker and wider than the other ones

Cladco: 150mm x 25mm
Dino & Envirobuild: 145mm x 21mm

To me, they do feel a little cheaper than the others. Slightly rougher and I could scratch it with my fingernail and tiny bits came away. I didn't get that with the other two - at least the little bits anyway. The scratching was noticeable on all 3. That said, I think the best way of looking at them is to scuff them up a bit (I got my dog's claws and ran them up and down the boards! He did wonder what the hell I was up to!!) and then leave them outside for a while to brave the elements. Also, look at them from where you would realistically view them at i.e. chair or standing height.

greencode

I went with Dino Decking. Received the decking boards today (in the pouring rain, I'm soaked!!) and they look great in big long lengths. When I was receiving the samples, I only thought about laying it with the lines facing up but seeing the wood grain version on the Ash colour, it looks really nice!

Asker

greencode wrote: »

I went with Dino Decking. Received the decking boards today (in the pouring rain, I'm soaked!!) and they look great in big long lengths. When I was receiving the samples, I only thought about laying it with the lines facing up but seeing the wood grain version on the Ash colour, it looks really nice!

Thank you that's really helpful.

Yeah I got some other samples but there were a few complications so project has goen back a bit sorry. Some of the other ones I got were much dearer but really don't seem any better in terms of scratch resistance from the testing I did.

I'm glad you went for dino in the end and it's not that much different in terms of scratchproof. I'll probably do the same, and yeah I think gong with the lines is the more classic look but the wood sides really do look nice too so I don't know what I'll end up doing.

greencode

Asker wrote: »

Thank you that's really helpful.

Yeah I got some other samples but there were a few complications so project has goen back a bit sorry. Some of the other ones I got were much dearer but really don't seem any better in terms of scratch resistance from the testing I did.

I'm glad you went for dino in the end and it's not that much different in terms of scratchproof. I'll probably do the same, and yeah I think gong with the lines is the more classic look but the wood sides really do look nice too so I don't know what I'll end up doing.

What I have noticed, with just laying a few wood side up and a few lines side up is that the wood looks really impressive and I think would wear better i.e. if it got scratched, it'd just look like some scratched wood, whereas line side up is so pristine that you may notice scratches a lot more. I also think there's more interest with the wood side. The grain catches the light nicely, whereas the lines side looks a little boring.

Just gotta lay it now!!! Sunday is supposed to be nice * fingers crossed *

Asker

greencode wrote: »

What I have noticed, with just laying a few wood side up and a few lines side up is that the wood looks really impressive and I think would wear better i.e. if it got scratched, it'd just look like some scratched wood, whereas line side up is so pristine that you may notice scratches a lot more. I also think there's more interest with the wood side. The grain catches the light nicely, whereas the lines side looks a little boring.

Just gotta lay it now!!! Sunday is supposed to be nice * fingers crossed *

I think you're right, I'll almost certainly use the wood side too. Are you using any balustrades? If so what? Annoyingly dinodeck if I remember correctly don't do balustrades, so I'll probably use wood ones.

greencode

Asker wrote: »

I think you're right, I'll almost certainly use the wood side too. Are you using any balustrades? If so what? Annoyingly dinodeck if I remember correctly don't do balustrades, so I'll probably use wood ones.

What are balustrades?

Another quick thing. Dino didn't do these until the other week but I've also got these corner joints https://www.dinodecking.co.uk/products/bullnose-edge-ash-2-2m/ so I can then have those on the edge and have another decking board for the fascia so should look really neat. I'll post a few pics, when it's finally complete.

Asker

greencode wrote: »

What are balustrades?

Another quick thing. Dino didn't do these until the other week but I've also got these corner joints https://www.dinodecking.co.uk/products/bullnose-edge-ash-2-2m/ so I can then have those on the edge and have another decking board for the fascia so should look really neat. I'll post a few pics, when it's finally complete.

Cool, look forward to it.

Balustrades I think are those fence type things that go around the edge, like you get up stairs.

greencode

Asker wrote: »

Cool, look forward to it.

Balustrades I think are those fence type things that go around the edge, like you get up stairs.

Ah ha, no not having those. Actually if I did I wouldn't be able to get to my garden :rotfl: