Posted: 11/16/2015 7:47:33 AM EDT
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I'm building the deck with Fiberon decking using Trex fasteners because they're compatible and much easier to work with. I know there are options in the composite board world and considering the cost difference I figured I'd give it a shot. Anyone have any experience building with Fiberon?
Note: I did post this question last week and it was the first topic I've ever made that received no responses. Considering I'm starting the project this week I'm hoping for some input from either professional builders or anyone with insight. |
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Quoted:
I have a lot of experience with all of the new plastic decks, so what's your question in particular ? In terms of quality, strength, and durability how well does Fiberon hold up? Are all the plastic decks equal and some (Trex) can charge more simply because of their name? |
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Quoted:
I have a lot of experience with all of the new plastic decks, so what's your question in particular ? ETA; I'll cut you a couple of free answers only because of this..... 
<a href="http://http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s398/delicious66/cobra%20pic_zpsumn4krfy.jpg</a> NICE!!!!!! Specs? |
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Initially Trex Gen 1 had major problems due to improper installations, ie; proper spacing of joists led to sagging and also swelling and mold of the deck itself because of boards to close together
not allowing adequate ventilation. Trex had the unique feature of swelling up due to siting water and never shrinking back to its original size. It would be great for the hull of a boat. Fiberon is the preferred product here in the NE. More of a PVC skin wrapped around the composite body. The spacer clips that fit into the side grooves are the only way to go as compared to top face screwing. These not only make for a neater look but also an "automatic" spacing for ventilation which is important to any deck. Joist spacing, although instructions say 16" on center, a 12" on center is recommended. Yea, Trex is living on a name. Not a bad choice just not #1. |
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Quoted:
Initially Trex Gen 1 had major problems due to improper installations, ie; proper spacing of joists led to sagging and also swelling and mold of the deck itself because of boards to close together not allowing adequate ventilation. Trex had the unique feature of swelling up due to siting water and never shrinking back to its original size. It would be great for the hull of a boat. Fiberon is the preferred product here in the NE. More of a PVC skin wrapped around the composite body. The spacer clips that fit into the side grooves are the only way to go as compared to top face screwing. These not only make for a neater look but also an "automatic" spacing for ventilation which is important to any deck. Joist spacing, although instructions say 16" on center, a 12" on center is recommended. Yea, Trex is living on a name. Not a bad choice just not #1. Good to know. I was given the Trex fasteners by my lumber store because they said they are way easier to use and are compatible with the Fiberon boards. PS - I'm originally from NE (CT). While I don't get as much snow as I did there, I'm far enough north in VA that we have some pretty impressive storms. |
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From the several different brands of composite/vinyl decking I've tried, I really couldn't see any major difference. The mounting systems were what really differentiates them all IMO. So far I haven't been convinced that they're worth the extra money. I think the railing systems are worth the money, but the decking not so much. |
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Quoted:
From the several different brands of composite/vinyl decking I've tried, I really couldn't see any major difference. The mounting systems were what really differentiates them all IMO. So far I haven't been convinced that they're worth the extra money. I think the railing systems are worth the money, but the decking not so much. The Gen1 Trex decks I've ripped out would beg to differ.
Proper installation is paramount and is key to the life span of your project. |
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Quoted: The Gen1 Trex decks I've ripped out would beg to differ. Proper installation is paramount and is key to the life span of your project. Quoted: Quoted: From the several different brands of composite/vinyl decking I've tried, I really couldn't see any major difference. The mounting systems were what really differentiates them all IMO. So far I haven't been convinced that they're worth the extra money. I think the railing systems are worth the money, but the decking not so much. The Gen1 Trex decks I've ripped out would beg to differ. Proper installation is paramount and is key to the life span of your project. I didn't reference the original stuff, only the current offerings. The old stuff is pure garbage, and I feel bad for those that got suckered into be the test cases for the new decking systems. |
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When I re-built my main deck I used Trex, that was in 2004. I have been disappointed with both the fading and how easy it stains. The joists went in on 14" centers to give sufficient support but it still sags between the joists in the summer when it gets hot, and yes, the decking gets very hot. On the other side of my screen porch I built another small deck a couple of years later. On that one I used a GA Pacific composite decking that has outperformed the Trex in every way. It was much easier to work with, it is stiffer, has yet to stain, and has retained color very well. If I recall it was also at least 20% less expensive than the Trex as well.
The newer versions of Trex appear to be a better product than what I bought in '04 but I would still choose something else now based on how Trex responded to my concerns. |