How much is too much for a Trex deck????

[RECHRGD]

We're starting to get bids on an addition and some remodeling.  Part of the scope is to replace the old wooden deck with a larger composite type (trex) deck.  Anyway. the first bid I got yesterday worked out to about $35.00 per square foot with tax.  This would be an 800 sq. ft. deck with stairs on both ends. about 25 ft. of bench and matching railings.  I never would have conceived of paying 28K for a damn deck, but I checked a couple of places on line and they were quoting up $50.00 per ft. depending on how fancy you wanted to go.  Is this really the going rate for this stuff?  I don't want the maintenance of a wooden deck anymore, so that's out.  Thanks, Bob

[Bob]

Hi Bob,
I just built a house within the last 2 years and went with the trex decking and rail system. Yes, it is expensive but pretty much maintenance free other than cleaning occasionally.
I think it measures 34 long and 10 wide and them continues around the house as a walk way to the stairs. I do have some dislikes. In the summer you can not walk on it in the sun bare foot. IT IS HOT STUFF. It has no weight bearing value at all so it will feel like you are sinking a bit with every step. The railing is not as strong as real wood. Mine is set at 12 OC when I think it should have been 6 OC. If you get a lot of snow do not use a metal shovel. This stuff gouges easy. I would suggest spending some time researching the other products that are out there.
Just my 2 cents

Bob

Ps..the price difference for us from wood to trex was about 4.5k

[SnoPro440]

Have you thought about going with aluminum decking?  I did my deck with Trex a couple years ago and I like it, but I really wanted the aluminum decking.  It supposedly stays cooler in the sun and is also supposed to be 100% waterproof so if your deck is high enough off of the ground you would be able to store stuff under it.  Here is a link to one of many different companies that sell the aluminum stuff. It's not cheap either.

http://www.ariddek.com/

[RECHRGD]

Hmmm, never though about aluminum.  But, I don't think I would like the solid look and possible ice in the freeze/thaw months.  Bob

[PocketThunder]

Have you thought about going with aluminum decking?  I did my deck with Trex a couple years ago and I like it, but I really wanted the aluminum decking.  It supposedly stays cooler in the sun and is also supposed to be 100% waterproof so if your deck is high enough off of the ground you would be able to store stuff under it.  Here is a link to one of many different companies that sell the aluminum stuff. It's not cheap either.

http://www.ariddek.com/

Damn that stuff is cool.  You should recognize this picture from their website.

[PocketThunder]

Hmmm, never though about aluminum.  But, I don't think I would like the solid look and possible ice in the freeze/thaw months.  Bob

Just put heat under it Bob.  From their website " In the winter, our outdoor decking can handle at least 50 lbs of snow per square foot and, to allow for maximum use during the winter, heating strips can be easily installed to keep your aluminum deck dry and ice-free."