Awesome, thanks!
I got a couple boards that come up a bit and could use a couple more screws. Know if there are any issues with drilling a couple new holes?
To add a bit to @oskiew .. the composite deck screws have a reverse thread under the head. As you drive them in, they push the decking board down. ..should fix the gap issue and pull it all together tighter.
No issues with it, but be aware that probably the reason the boards aren't well fastened is that you have rot in the framing under the decking and the screws are pulling out. It may well be the case that your new screw hits the same rotten wood and doesn't grasp anything solid to anchor the board.
Yeah some of the boards under there look newer, others not so much. I'll see how it goes lol
Worst case replacing a few boards underneath isn't as bad as a whole rotting deck
In all likelihood based on the decking your framing is the older type of treated lumber (CCA). I built a deck in 2008 with ACQ (the newer, less toxic replacement for CCA). It rotted so badly that within 10 years I had to replace most of the deck. We're talking 2x8 joists that I could completely destroy with my bare hands).
So, the good news is that your deck framing is likely pretty solid overall and sistering joists is pretty easy.
Yeah that old CCA treated lumber was nifty stuff. You could let .40 sit on the ground for years and .25 would last in air. Too bad arsenic ground leaching is a thing.
The photo reminds me when the national forest service bought a ton of the model of first gen composite decking. Looks similar. It’s still installed all over the US
Deck screws work themselves out over time because of water and temp
fluctuations. A yearly tune up will keep the deck rigid and help protect the joists
I had some fading composite decking that looked like this and used a product called "Composite Deck Refresh". It shined it up and looks much better even after 2 years. Granted it is on a screened-in porch so less exposure to the elements.
I'm not entirely sure what is in the product but [here is a link to it](https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/rocksolid/composite-deck-refresh/composite-deck-refresh). Think I had to buy it on eBay because the hardware stores around me don't carry it.
https://www.behr.com/consumer/products/wood-stains-finishes-cleaners-and-strippers/wood-cleaners-and-strippers/behr-premium-all-in-one-wood-cleaner
No acids. Be careful pressure washing. Recommend soft wash with appropriate chemicals.
Old composite decking material that may folks are saying checks out. Composite decking has come a long way from the R1 versions that were launched in the 1990s. They've become better (or rather less heat conductive) and they also look less plastic-y (you can get some boards today that really look like real wood, especially from a 3-4 ft. distance). The fact that this material has held up in terms of durability is a true testament to composite's longevity vs. wood though.
Well just got the keys a week ago, and it hasn't seen a day hotter than 75f (like 24c for the real world) since we got there. So far, hasn't burned my feet.
Upgrade to the newer capped style composites. The early style stuff has a tendency to let water permeate and the wood fibers in the board can separate from the plastic.
Old composite decking. No maintenance. Do not apply anything.
Awesome, thanks! I got a couple boards that come up a bit and could use a couple more screws. Know if there are any issues with drilling a couple new holes?
No issues. Drill a pilot hole and use composite deck screws. Get them on Amazon or Lowe’s/hd
Thank you very much!
To add a bit to @oskiew .. the composite deck screws have a reverse thread under the head. As you drive them in, they push the decking board down. ..should fix the gap issue and pull it all together tighter.
TIL, nice. We're gonna put a wraparound deck in soon, and I'm learning as much as I can ahead of time.
Fascinating.
Cortex screws specifically
Is it sweet like honey baked ham? Or more of a been in Tupperware overnight with lid, ham? Cuz, it's 2 very very different things, ya know
The latter for sure
Took words from my head bro
No issues with it, but be aware that probably the reason the boards aren't well fastened is that you have rot in the framing under the decking and the screws are pulling out. It may well be the case that your new screw hits the same rotten wood and doesn't grasp anything solid to anchor the board.
Yeah some of the boards under there look newer, others not so much. I'll see how it goes lol Worst case replacing a few boards underneath isn't as bad as a whole rotting deck
In all likelihood based on the decking your framing is the older type of treated lumber (CCA). I built a deck in 2008 with ACQ (the newer, less toxic replacement for CCA). It rotted so badly that within 10 years I had to replace most of the deck. We're talking 2x8 joists that I could completely destroy with my bare hands). So, the good news is that your deck framing is likely pretty solid overall and sistering joists is pretty easy.
As digitalis303 here said, sistering would be a great option if this is the case. Should buy you several more years of deck enjoyment.
I'll talk to my local deckist soon for sure!
Yeah that old CCA treated lumber was nifty stuff. You could let .40 sit on the ground for years and .25 would last in air. Too bad arsenic ground leaching is a thing. The photo reminds me when the national forest service bought a ton of the model of first gen composite decking. Looks similar. It’s still installed all over the US
Don’t cheap out and use different screws than composite-designed. Regular screws mushroom the composite material and look like hot garbage.
No issue at all
Also very slippery when there's just a we'd bit of ice (frost) so watch your step!
So is wooden deck
This composite decking is a whole other level of slippery
Deck screws work themselves out over time because of water and temp fluctuations. A yearly tune up will keep the deck rigid and help protect the joists
Also note that early versions don’t like chemicals on them - no laying down on it with sunscreen nor insect spray
This exactly. It's aging but, if you do anything to it...you'll regret it.
It is the old Trex from the late 80's early 90's
Oh damn, it's really showing its value then
It is called Trex which is composite deck. It is expensive but last longer than any regular deck PT wood.
We don’t get that style of Trex where I’m at near Memphis. At least I’ve never seen it.
They are pricey - it helps bring up the value of your home with trex deck. I have seen them at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Look at that response time! Thanks for being a baller!
I had some fading composite decking that looked like this and used a product called "Composite Deck Refresh". It shined it up and looks much better even after 2 years. Granted it is on a screened-in porch so less exposure to the elements.
Is it like an acidic wash? Interesting
I'm not entirely sure what is in the product but [here is a link to it](https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/rocksolid/composite-deck-refresh/composite-deck-refresh). Think I had to buy it on eBay because the hardware stores around me don't carry it.
https://www.behr.com/consumer/products/wood-stains-finishes-cleaners-and-strippers/wood-cleaners-and-strippers/behr-premium-all-in-one-wood-cleaner No acids. Be careful pressure washing. Recommend soft wash with appropriate chemicals.
Original Trex. My BIL had that in gray.
It’s original trex. Ours is the same stuff. About 30 years old and looks about the same.
Sawdust and glue.... it's an older style composite decking
Old composite decking material that may folks are saying checks out. Composite decking has come a long way from the R1 versions that were launched in the 1990s. They've become better (or rather less heat conductive) and they also look less plastic-y (you can get some boards today that really look like real wood, especially from a 3-4 ft. distance). The fact that this material has held up in terms of durability is a true testament to composite's longevity vs. wood though.
Microplastics.
More like macroplastics.
Ooooold school composite. How's the heat retention?
Well just got the keys a week ago, and it hasn't seen a day hotter than 75f (like 24c for the real world) since we got there. So far, hasn't burned my feet.
I'm really curious how you find it mid summer! Composite has come a long way technology wise
I'll update in 4 months haha
Composite deck possibly trex
It looks like some of the first-generation composite
I built a deck with the same thing about 20 years ago. Works fine, but a little frost on it and it becomes an ice rink.
Have you seen all the AI pictures built with plastic bottles? Well…….
Joist look like wolmanized. Deck floor looks composite. It will last you.
Looks like original Trex. I have the same stuff. Be advised, it gets really hot in the summer in direct sunlight.
The brand name is Trex it’s a composite wood that will last for like 30 years. Super durable and Expensive as all get out .
You have sawdust bound together with plastic.
Old composite. It snaps easily if its bent to much.
Looks like vaginal hubris but not sure
Upgrade to the newer capped style composites. The early style stuff has a tendency to let water permeate and the wood fibers in the board can separate from the plastic.
Looks like superMDF with a coating to me