Composite Decking

AbeBarker

What do you guys know and think of "Lattitude" decking in comparison to "Timbertech"? The product is roughly 40 cents cheaper per lineal foot. I'm tempted to go this route on a deck I'm doing but would hate to put an inferior product on a job that I promised high quality on.

marc

I think lattitude decking is far superior to Timberteck. We've been using it for a couple of years now and realy like it.

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Marc

AbeBarker

I wonder why the "know it alls" didn't bite on this topic?

bigchaz

try posting it in the decking section so more deck people will see it

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Charlie Soden
Apex DeckSavers
"New life for old wood"
Deck cleaning and staining Wake County

RobertCDF

Never seen lattidues decking... So I have no comment. But I reccomend Correct Deck CX if that is any help, its not the cheapest but its worth it.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

BuiltByMAC

No need to be an A$$, just post "bump" if you want your post to stick around. Calling us "know-it-alls" ain't gonna make you too many friends where I come from.

You've already started the project
which means you've already signed a contract with type of decking specified, didn't you? Or do your contracts just state "high quality decking"? What HO would sign something that vague?

...now half way into the project you want to know if you can put a cheaper deck board down to make yourself an extra $100? (Generalized number found by $.40/ln. ft. savings on a 500 sq. ft. deck)

WTF? If you said you'd build with TimberTech, build with TimberTech. Get the Lattitudes board from your rep and play with it on your own time, not on your customer's dime...

Do you feel like your topic's been bitten now?

Mac

AbeBarker

Allrighty then, Thanks for the bite Cowboy. Would you like a copy of my contract to read for better amusement?
Timber tech was never stated in the contract, just composite decking. I'm new to installing composite decking so I assumed Timber Teck was the way to go. I bid the job a bit too low.

Sorry if my sarcasm got under your skin... nice website by the way.

BuiltByMAC

No sense in re-thinking the contract now, it's been signed.

Having a contract that reads "composite decking" is too vague for me. There is a huge number of boards out there that would fall into that category with a huge variety of prices and qualities.

So you're new to installing composite decking, this may end up being one of those "learning experiences" for you - nobody likes them, everybody goes through them, some survive them.

Some things to think about -
- Make sure you install joists 16" o.c., any wider and your composite boards will dip on hot days. 12" o.c. if you're running the decking on an angle to the joists.
- Still can't comment on Latitudes decking, I've never used it. LP WeatherBest runs me $2.25/ln. ft. here, compared to TT TwinFinish and TREX Accents at 2.60/ln. ft. The Exotic series for both TT and TREX run about $0.40/ln. ft. higher. TREX Contours is their lower priced line, I think it's around $2/ ln. ft.
- Trex, TT and LP WeatherBest all need predrilling on the ends - predrill in the middle for a cleaner look and easier time running screws in.
- FastenMaster and Swan Secure both make color coated head screws - they do a better job of blending in with the boards.
- Read up on gapping the boards and what temperature you're installing them in. Boards spaced too tightly will buckle as they expand.

Thanks for the kudos on my website, that's what I did before getting into construction.

Good luck with your project,

Mac

AbeBarker

I framed the deck out of PT 2x10 @ 16 inch on center. I made the gaps in the decking about 1/8 of an inch spaceing. I found it much quicker to predrill the screw holes. It was 90 degrees out with viscous humidity. So hot me and my helper wanted to punch each other. I'll post some pics if your interested, I'm pretty excited about this job. It will be a big seller in the future.

How do you deal with all the "super chill" people out there?

BuiltByMAC

You've already decked it? What product did you use? And yes, pics are always wanted.
Not sure what you mean...

Mac

pcooper

Timbertech decking has been in the composite deck side for 30+ years it made out of 70%oak 30%pine and plastics and to my knowledge Lattitude decking is made mostly out of pine and recycled plastic.. I would really research the lattitude decking I've heard a lot of good things about timbertech.... make sure you read you install if your a do it yourselfer 1 back cut could cost you 40 bucks... timberteck very superior or pro cell