HDPE VS PVC Decking

wakespere

I've been building boat docks with with mostly IPE and a little bit of treated. I have a customer who wants composite decking. Can someone give me insight into the pros/cons of Bear Board or other HDPE decking and Procell or other PVC decking?

buildenterprise

I haven't used the Bear Board or EPS, so I can't speak to them. I love Azek Deck, and it's all my customers want, once they hear how much better it is than your standard composite.

See the related threads below.

http://www.contractortalk.com/showth...ight=azek+deck

http://www.contractortalk.com/showth...ight=azek+deck

http://www.contractortalk.com/showth...ight=azek+deck

http://www.contractortalk.com/showth...ight=azek+deck

wakespere

thanks for the links. Have you heard anything about the HDPE decking? I noticed on a brochure that anything over 12' needs to be installed with the groove clips due to the expansion .86" (.43 at each end) from 0 to 100 degrees. So I started looking for info on the PVC products....everything just says low expansion rate.

buildenterprise

Yes, I've read that about the eps lumber too. Azek deck can be top screwed or installed with clips, your choice.

mawe54180

I would never recomend HPDE for decking, or anywhere you need a length of ovrer maybe 4'. It just expands and contracts too much. I have seen decks built with this stuff where screws have been sheared off or framing broken due to expansion and contraction. HDPE does have it's uses. We also build docks. We use a 1/2 x 9 1/2 HPDE profile for the side of our docks. Boats can run into it with little damage (to the HDPE), but we would never use it for decking. It also makes a great liner for the back of a dump truck. Nothing sticks to it. As for the decking on the docks we use Liberty Deck (a 100% vinyl decking by OTI) mostly, but we also use a fair amount of Azek.
Mark

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wakespere

Thanks for the info. I found a local supplier for Azek and I'll look into Liberty. I shall not try the HDPE....glad I asked before installing this for a 16' wide dock side.

hailey

Don't overlook Brock dock...best slip resistance in the industry.

deckspec

HDPE high density polyethylene lumber can vary greatly in appearance and quality mostly depending on amount of recycled materail. As such it is difficult to compare, if you are looking for a nice looking board with no defects and voids you will have to settle for a less green (all virgin) product, while if you are trying to save the enviroment a RHPDE board with a great deal of recyled plastic will likley look much less pleasing to the eye. As the trend in compoistes and syntheics is good looks over recycled content you will likely be pleased with the current offerings and a qualtiy HDPE will compare nicely to a cellualr PVC board.

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paul
http://www.deckspecialists.com/