So; my boat dock/deck got all jacked up in the flood that hit Hoover in October and time to replace. Trying to make the decision on whether to do the decking in wood or composite?
Of course the price vs maintenance is a consideration; but other thoughts from those here that have experience owning or building both?
Thanks!

My dock on Smith Lake had $39,000.00 in damage back in March when a snatch block failed and the cable snapped. They had to rebuild my 75’ walk on. The dock repair guy told me it was $1,000.00 more for trekking vs wood. I used the trekking material just to keep from having to pressure wash and stain that SOB every year.

I have had composite on my dock on Logan Martin for 15 years and have never had to do anything to it other than pressure wash it the 4 or 5 times it has flooded over the dock. The flooding has never damaged the composite or pulled it out.

Only problem I have ever had with composite is in the summer direct sun it got so hot you couldn’t walk bare foot on it. Has held up 15 years now so far.

I have sand colored synthetic decking and it is great; barefoot is not an issue in the summer. If flooding is an issue, maybe look at a Through-Flow type decking. I have it on my walkout, but this is a coastal dock.

If you go with composite, make sure the contractor is clear beforehand that you want every screw hole pre-drilled and counter-sunk. If they just run the screws in like regular lumber, it makes an ugly mess.

For those that used composite; which brand product did you use.

Even with the composite head screws. I thought the way the head is made it would just pull down tight and flush or a little below surface. I'm talking about the composite screw with the small round cylinder type head. Just asking for future knowledge as I got a deck I need to redo the deck boards on in the near future.

If you decide on wood, do not use decking boards. Use 2x6 that is cca treated. Do not waste your money on regular treated wood from Lowe's or home depot.

Trex is a good brand but expensive . If you go with composite you have to have the Cross members on 16" center with 2by 6 you can go 24"

Well, we just returned from our trip to Coastal Maine; which was fantastic. We will be back.
While there we stayed at a very nice B&B in Boothbay and the owner had re-done his decks and porches with composite. He used Fiberon; which I believe is a Home Depot product. The outside, uncovered, deck was done 5 years ago. The covered porch was just done last year and you could not tell the difference; no fading at all after 5 years. I really liked how he trimmed the perimeter in painted pressure treated wood; nice touch. May look into these design.
And; yes, the breakfast was delicious!!

I resurfaced two decks at my house (625 Sq ft) with trex several years ago.

Great choice. I wouldn't hesitate at all. Of course, this is a deck, not a dock.

I used their premium product at the time, I think it was called transcend. $ but worth it.

You're good with 16" on center joists. On steps, 16" will work but 12" will be better. When I took off the decking, my deck steps had 24" joists, so I just added one in the middle to make it 12".

The decking and structure by the lake is going to be completely demolished and re-built from scratch. The deck off my house( when I re-do them) are older 24" centers and will need additional support. I don't think that meets code anymore; anyway? Thanks

How's those deck boards attached?

Hidden fasteners. FastenMaster, TigerClaw, BlackClips, etc…there’s several brands to choose from


WeW 3006- I love the contrasting colors especially when the decks step up/step down. Beautiful place y’all were staying at

Trex has a hidden fastener too

That’s a nice looking deck. That may be the closest to a real wood look that I’ve seen.