My brother built such an animal about 8 years ago out of recycled plastic if memory serves me correctly. He got it in 20 foot sections which he cut in half, the steps railings and everything I believe is made out of the same material and it's holding up very well through the Pennsylvania winters. So for what it's worth it should last down there for quite a long time to come. David Ferrin Personal Email Address [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dale Campbell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2007 11:22 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] composite decking
Okay All, Grab your hammers, crowbars, and tool belts. We have a little project going on here. I am getting ready to embark on building a 24 by 32 foot deck. We had a patio cover installed by A Anthony Alum. Phil interviewed him a year or so back after he installed our solar screens. He does patio covers too. To the deck. I wanted to use this new composite decking. It is made by many different companies. Some use plastic, rice flour, and wood powder. One brand, Choice, uses plastic and hardwood sawdust. Bottom line, it is resistant to decay, termites, shrinkage and expansion, and all those other things that will attach wood. The negative thing is it has to be built, or laid, on regular wood. The stuff doesn't have the strength to support much weight. Kind of like putting bald tires on a new Porshe. The decking comes in sizes from 12 to 20 feet, in 2 foot increments. 16 footers sell for 30 bucks a piece. This job will require about 55 of them. I was toying with the idea of still using the decking for the frame too. A sixteen foot piece of treated lumber, 2 by 6, is about 10 bucks compared to 30. It will last about 20 to 25 years. That will make as old as Phil when it needs to be repaired. Or we might not even live here by then! Anyway, google composite decking for some interesting info. Most companies sell railings, posts, and 2 by 4 supports for railings around the deck. Again, all are in 42 inch lengths. I will put some beer in the cooler, have a flask available for Mr. Parr, and toss some ribs and maybe a brisket on the old smoker. I have to tear up an old deck, move the planks to the attic for flooring, and then start the new construction. Here we go... Dale To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
