Hi! I saw your posting on my earlier question about Weatherbest. Our contractor, whom we have known for years and trust, recommended the Weatherbest. He has built several houses and used it for the decks, and has built several Weatherbest decks for others who all like them (one has huge dogs and their nails don't scratch up the deck boards). We really like the material, and are leaning to composites, but had some sticker shock when it came to the price of putting in the deck (hence my previous posting); after talking with others in our area, this is an average cost for the size of the deck we are installing.

Redhare, thanks for your input. Take a look at this link, though: http://www.homeressources.com/forum/read.php?f=7&i=13797&t=13797&v=f

It's another forum where folks are discussing Weatherbest and Timbertech, with Timbertech clearly coming out on top. Does your contractor say WHY he recommends Weatherbest? Have you or your contractor seen how Weatherbest decks hold up over time (5-10 yrs)?

As I mentioned, we prefer the look of Weatherbest, but are trying to make a good decision...

I know some he has installed are several years old. He really likes the product as a composite and has been using it for several years. I have not seen an older Weatherbest deck, but he has told us that the deck for his friends with the huge dogs is several years old and still looks great--no scratches, warping, etc. We also like the look of the Weatherbest.

I read that discussion you posted also in my research, and have pretty much decided that all composites have plusses and minuses (OK trex has way more minuses!) and that we are going to go with the one we like the look and feel of best. It is such an investment, we too want to make a good decision--sometimes I feel the more I look into it the more confusing it is!

Plus Weatherbest has Consumer Reports recommendation (I know many do not favor CR, but we have used it as a tool and have had great success with their recommended products).

We built a Timbertech deck last summer. It's been through one New England winter. Looks great, we love it. No fading that I can see (our deck is partly in full sun and partly under some trees.)

I really obsessed over the choice of composite material too. I think there are several practically comparable products, and you should just the pick the one whose color/texture you like the best. We had already decided on Timbetech when our carpenter told us that was his favorite product too.

FYI, we do not baby this deck. We drag furniture across it and I shoveled snow off it all last winter using a snow shovel with a plastic (not metal) edge, and have noticed some slight marks (not even scuffs to the texture), but the whole thing is aging into a nice patina :o)

On occasion, the dogs have eaten greasy bones out there which left some stains, but I spritzed with some 409 and rinsed, and the marks went away. If you are concerned with marking or staining, I suggest that you pick up some samples of the products on your short list, bring them home and kick them around and spill stuff on them.

Good luck with your decision, I would NEVER build a wood-surface deck after my experience with this type of product.

Susan

TT has very few call backs,or YO YOS, as we call them.Its been that way with my Jobs for several years. Folks like Susan just keep them clean, other Folks get real huffy because they have to do that thats about the only thing I get yelled at for.

Anything left outside in the weather is going to have to be kept clean.

Side Note>>> Do not belive Anything comsumer report mag has to say, it has such a liberal radical left wing slant the only thing with even the close to right info was the go around on rubbers, uppers I mean condoms. J

I toiled over the same decision couple years back. So far, weatherbest has held up fine. I chose the premium in gray. No noticeable fading, but have a few scratches. It doesn't look bad though.

Liberal left wing....hey, I resemble that remark! ;-)

Jasper, are you happy with the Weatherbest? Would you pick it again? Thanks!

yes, I'm happy with it. No regrets. After a long winter, I just hosed it off with a garden hose.

Again, I chose gray and my screen porch decking is mostly shaded.
Can't say how well it would perform with more sun exposure.
Just something to consider if fading is a concern.
Hope this helps.
-jasper

Zinc Borate prevents rotting (which is not really a problem with decking because it's not used in ground contact) but doesn't necessarily prevent mildew spots. It also doesn't mean that you won't have to clean the decking occasionally. Both of the products you're considering are good.
You could also look at some of the new ultra-low maintenance decking that's out there if you want to do even less upkeep (i.e. not having to deal with the grease staining mentioned above).

Ok, so we are now leaning toward going with Timbertech (Twinfinish, gray). We are influenced by the folks on this forum, as well as our builder and another reputable builder in our area, who prefer it to other composites. We also like the fact that the plank is comparable in thickness to standard wood deck boards (Weatherbest is noticeably thinner) and that Timbertech has a 25 year warranty (versus Weatherbest's 10 year).

We are going to visit a friend who has a 3-year-old Timbertech deck this weekend and will make the final call after that. Construction begins next week, so please speak now if you have any additional insights!

Have you installed the TimberTech yet? Can you post some photos? During your consideration process have you run across the TimberTech Earthwood and why did you rule it out?

What did you think of your friend's deck? Did you take pictures of it?

All but one of the lumber supply yards in my area have dropped WeatherBest in favor of TimberTech.