Matt

There's a search feature here at the gardenweb. If you use it, you won't find much support for trex, but you will find a few messages extolling the virtues of Ipe.
Don't make the wrong decision on this one Matt.
Ipe

steve

Thanks for the reply. I am definately leaning towards Ipe but just wanted to see what other information could be offered about my choices or any other alternatives. I have looked at several of the posts here concerning Ipe but most of them deal with issues or problems people are having with it (primarily issues concerning the installation of it such as shrinkage and staining problems). You're right too, there is not very much at all here about Trex or any other synthetic decking for that matter. Like I said, I am almost on the Ipe bandwagon but I would hate to spend a couple thousand dollars and end up with a material that I, or even worse my wife, regret using. That doesn't sound like it would happen with Ipe as long as I install it properly and do the annual maintainance. Thanks again for the input.

Matt

Matt, The search feature must not work too good cause there's been plenty on composite & trex in particular, almost none of good either.

If you notice the folks with ipe problems are the ones using hidden fasteners or had some inexperienced person install it.

Do the smart thing & go with ipe.

Al

Thanks again for the feedback guys. I went and picked up 1/2 of my Ipe order today. The other half was too long for my truck and being a weekend no one at the lumber yard was able to cut it down for me right now. Unfortunately the pieces that I couldn't get today are the ones I need first. In any case I am looking forward to getting started later this week after I get the rest of the wood.

My gameplan - based mainly on advice and posts on this website - is to cut the wood to size applying sealer (Rhino Deck End Grain Sealer) to the ends as I go and then apply Penofin Exotic Wood sealer to all sides of the boards. Then I will pre-drill each screw hole before attaching them with 2-1/2" stainless square-drive screws. I am not planning on gluing the boards to the framework unless someone tells me it is necessary. Am I missing anything in my plans? Usually I am not so concerned about exact procedures but with Ipe being so expensive and sensitive to how it is installed plus having never worked with the wood before I want to make sure I do it right the first time. Anyone have any other hints or suggestions for me?

Thanks,

Matt