Replaced an 18 year old deck this week

C

crpaulk

Retailer
Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
148
I took a job replacing a 600 sq ft, 18 year old, very rotted deck this past week. Lucked out with T-shirt weather in January. I really enjoyed working with old growth cedar instead of the typical PVC, I have done the past few years. I especially like how much lighter it is and more fun to cut and route. I know wood doesn't last as long, but I still prefer it.

Ron
 
It will be interesting to see how long that decking holds up.  It looks like you're in the Pacific nothwest, if that's the case are you worried about the longevity of the cedar?  Even though it's old growth, all those knots make might make me nervous.  I have no experience with old growth cedar so I'd love to hear your thoughts. 
 
Brice Burrell said:
It will be interesting to see how long that decking holds up.  It looks like you're in the Pacific nothwest, if that's the case are you worried about the longevity of the cedar?  Even though it's old growth, all those knots make might make me nervous.  I have no experience with old growth cedar so I'd love to hear your thoughts. 
Click to expand...

The TK Cedar deck that I replaced was 18 years old. My guess is that if the cedar is sealed every year,  it will last 15-20 years. I always recommend Timber Tech's PVC with hidden fasteners, but at 3x the cost of Cedar, it is a hard sell. As a carpenter, I much prefer working with real wood, but I know the better product is PVC.

TK Cedar decks have been used in the NW for a very long time and have proven themselves.

Ron
 
William Herrold said:
Nice looking deck! Just wondering how "old growth" is defined in this case?
Click to expand...

This is Old Growth Coastal Red Cedar for B.C.. It is the real deal and managed well. I read the cut plan was like 1000 years.

Note: My point was not what deck to use. I have been using PVC for years and rarely have the opportunity to work with wood anymore. I just thought other carpenters would understand the feel of real wood over all the plastic stuff. Plain and simple, I like cutting, shaping, drilling and building with wood more than anything else.

Ron
 
Wood is good  [big grin]

Looks like a nice area, love the views.  I presume you are going to add a handrail to this deck at some point  [blink]
 
I have not had anyone pick out a man made deck board, since I started carrying around SA hardwood samples.

I am working on a little Ipe front porch right now.

I have pictures, but they are on my phone and not the easiest to post them on this forum.

I love wood, I hate PT lumber.

Cedar does not last much longer then PT around here.
 
I have not had anyone pick out a man made deck board, since I started carrying around SA hardwood samples.
Click to expand...

The difference is almost like a granite counter or formica, a travertine floor or linoleum.

Tom
 
Tom,

I could not have said it better myself.

Tom Bellemare said:
I have not had anyone pick out a man made deck board, since I started carrying around SA hardwood samples.
Click to expand...

The difference is almost like a granite counter or formica, a travertine floor or linoleum.

Tom
Click to expand...
 
woodguy7 said:
Wood is good  [big grin]

Looks like a nice area, love the views.  I presume you are going to add a handrail to this deck at some point  [blink]
Click to expand...

Yes, I am having a powder coated aluminum/glass rail fabricated.
 
Ron. Yep nothing beets working with wood. Nice job

No railing?  Looks high up or is that next project ?
 
Glass will look great. I did one glass one several years ago.  Where's your table!!
 
honeydokreg said:
Glass will look great. I did one glass one several years ago.   Where's your table!!
Click to expand...

It was in the truck. I had everything put away before I took the photos. I worked out of the mobile shop mostly on this job, not much need for the table as I used the table saw in the mobile shop. With short days, it was nice to just lock the truck/shop and go home. The truck/mobile shop stayed on the job from day one until complete. My wonderful wife dropped me off in the morning and picked me up in the afternoon. My cell phone did not have reception either, so I had peace and quite and could focus on the wood:) My wife, on the other hand, started a complete top to bottom remodel on a town home and was busy with the subs. She knows more about building than I do, is much better looking, and nicer. She did book me to do all of the finish labor starting Monday without asking. She doesn't pay me, but she feeds me well and buys me good cigars.

Ron
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Undecided on impact driver
2 3
Replies
45
Views
17K
ghostofhoward
G
Frank Pellow
A child's log building kit mostly made from old fence boards
2 3
Replies
58
Views
55K
ghart33
G
Back
Top