Decking Expert Needed!

looking for someone to do a deck w/composite or some other suggested material that will not allow water to seep through decking. looked under contractors section, but didn't see anyone that specialized in decking, would also like to see photos or comments from anyone in the Atlanta area that has had one done recently for referrals, this is a very large job and important so I need the best of the best to handle it. Thanks!
  9 answers
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Jun 13, 2012
    Unless you are looking for a concrete surface, I don't think you are going to find a "waterproof" deck. Build yourself the deck and then add a Dry Below system that covers the entire underside of the deck and diverts water to down spouts taking all the water away, similar to your regular gutters and downspouts from you roof. They generally run about $12.00 per square foot.
  • Hello Faidra. Landlights said it perfectly. Build yourself a quality deck (composite, brazillian hardwood, pine, etc) and then have a professionally installed deck drain system on the bottom side. It will keep the area nice and dry and is warrantied for the life of the deck. The $12/sf range is perfect for estimating but feel free to contact our office and set up a no-obligation on site quote. www.rainaway.com is the website. Good luck with the deck project
  • Faidra at  CA Global Inc Faidra at CA Global Inc on Jun 14, 2012
    Thanks! I will give you a call RainAway
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Jun 14, 2012
    Fridra...I am a big fan of the select hardwoods also, however when you use ipe or other select hardwood it becomes very, very expensive. I am in the process of refinishing our 800 SF deck that is over 25 years old. It is constructed of old fashion 2 X 6 PT pine and the boards that I am replacing are of Kiln Dried 2 X 6 PT pine and will be finished with Restore Deck Finish. I"ve done extensive research on the product and convinced that the deck will look great in 10 years or so when we sell. I will be posting photos of the process. I would suggest that you use the # 2 grade PT time, let it dry for 4 to 6 months and then apply the two coats of Restore.....I bet you'll be happy with the results. Gary
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 15, 2012
    Ipe is not that bad cost wise when you take into consideration its life span. Ipe may cost twice as much as say...premium redwood.... but it will last 5 times a long. 2 of 3 other wood and or composite decks will cost more than an Ipe deck as well...keep in mind that the labor to rebuild needs to be factored in as well.
  • Faidra at  CA Global Inc Faidra at CA Global Inc on Jun 21, 2012
    Landlights, I was considering the restore, but two painters said it was very rough on the feet, had a popcorn effect on flooring and if your boards aren't perfectly separated you can see the flaws...KMS, I am getting quotes on IPE as the brazilian wood is beautiful
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 21, 2012
    Ipe is just one of the hardwoods used for decking...around here I can get Brazilian Redwood at about $1.50 less per lineal foot than the Ipe...it is my second favorite choice. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/4496620455/in/set-72157623787655500/
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Jun 21, 2012
    Faidra....the finish can be back brushed and it is a less textured effect. There is no popcorn effect If you want to drive to Roswell to inspect my deck, please let me know.