What is a more durable material to replace a wood porch floor?
The wooden porch floor is starting to rot and chip--again. Is there a doable replacement with something other than wood?
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You could replace your porch floor with a product such as Trex. It is a man-made product that looks like wood, but is more durable. It is typically used to build decks, etc. There are other brands available as well, and you should be able to find them at your local home center. This product comes in many different finishes so you can match your home. Be prepared, though...it is a bit pricey....but the fact that it is basically no maintenance helps take the sting out of the price.
Replace it with a composite, they sell it at hardware stores. The friends that I know that have done this have been very pleased and it has held up well. (Composites, like Trex, TimberTech, CorrectDeck, and Veranda, to name a few, are composed primarily of wood fibers and recycled plastic. The result is an extremely weather- and stain-resistant board that won't splinter, warp, rot or split.)
I've had my TREX porch and deck for 17 years, despite my builder not wanting to use it. It is so wonderful. I have used a tiny paint roller on a long handle every other year to apply vinegar to kill the moss because of the deep shade. No rotting boards or slippery surface like wood. Yes it is hot when you are barefoot, but so is dark concrete. Spend the extra money, it is so worth it in the end.