Deck: need ideas/help

[sniper7]

I am thinking of putting a deck on the back of the house and am looking for some input. I will be doing it myself (no decking experience) but will have several family members who know what they are doing help me out!

right now I have a 10x10 slab off the back of the house. It is poured right next to the foundation. On top of that right at the sliding glass door is a small 3x3 roughly slab poured as a step. It is 7" tall. I have 6" from the top of that to the bottom of the door.

I only want the deck to go out the 10' away from the house. Along the house I have an addition 6' to the south and 8'4" to the edge of the house to the north.

i don't have to go to the south and would be happy with a deck that is 18'4"x10'. Then I wouldnt have to move as many sprinklers and makes my life a little easier.

So, I'm looking for ideas and insight as to what the best decking material is, what kind of cost I am looking at, if I need to pour more cement for the framework or another slab.

[ray1970]

The synthetic stuff will last forever but it's spendy. My deck is 10'x16' and to do it with the synthetic was going to run me about $3,000. And that was years ago. Cedar or redwood are your next best options. Probably half that cost. I did mine with pine and treat it every year. Cost me about $400.

[sniper7]

Yeah I was just looking at Home Depot, one piece 16' long 5 1/2" wide was $36....wtf! so I would be looking at $800 in just the top wood (no framework) for a 10x16. This is the veranda composite from Home Depot. Trex is more expensive than that.

so I assume $1000 in just top wood. What do I need for supports/frame? Is that regular wood or is that composite stuff as well?

[Jamnanc]

This is not at all helpful. Enjoy. Kiwi deck sealant. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hkmeoYKYctw

[Jamnanc]

There are some good pointers in this one though. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nz82fjXqFQ4

[asmo]

Go with Trex/Synthetic for the top.. Buy once, cry once.. Still use good wood for the framing and the runners. I put a trex deck on 10 years ago - still looks brand new.

[sniper7]

Those are pretty funny!

[sniper7]

Go with Trex/Synthetic for the top.. Buy once, cry once.. Still use good wood for the framing and the runners. I put a trex deck on 10 years ago - still looks brand new.

That is definitely the way I am going. I am leaning toward the Veranda decking from Home Depot. A good bit cheaper than trex and a cool mounting system so no screws into the composite. I like the no maintenance aspect. I don't want to have to stain and seal and all that crap.

[sniper7]

Just found this: anybody use this stuff or have an opinion on it?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_403875-46086...7C1&facetInfo=

[newracer]

On my new house I got Moisture Shield decking, it's awesome but not cheap.