I’ve seen some folks get discouraged after a few years of sanding and resealing.
Yeah, I hear you. I used reclaimed fir for my last deck—looked amazing, but the upkeep is real. After year three, I started questioning my life choices every time I pulled out the sander. Thermally modified wood is interesting though. My neighbor put in an ash deck last summer and it still looks brand new, even after a rough winter. Less maintenance so far, but time will tell if it really holds up.
Thermally modified wood is interesting though. My neighbor put in an ash deck last summer and it still looks brand new, even after a rough winter.
I’ve been curious about thermally modified stuff, too. Honestly, part of me wonders if it’s really as eco-friendly as it sounds, considering the energy used to treat it. Still, not having to sand every year is tempting. Anyone tried composite boards made from recycled plastic? I’ve seen mixed reviews and not sure if they’re actually lower maintenance long-term.
Thermally modified wood definitely looks sharp, but I get what you mean about the eco claims. The energy input isn’t nothing, and it’s not like you’re just chopping down a tree and calling it a day. I actually went with composite boards made from recycled plastic last year—mostly for the “set it and forget it” factor. They’re not totally maintenance-free, but no splinters, and I don’t have to stain or seal every season. Only thing is, they can get pretty hot in the sun and the color does fade a bit over time. For me, the trade-off was worth it, especially since I hate sanding...
I totally get the appeal of composites—my neighbor put them in and hasn’t looked back, especially since he’s got kids running barefoot all summer. The heat thing is real, though. I remember stepping onto his deck last July and it was like walking on a frying pan. I went with FSC-certified cedar myself, figuring it’d be easier to refinish down the road if needed, but yeah, the upkeep is kind of a pain. Still, there’s something about real wood that feels right to me, even if it means more elbow grease every spring.
- Totally hear you on the upkeep with cedar—did a flip last year with a redwood deck and it was gorgeous, but man, sanding and sealing took forever.
- Composites are tempting for low maintenance, but that heat issue’s no joke. Had buyers walk barefoot during a summer showing and immediately noped out.
- Real wood just has a vibe, though. Sometimes I wonder if the trade-off is worth it for the resale value...