I have my plans "mostly" complete. You can see them currently here:

http://webpages.charter.net/heidewexell/deckplan1.2/

That version is actually slightly old and I have newer plans on my computer at work. Will try to post them tomorrow night (can't get to the forums from work).

Anyway, here are my main questions:

1. Ipe, cumaru, or tigerwood? I know this forum loves ipe, but cumaru is significantly cheaper, and tigerwood looks pretty interesting with its stripes. I am guessing that as long as I am careful, I can reduce most of the checking that occurs with cumaru.

2. Originally, the deck was going to be all PT. We really wanted to do 6x6 railing posts (easy to get with PT) with railing between the posts, but I haven't found anyone with prices for 6x6 hardwood posts, and I imagine they are very expensive. I could clad a PT 4x4 with 1x6 hardwood, but I suspect that is going to look goofy, and I still need post-caps which in my opinion will never look as nice as the beveled and grooved 6x6. Any alternatives? How does a stained PT 6x6 look against an ipe deck? Cedar?

Anyone know what they used here:

http://www.trimscrew.com/PHOTO-8.htm

3. Balusters. This is turning out to be one of the most expensive parts of the deck. Ipe balusters are horribly expensive from everything i've seen. Aluminum would actually be cheaper. Cumaru isn't bad. Most places only sell 26" aluminum balusters. I'd need at least 36" on this deck since the rail will be at 42". I don't want a 36" rail on this since parts of it will be 10' off the ground. Any thoughts on options?

4. Looking at my plans, any glaring issues?

Thanks in advance!

Wes in STL.

Here is a link that might be useful: My deck plans