Hey thanks for the responses. I've decided to install a small concrete pad next to the deck and build a platform (the elevation of the deck at this point is under 24 inches and won't impede airflow under the deck) to permanently house the smoker and grill. It'll be kind of like an outdoor kitchen. Thanks again, Bryan

Thank John! that is what i ended up doing... finished sanded the top, and used TWP 100, you wet on wet with a lambs wool wipe down. ipe is sooooo good looking.. I will get it mounted on the base tomorrow and it should be ready for cocktails this weekend. coasters or course :) which will probable only occur the first weekend, and then just plan on a yearly refinish. lol

Hi My, To answer your question. No, I don't have a per Sq. ft figure, but my deck is about 430 square feet. I purchased about 550sq ft. of materials from www.ipedepot.com, 5/4 6" pre-grooved ipe decking mixed lengths and the stainless steel clips (5 boxes) 80 feet of the large hand rail caps (deck railing) and about 10 feet of the small rail caps (Stairs)and solid 4X4 ipe posts for about $5800 including shipping to Long Island, NY. You should check out Gearge@eastteak for comporable pricing as well. I also spent another $1500 on the substructure (concrete and the ACQ PT pine) and about $6000 for the labor. Deck was completed in two weeks from start to finish. The glass balusters were purchased serperately @ $53.00 per box. MSRP $89.99 and each box has 5 pieces of balusters and exact hardware for each of the 5 panes. The lights are from hpdlighting.com and the tiffany post caps are about $25.00 per cap (non lighted). I customized the caps to have them lit up... Hope this helps? -Alex

@Patricia Colwell Can you tell me why you prefer wood? Me too, but my in-laws got a composite deck & they love it and my husband thinks it will last longer (right now we have an old and neglected wood deck that was repainted many times). My in-laws got sort of a light grey composite and what I really don't like is that it has simulated 'wood grain' - I don't like it when materials pretend to be something they aren't, esp fake wood. I suppose I could stand having composite that didn't 'put on airs' as it were, but I still prefer wood. Anyway I would love to hear your thoughts, sorry to hijack this thread!