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Porches & Decks

Total cost ipe vs Azek , labor and materials?

12 years ago

We are trying to decide on decking material for a 12' x 20' deck.

We had originally planned on Azek for it's low maintenance but since reading posts on this forum, we're realizing that we may not be happy with its' tendency to stain, mildew, etc.

Ipe seems like another great choice. We have estimates from several contractors to do the deck in Azek. My question is how much would the cost vary if we decided to use ipe instead? From what I understand, the composites are often more time- consuming to install so the labor costs are higher.

Would appreciate any insight and/or any other suggestions for materials. Thank you.

Featured Answer

lmalm53

12 years ago

We are also in the process of deciding on new decking materials. I was told by one of the larger local decking companies that Azek is more expensive than the composites, IPE or Tiger hardwoods. The price of the newer capped composites are apparently more comparable to the hardwoods. Softwoods being at the lower end of the spectrum.

As far as actual labor costs I'm not sure which material is more time consuming to install. I have been told the tropical woods are so dense they have to be drilled for installation of all components, rails, fastening systems etc. The composites and particularly 100% PVC products like Azek may require 12" centers instead of the standard 16" centers if you don't like feeling/seeing any "give" in the deck surface between the support framework.

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Comments (7)

dooer
12 years ago
For a deck that size the installed cost should not vary that much.

Ipe is a little harder to install but that is offset by the cost of hidden fastners. Material cost should be similar.

Mark
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Thanks for the reply John, I do appreciate it. Keeping it off the ground and covered shouldn't be a problem. How long do you think I should have it on site before I do the install? Is a week sufficient, or is it a, the longer the better type of thing. One other thing, from what I can tell the consensus here is to face fasten with SS. My deck will be about 4 feet off the ground at it's lowest point up against the house, and between 5 and 7 feet at it's highest points on the corners. I know clips are a gamble, but do think using the Tiger Claws in this situation would be a bad bet to make. My house faces east so I get morning and afternoon sun up until about 2pm, if that matters. Thanks again for your time.
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dilly_ny
12 years ago
My GC told me installation cost would be the same for Ipe or Azek. These are the only two products he will use for decks. From what my GC told me, the materials are priced comparably, but he told me the azek pieces are smaller (maybe that's why its more labor for you?). I will try to find the material prices he told me as I am paying for materials myself.

If you need a permit / design plan for your deck, it is important to know that the base of an Ipe deck is designed differently than the base of the Azek (I think boards run a different direction?). For me, if I choose the Azek, I will need to have my architect revise my plan.

They have Ipe installed by our beach and it looks great, so we are going with Ipe. Plus, I like the natural material aspect better. Good Luck!
cmm6797
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for the feedback. We've decides to go with Azek for many reasons. Hope it works out well!
dooer
12 years ago
If you are going with Azek, make sure you place the joists on 12" centers, or you may be unhappy.
rice.and.stone
12 years ago
wondering what the results were on your Azek install?
any way to post links to photos of your project?
any notes (good/bad) to be aware of?

there are some other composite materials now on the market made of rice husks and bamboo. wondering if you have experience or feedback on these.
cmm6797
Original Author
12 years ago
Riceandstone,
We ended up using Gossen, which is another composite material. We decided on that mainly because it came in a color that we wanted and it appeared less "plastic" looking than the other composites. It was slightly more expensive than Azek. The boards are attached with tongue and groove screws, so not visible from the top of the boards . A neighbor used the same material and has lived with it for several years without any complaints. Our contractor, whom we trust, basically convinced us that composites were the way to go. I have seen decks from ipe and although they are beautiful, some look "mildewed.". I'm sure that can be avoided by routine maintenance but we were hoping for minimal maintenance.

The floor of the deck is Gossen, but the railing is Azek. And we used cedar for the large posts ( stained gray). I will post pictures when I can.

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