SIGNIFICANT WATER POOLING ACROSS NEW DECK SURFACE We recently had a deck built with TimberTech Azek and it looks great. The product was recommended by our contractor and Big Creek Lumber. It is not cheap, nor was the installation ($40,000+). We had realistic expectations, but now we have problems. PROBLEMS: We have significant water pooling/cupping from a couple rains and some heavy mist. (I've also noticed dried dirt marks left behind when it finally dries, but that's a secondary issue.) CUSTOMER SERVICE: I reached out via phone to a representative from the website. He assured me that some "beading" was natural and over time this would stop. When it didn't stop, I reached out to my contractor because this is not "beading"; this is pooling. I waited a few more weeks and after more pooling from heavy mist and fog, I reached out to my contractor. My conscientious contractor said he has used this material before and has not seen or heard of the issue from any of his clients. He promptly gave me his rep's name and number. The rep said she's had no issues over the past 2 years and she would check—with someone—at the company. She emailed saying that "beading" was normal at first. I sent her deck photos of: Pooling/cupping from rain comparing my neighbor's dry, non-cupping, deck (with another composite-type product). So side by side, at the same time of day, with same weather conditions and sun exposure, my neighbor's deck was dry while mine was significantly pooling with standing water along the entire surface. I also sent a photo of significant pooling/cupping from heavy mist. I have asked the rep for a timeline of when this should stop or resolve itself. I haven't heard back yet and am concerned. A site search brought me to this page with the following: TimberTech's stated superiority over wood decking cupping. Product promotion that helps prevent cupping. Suggestions to dry your deck with a squeegee or mop when there is standing water. Dangers of "standing water," becoming slick (falling danger) and damage to the wood substructure. In summary, the site does not come out and admit pooling/cupping, but it talks about dangers and care of standing water. WHERE TO GO FROM HERE: I'll be calling the rep and asking for a site visit asap, unless anyone else has a suggestion.

As a decking contractor we have dealt with multiple homeowners in your exact situation! There so many options out there and it can be very confusing. We primarily work a brand called TimberTech. They have multiple lines of deck however for your situation we would recommend the earthwood Terrain or Tropical collections. The Terrain is an entry level decking which we have installed on a number of projects! this is a great option for someone who doesn't want a huge price tag but still wants the low maintenance deck. The Tropical is a good mid price point camped composite that is a bit nicer looking as it mimics hard woods. The best part is both collections have a 25 year stain and fade warranty! Hope this helps!

You can buy composite material from any local lumber yard. As the deck goes I wouldn't break it up into a 2 tier deck especially that size unless you have 2 exit points from the house on 2 different levels and a step-down is a must. Do you have a picture of the house where the deck is going? That would be helpful.

Our beautiful Trex deck was just built last month right in time for a July 4th bbq. We chose the Transcends Lineage Rainier color because it doesn’t get as hot as the other levels of Trex. It does still feel hot on bare feet but our dog and cat don’t seem to mind it as they love laying on the deck in the afternoon sun. We love the modern neutral color and texture. It’s very easy to clean with a hose, but water does pool on the surface until it evaporates. I’m impatient, so I tend to put a towel under my feet and dance around as the towel wipes up the water. It hasn’t felt slippery, either, a good thing since it rains here a lot in the PNW. After our deck builder finished the joists and support beams my husband and I waterproofed by adding joist and beam tape to the joist top edges before the Trex planks were installed. It took us a few hours for a 12’x24’ deck. The Trex warranty is for 50 years so we wanted the joists to last as long as possible. I love that we won’t have to baby it!