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.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with Wolf decking products? I am about to have a new deck built and am leaning towards using the Wolf tropical hardwood pvc decking. I was planning on using Azek but after seeing the Wolf samples side by side I really like the look of the Wolf. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

I'd like to recommend cumaru. It's a natural wood product, but unlike cedar or pine you don't have to paint or stain it. It will turn gray without stain, which may or may not be what you want. It's far more durable than PVC or composites, with a proven lifespan of 50 years. The price varies depending on the width and thickness of the boards you choose, but for the boards themselves you're looking at low-to-mid $2000s for 300 square feet (and we offer free shipping). https://www.advantagelumber.com/cumaru_decking.htm You could also consider any of the other decking species we sell. They'll have similar performance, and all of them will turn a similar gray if left untreated. Here's an idea of what that will look like:

I used Azek to make a white picket fence(you can use regular woodworking tools to cut/shape it) around two sides of our small patio. enough material for 36' of 36" high pickets spaced 8" apart cost over $200. Three things. The chips from sawing/shaping have to be vacuumed up. The squirrels loved to chew on the picket tops, requiring replacement of several. The fence is under a roof, but open to weather, facing east and south. Twice a year, I have to clean of a greenish mildewy stuff. The whole point in using the Azek was to have no maintenance. I have three other similar fences made with PT wood which are primed and painted. I only have to repaint them about every 3-4 years.