We actually decided to go with Tigerwood. We got three bids, one for TT Earthwood w/their Radiance Rail, one for 5/4*6 TGW w/ the Radiance Rail, and one for 1*6 TGW w/ the radiance rail. The TT was a couple thousand more than the 1*6. And the rail was over 1/3 the cost. We've decided Tigerwood b/c of cost and b/c the contractor thinks it's tougher and will do better with our dogs. TT is less maintenance, but the maintenance on TGW still seems minimal other than the parefin (SP?) sealing it needs. Plus, we just like wood better, so the cost consideration definitely pushed us toward the tigerwood. As far as the PVC, I was interestd, but it's just sooo fake looking. My husband would have never gone for it.

So in reading it sounded like TimberTech is generally considered to be a decent product and possibly Azek. True? Which TimberTech product are you looking at? I've been very happy with XLM on my deck. It's very hard and doesn't scratch or stain. It's PVC so it pretty much does look like plastic - though it has a faux woodgrain finish on one side. I think Azek is also PVC so it is probably comparable. I also looked at CorrectDeck CX and it looked good - not sure if it is still available. Is there anything particularly tricky about installing either of these or can my good GC do the job? I would think just about anybody could do it - I used the same contractor that did my porch, siding, and roof. You do need to do something with the ends of the boards because you can see the "structure" - picture frame or something. They make a matching fascia board for this and that is what I used. I also used the hidden fasteners and grooved boards. Approximately what is the cost of this material compared with others? I think I paid $3.XX per board-foot - but that was several years ago. It was more expensive than composite.

thanks millworkman, i do know there is some maitenence with TT but i feel alot less than IPE. we got the quote for material, DH is doing work, and all i can say is "OUCH"!!!! we are not doing railings, deck is low, just running a step around most of deck (two sides). every expensive!! and azek is even more!!!! frankly not really comfortable enviromental wise to use IPE, 1st its coming out of the rainforest and second the shipping to get it here. this my personal opinion. its just amazing the prices they charge. the conceal screws are 3xs the price as top loc. just outrageous.. so we are re-thinking it but might not have too many more choices. why does everything have to be so hard???? any other advice on other material would be appreciated!! TIA

We’re in the same situation and have several friends that have built with TimberTech and it has held up for a solid 8-10 years so far. Legacy collection from TimberTech happened to be our visual favorite after going to an expo... but price point is tough to swallow. We’re working with a wholesale company and they said we could get the same two color combos in a similar FiberOn Symmetry collection and save a decent amount... we just have to decide budget/aesthetics/durability etc. We’ll be investing $5K-$9K in retro fitting an old pressure treated deck I built in 2003 and were done staining and power washing. I’d love to know if you found any significant differences between those two brands that helped sway your decision. Cheers from Ohio!