What's the current wisdom on this question? We are redoing the deck this summer and are also facing the choice between the two brands. Two different contractors bidding for the work recommended Timbertech XLM (or "twin"?) One of them said, CorrectDeck "went bancrupt" because of "quality problems", and was aqcuired by Gaf... This is a bit strange, because Consumer Reports still recommends them (they prefer plastic, but CorrectDeck CX got their top score among composite materials). There are also products by "Veranda" (HomeDepot) and "Trexx"... Any opinions on them?

Tell you what...head on down to the bottom of the page where all the threads are displayed - here's the link: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/porch/ You'll find a little white box that says Search: Type in "composite deck" and click the Search button - pop some popcorn, you'll be reading for a while. I think most of your basic questions will be answered! Mac

I agree, the quality of treated has declined greatly over the past few years. The primary change has been a cost-saving move to skipping the KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) step. This results in wood that twists and shrinks a lot after the deck frame is nailed together. Resulting problems are often blamed on the decking surface. I'm glad you identified the problem before installing the decking. I think you will be glad if you give it a few days to do its thing before planing, sometimes snapping a line and circular saw is quicker, then you will have shim stock for the low spots. This problem can also show up on the fascia trim boards, if the frame shrinks it will make the fascia warp. So if the frame is 'preshrunk' you will be better off. On future decks you can look for the KDAT stamp and avoid some of this extra work. KDAT minimizes shrinking, twisting, and warping. It can also be stained, painted, or sealed immediately. Also, it is lighter and therefore easier to handle, and it does make for better nail holding strength, although the lumber itself is not any stronger. By the way, I think the T'Tech Floorizon can span 24" (but check with them first).

I spent a lot of $$ upgrading from cedar (which needed replacing anyway) and chose Trex because it was the biggest name, had been around the longest, etc. I wish I'd done more research. I would choose composite next time, but I would NOT choose Trex. One of the probs in the PNW is mildew/mold/ algae on cedar decks which make them really slippery and require a lot of maintenance. So, I figured the Trex would be free from that. Wrong! It almost immediately mildewed somehow below the surface. When researching how to get rid of it I found forum after forum of unhappy Trex customers. Apparently there were law suits and class actions about its performance. But it didn't stop them from continuing to sell it and it continues with all the problems. The product they recommend to remove the blotchy dark stains does not work. The only thing I've been able to use that works is bleach and it's not recommended. But I do it anyway. It's faded it a bit, but looks better than the mess before bleaching. What an ordeal to scrub a whole deck and railings with bleach and water. Ugh! I have the railings and the decking that is closest to cedar color, but if I had it to do over, I would choose an aged cedar look, because I don't think the gray will show any mildew as much. So, I would totally choose composite again (it is much less slippery than real wood) but would NEVER buy Trex again.