My deck trim was competely worn out and I couldn't justify a grand worth of teak stock so I used Azek deck lumber and am happy with the way it turned out, has held up and no varnishing.
Merlin,
Is Azek similar to Trex or is it another name for PVC trim board? I've used both and I've found that Trex is heavier in weight than the PVC but the PVC can be adhered with PVC cement.
Also, what did you use for bungs? Do they have bungs for this composit material? I like using PVC Trim board on my boat.
Joe, Azek is a different product/company than Trex. Azek does make house trim and is all 100% PVC.Merlin, can you remember what color Azek you used?
I'm getting ready to make step treads for my boarding ladder. I'm planning to use stainless two hole metal clamps, or "two hole cable straps" to attach the treads so I don't have to drill into the stainless tubing. I'll drill semi-circular holes on the ends of the treads to recess the ladder uprights and prevent the tread from spinning. I've heard of folks doing this with wood, but then someone stepped on the tread, the tread rotated causing twist from the uprights, and then the tread split down the middle. So, I expect a fabricated material like Azek would help with that problem.
Thanks!
Brian
Thanks Joe.
I was at our local lumber yard yesterday and saw the new color "Cobre". Found out it wasn't closer to teak and I'd stick with the Fawn.
The yard had samples of another 100% PVC product called "Endeck" that is denser and heavier than Azek and has the molded wood grain on both sides. Only 4 colors to choose from http://www.enduris.com/decking/decking.cfm
I don't know how well Azek will work for your steps Brian.
Brian,
I just wonder if the Azek will be stiff enough. One of the things I liked about it is it bent easily enough to allow installing the toe rails without having to force them into position.
But as cheap as it is if it doesn't last it's not too painful to the wallet.
The Endeck is denser so might be better?
From my limited experience, the two lumber yards I found in our area that supply this stuff have samples of the material (but neither stock the material) so if there is one near you can check it out.
I have treks on first season, and so far no problems. There is an article regarding strength, which is very good, in one of the good old boat articles from the past 12 months.Definitely check the prices and get samples of the manmade products to so you can make your own descision. I was happy with the Azek look, color, etc for $3.08/board foot.
Also, I am not in agreement with the statement about t treks being the same as iberboard. Yes Trex has ground-up wood particles in it but that doesn't not make it fiberboard. Trex is a composite material, (composite may not be the technically accurate term) regarding wood particles mixed with a plastic. Not the same as fiberboard at all. The strength is more than adequate. I guess it depends on what is available in your area. My only concern is with the adherence of sealant to the Trex. I do not yet have adequate experience to comment on that. I cannot see it being worse than the oily teak. I chose to simply let the screwheads be visible, not using bungs. The kiss method.Merlin, what makes you hesitant on the Azek? My guess from having seen white Azek trim boards at my local big orange box store was that it might not be all that dense.
My other option was to have the Plasteak folks make some for me. Not sure of cost, for one thing, and they said the best time was back in the middle of winter, otherwise they get understandably busy. And of course, that was the worst time for me, the boat being well tarped a hour away at the lake. I wasn't able to get up there and get good measurements.
Then again, making my own has much appeal And, besides, to get the side holes cut precisely and right where I want them would require a nice Forstner bit and a drill press! What, I gotta go buy a drill press? Yay!
Brian
You know this would be a really good thread on ask all sailors. Something like "alternatives to teak trim".Also, I am not in agreement with the statement about t treks being the same as iberboard. Yes Trex has ground-up wood particles in it but that doesn't not make it fiberboard. Trex is a composite material, (composite may not be the technically accurate term) regarding wood particles mixed with a plastic. Not the same as fiberboard at all. The strength is more than adequate. I guess it depends on what is available in your area. My only concern is with the adherence of sealant to the Trex. I do not yet have adequate experience to comment on that. I cannot see it being worse than the oily teak. I chose to simply let the screwheads be visible, not using bungs. The kiss method.