Composite decks

[westernman]

I have a composite deck which is as follows:-

Deck layup is 3"*¾"thick decking with seam compound, epoxy bonded to one layer
9.6oz E-glass set in epoxy, over 1 layer Douglas Fir plywood, epoxy saturated and
bonded to 3½"*3/4" thick Nova Scotia pine beaded edge tongue and groove.

Now I understand that the reason for this is to completely eliminate deck leaks which arise from the seams of traditionally laid deck planking.

However, surely if the seams in a composite deck like the one above leak, (as they surely will do in time, just like a traditional deck), then this is just a disaster waiting to happen as the deck rots from underneath?

However, the composite method seems to be very popular (e.g. Cockwells and many other reputed builders).

What experience do you guys have with wooden decks and their leaks?

What kind of wooden deck would you choose on a new build?

 

[Tranona]

Unlikely you will have problems due to seam failure because everything is coated in epoxy - that is why your very expensive builder went to all that trouble. The only way water can get into the wood is leaks through fastenings for fittings, but suspect they will have epoxied the holes as well as used sealers. That construction is a bullet proof as you can get.

Failures that you hear about are when the teak is screwed direct onto ply, even if bedded on sealer as there are literally hundreds of potential points where water can get in.

Don't think you can improve on your method of construction if you must have a "teak" deck. The only real improvement would be dispense with the teak and have a final layer of glass/epoxy, painted. But then you would not have any work for your deckhands keeping it clean!

 

[westernman]

But then you would not have any work for your deckhands keeping it clean!

My deckhands don't clean the deck. Nor do much else really except lay on it and sunbathe ...... (I must be doing something wrong there.....)

Thanks for the rest of your comments.

 

[Tranona]

Just so long as you don't let them drip suntan oil or spill red wine, thats OK!