Natural Wood

Advantages:  Beautiful; age gracefully if well maintained; lower cost than other materials; may be refinished as needed; easy to paint or stain

Disadvantages:  Requires annual maintenance & sealing every year or so; lower on initial cost; higher than composites long term; softer woods deteriorate relatively quickly; may split, crack, splinter or warp; depending on wood, may not be pest resistant; may use old growth wood or not be sustainably harvested

Composites

Advantages:  Durable; low maintenance; some are paintable/stainable; doesn’t splinter, split or warp; moisture, pest & rot resistant; may use environmentally safe technology to produce green product; works up pretty much like real wood; recycled material doesn’t end up in landfills

Disadvantage:  More expensive than wood; not as strong as wood and will require closer joist spacing; often specifies pressure-treated wood for structural support; deck will only last as long as wood supports will hold up, regardless of warranty; cannot be refinished; environmental claims not confirmed

Plastics & Vinyl

Advantages:  Similar to other composites in terms of maintenance

Disadvantages:  Lacks structural strength, so horizontal members may sag; UVV radiation may cause brittleness that can lead to breakage; tends to expand at higher temperatures

Aluminum

Advantages:  Attractive; easy to clean

Disadvantages:  Attracts dirt; expensive; may dent

The use of Ditra, a flexible membrane, allows tile to be installed with unmodified thin-set.  The Ditra’s dovetail grooves lock the tile in place and the membrane allows for flex, which eliminates cracking if installed correctly.  This type of install eliminates many problems associated with exterior installation and commercial stress.  Kerdi, is a thinner membrane that is primarily used in shower applications.  It eliminates the old and more, challenges waterproofing method, which requires a much more skilled worker.

These two applications are just part of the Schluter system which was introduced to me at the workshop.  After the two days spent working with and around Schluter, designers, plumbing inspectors, tile setters and myself were all impressed.  Simply a great product that sells itself!

Garth Lagasse
Estimator / Project Manager