On 4/25/2017 3:32 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 4/25/2017 2:53 PM, Frank wrote:
Excuse me for posting something on topic but I've got a project guy
from Lowes coming over tomorrow to give me an estimate on getting
existing deck replaced by a Trex one.

Know these things are pricey but have talked to friends and have good
ball park idea.

Just wondered what important questions I should ask and what is it
like dealing with Lowes on a project like this.

Also know that Trex comes in three grades and early decks did not
weather as well and heard they are now vinyl clad for good sun
resistance. Wonder if cheapest grade holds up as well as best.

Both Lowes and Home Depot are a crap shoot with contractors. Some good,
some much less so. I'd rather find a good local guy with
recommendations from neighbors. You can ask at the local lumberyard.

My neighbor put down Trex and he likes it. I used good wood and prefer it.

I suspect you are right about the contractors. It is not rocket science
and I might be able to do it myself if I were 20 years younger.
Wondered if doing it through Lowes might mitigate any problem with
contractor they use. We have a fundamental distrust of contractors.
Two friends with new Trex decks like them but both had reservations
about the their contractors.

A building permit will be required and inspection by the county. They
have updated the code and my current deck while perfectly stable would
not comply. I had basically replaced it a board at a time and added
twice the supports needed so I feel safe but appearance and staining
upkeep is getting to be a chore.

I just want something maintenance free for the next 10 years which could
be a lifetime warranty for me.