Just be glad you didn't ask this in rec.woodworking. Some of the other choices -depending on local availability- would include cyprus & osage-orange/bow-wood/iron-wood. With the iron wood you could even it *try* working it with your metal working tools; it doesn't weld worth a hoot though.
Brittle - So do men and women. Use some deck oil on it. I have a deck that is 18' (6 meters) high in the air. Use massive beam and piers and then 2x12's as stretchers with 2x6 heart on top.
So far 15 years with a minor scrub. It is around 1000 square feet so it is a task to keep up - but it is almost a backyard for us. We live over the edge of a hill.
I'd use Teak - expensive - or Redwood.
What I would really do today - because it is good stuff - use the Plastic bonded wood replacements. If I do a deck or any more of this - lifetime.
Home depot among many sell under a number of names.
This stuff won't give splinters, won't infect if cut by it ...
Yeah, maybe, but if he is just building a couple of steps and it's where there is plenty of air flow (like not under a bunch of trees), this may not be a problem... still easier than sanding, staining and sealing....I'd rather pressure wash a couple of steps than the alternative maintenance procedures... Ken.
Not exactly....If one was to read the official Trex handbook it says that these products do not support mold or algae growth. The mold and algae grow on the dirt and crud allowed to build up on the surface, so if it is kept clean it should not grow stuff, so they say.
I have used Trex around more than one swimming pool and it works great !!!
No Mold, No Algae, and when it is wet the only way to describe it is "Grippy" It is NOT slippery in any way.....
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