Is there a summary around the place that's not just advertising

[ErrolFlynn]

I might have missed it and I apologise if I did, but is there a posting or link to a balanced summary of deck materials? I've been reading the posts and making notes, tedious as it is, but it’s hard to summarise it all. Essentially, I'm looking to consider the various options in regard to board timbers, their cost, pros and cons, suitability for different applications, locations, conditions; pros and cons of various fixing materials, their relative cost; pros and cons of various preservatives, and their cost.

[r3nov8or]

Sounds like you are on the right track and well on the way to completing one. Please post it here when you've finshed :)

[Bloss]

mmm except there really is no such thing as a 'summary' - ie: any number of designs, sizes, timbers, finishes etc can do a particular job. Add to that the fact that few of us have purely 'objective' views - some like hardwood, some like softwoods, some like particular types of hardwood. Some like one way of doing things, some like another.

That's the reason this Forum works so well - members (such as me) often start by recommending generic advice sources like the Allan Staines books, or the Forum Library or even a simple Search of the forum (still amazes me how few seem to do that as a first step!). Then you can start a thread which describes your particular location and what are your thoughts for whatever it is you are wanting to achieve. Then the fun starts as members respond with answers - and often new ideas which can change what you thought you even wanted in the first place.

For the most part that's free and with a few notable exceptions all offered with great good will - a willingness to help and a celebration of the achievements that happen as a result. I know I still learn from this site and I certainly get great pleasure out of the shared 'sucess' when a DIYer or an forum member (and the skill & knowledge levels are as wide as!) reports back and uploads pictures of their progress and their acheivements. And their big & little mistakes along the way too - anyone who reckons they never make a mistake is simply not trying hard enough (or likely just oblivious, or worse, in active denial!).

So I guess that while I understand and am happy for someone to start creating summary lists I think the premiss is wrong - with building and renovations and other DIY there is no end or any simple let alone single path - just a series of choices.

So as in life, pick who you want to help make your choices and go with those that give you a good result. If you want a list or two to guide you in your 'special project' no harm in that, just don't think that those lists will give you the answer - they are just another tool.

Sheeez - just re-read that and sounds like' it's a Sunday sermon - I'll be on me bike now . . . :-

[jimj]

Well said Bloss!

jimj

[shauck]

Any "summary" that included all that info would be called an encyclopaedia set (or Renovate Forum :U). Then you would still be wading through tons of information and would eventually have to break it down in ways that Bloss has stated. Favourite timbers, styles, methods, and one often not thought of until you go to the hardware store, availability in your area. Starting with availability and researching from there, can be one way to start the process unless you are willing to freight the materials. I will say tho, having local materials is great, especially when you find some dodgy pieces and they let you return them or you run out of materials and have to duck out to get one more piece of timber. If you order them in from afar, it's cost prohibitive to do this.

[Bloss]

Any "summary" that included all that info would be called an encyclopaedia set (or Renovate Forum :U). Then you would still be wading through tons of information and would eventually have to break it down in ways that Bloss has stated. Favourite timbers, styles, methods, and one often not thought of until you go to the hardware store, availability in your area. Starting with availability and researching from there, can be one way to start the process unless you are willing to freight the materials. I will say tho, having local materials is great, especially when you find some dodgy pieces and they let you return them or you run out of materials and have to duck out to get one more piece of timber. If you order them in from afar, it's cost prohibitive to do this.

:wss: - that's a really good point.

[shauck]

Yeah, just something from experience. Making a great plan and then finding it hard to get the materials chosen. I noticed from the forum that things can be very different from state to state.