Untitled - Wood Tools

Are All Composites
CREATED EQUAT?
MAlTRIALS
Dozerx of composite producs are currently
available, but the offerings have
as many diflerences as sinrilarities.
Texture - \z[q5g manufacturers
offer composites in at least rwo of
the three cofunon textures (smooth,
brushed, and woodgrain, shown at
far right). Some even
ofFer reversible boards,
which have woodgrain
on one face and a
brushed finish on the
opposite face. The textures
vary from
one
brand to another, so
some brushed or woodgraln
textures are more
pronounced than others.
Color
Color
selection also differs
slightly from one brand
to another. Generally
speaking, most manufacturers
offer their products
in various shades of
gray, tan (often marketed
as "cedar" or "natural"),
and reddish brown (most
often called"redwood")
(Inset Photo). Gray is the most readily
available color, though shades vary
dramatically berween brands.
Claims of colofastness also dift-er
widely. Some manufacturers tell us
to expect the color to fade to gray
after a few years, while others claim
only minimal color fading.
Another color option is to use a
composite that accepts paint.Again,
there are sigrificant differences to be
aware of here. Some nranufacturers
say itt fine to paint their
product; others expressly
forbid it by voiding the
warranfy if their product
is painted.
One product that
deserves a specific mention
here is Tendura
Classics.This is a unique
conrposite that requires
paint and comes preprimed.
\)Vhile this is a
bit of a compromise on
the
no-maintenance
appeal of composites, it's
still an excellent choice
for a porch project
where authentic or historical
character is a high
prioriry (see page 38).
Solid or Hollow -
Hollow composite prod-
ucts ty?ically cost less and are lighter
than soiid composite products. But
there are some trade offt to working
with hollow composite products that
you'll want to weigh (Plrctos, below).
ATEXTURE VARIETIES
Smooth, brushed, ond woodgroin ore the
three bosic textures of composites.
Brushed ond woodgroin textures
vory in depth between
monufocturers.
'i, :'
."t:
< POSTS
Hollow composite posts {or sleeves)
cost less thon solid composite posts
initiolly, but require on inner wood
post, which odds to the cost.
DECK BOARDS >
Hollow composite deck
boords ore lighter thon solid
composite deck boords, but require
on end cop for o finished oppeoronce.
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