Composite Decking material

Hoping this is the correct forum. I am about to build a small deck (7ft
x 31ft) next to my driveway and am trying to decide what material is
best. I see there are composites that are plastic and fiber and there
are pure plastic materials. Is there a source that objectively
summarizes the pros and cons of each type? I want plastic because the
material will be very close to or directly on the ground.

I live in San Diego so there are not huge temperature swings throughout
the year.

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

I have studied the various composite deck materials as part of a request
for a public parks department. For them there are a couple of factors
that enter into the picture: maintenance and liability exposure

After some study we found that the best of the composites on the market
right now appears to be "Correct Deck". It has excellent slip resistance
when wet and is 5X as stiff as Trex. This stuff is not cheap. You could
expect to pay upwards of $2.50 per LF (or more) for 2x6 material.
However, it is low maintenance -- give it a power wash once a year or so

I like the stuff, too, but the recommended joist spacing for the common
5/4"x6" decking is 16" OC if the boards are run perpendicularly to the
joists - less if at an angle.

I believe that the 24" span is only for the 2x6 DCL (Dimensional
Composite Lumber).

Rico:

You are correct. I should have clarified my response.

Consider your nit picked. ;) You did mention the 2x material, but if
you go to the CorrectDeck web site, that material is not prominently
featured as is their 5/4x. I just didn't want someone to read into
your post and assume that the thinner material was stronger than it
actually is.

Interesting note, though, I did a web search and a cached
CorrectDeck web page showed that the 2x DCL can span up to 30"! I
didn't see that on the site itself as I didn't go digging, but you'd
figure that would be a featured selling point.

Yeah you would think so. I'm specifying the 2x6 product for some boat
launch floats and a rowing facility float. Max span will be 20", but we
are designing the system for 50 psf live load and we want the decking to
be very stiff since these are public facilities.