>1. Is there some free or near-free deck design software that would allow
>me to design and view a couple different styles of decks, as well as
>generate a materials lists from the design?
I know one of the local-to-me home center places has software that they use
for this purpose for free with the hopes that you will buy the stuff on the
materials list from them.
>2. Are any of the new fangled non-wood materials any good?
Well, yes. You have to look at them and see what you think of the
appearance.
>The older I get the less patience I have with high maintenance
>home/property items. My idea of deck maintenance is as follows:
>Once per year, or maybe once every two years throw all the deck furniture
>off the deck and onto the lawn.
>Bust out the pressure washer, and wash the deck and chairs.
That's all you should need to do with these products.
> Are there any that will outlast wood but don't cost an arm and a leg?
I think they will all outlast wood, and they will all cost more than
wood. Best bet here is to just compare the prices at your local supplier.
Keep in mind that on the decks I have seen, the structure is still pressure
treated wood. If after 18 years, the posts and joists are structurally
unsound, then the same thing would happen if you had nice shiny composite
deck boards on top.
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