Secondly, check the dates on those comments! We are now into the third and fourth and maybe fifth generation of composite decking and many complaints relate to early generation products. Nothing is maintenance-free, but all current composites are waaay less work than wood.

Finally, please think green! Despite claims to the contrary, the vast majority of Ipe is not sustainably harvested, and centuries-old tropical forests are being pillaged for decks that will vanish in twenty years tops!

I know you made your choice on Trex Brasilia, but did you see their upcoming (scheduled to be released 1/10) product, Transcend? It looks pretty comparable to Timbertech XLM and Fiberon Horizon – hardened plastic outside w/ wood pulpy innards. The only thing that threw me for a loop was it’s hard candy shell is only on three sides (top and both sides). They claim this allows the innards to “breathe” which prevents separation from it’s plastic counterparts. I’ve never read this being an issue, but I am not in the deck building trenches, so maybe it is.

Even though I haven’t seen it in person, I do think the faux grain looks to be one of the better ones out there. Interesting to see how it’s received.