Update: On Saturday my wife and I stopped by our local lumber yard and it turns out they do not stock any composite decking . However they sell and can order Trex brand . So I gave the guy my name and number to get back with me . He just called me , the middle of the road Trex is 50.00 per 20 ' board and the top of the line is 80.00 per 20 ' board ............. and NEITHER one is coated on all four sides ! Not sure who the lumber yard salesman spoke to ( local rep or factory or ? ) but that person stated that no Trex products are coated on all four sides . Also stated that the un-coated bottom side will NOT absorb moisture , supposedly their glues and processing during manufacturing = a non absorbent sub structure . The coating per them is for looks and UV protection .
I am going to assume ( uh-oh
) that this person knew what they were talking about . If that's the case then I should shop around for the best price which so far is $1.75 L.F. for Trex . I know there are brands out there that are coated on all four sides , but the pricing takes them out of my league . So my plan for now is to shop local lumber processing plant which makes their own pressure treated products to see what their conventional 5/4 PT decking costs . I will compare to the Trex and then make a decision .
Right now I'm at the stage of " paralysis by analysis "
and I need to make a decision . Thanks for letting me rant