Types of Decking Material

Did you know that annual home improvement spending among Americans hit $420 million? Investing in an upgrade to your property can result in increased value and make your home look better. But you also want to be sure that you’re choosing materials and styles that will stand the test of time.

When it comes to building a new deck, you’ll want to end up with a sturdy deck that looks good and can withstand the elements. Read on to learn about the different types of decking material!

Consider Wood

Wood remains a classic choice when it’s time to install a new deck. It offers one of the most attractive options and can enhance the curb appeal of any property. Plus a fresh wood deck smells good and feels comfortable to walk on.

If money is a concern, consider pressure-treated wood as a more affordable option. In this scenario, a cheaper type of wood is treated to make it harder and more resistant to moisture.

If you have more money at your disposal, you can upgrade to cedar, mahogany, or another specialty wood. Another traditional option is redwood. These types of wood offer more aesthetic appeal than cheaper options like pine.

You’ll need to stay on top of maintenance more when working with any type of wood deck, however. If the wood is not treated properly and cleaned, it is prone to rotting. You’ll need to commit to cleaning it each year and resealing it will a stain every two years.

Before starting any sort of deck upgrade, be sure to contact a deck contractor first. They will have the expertise to help guide you toward the right decking solution. Timbertech Platinum Decking Contractor can help you choose the right type of wood or other material for your deck installation.

Look into Composite

When you look at composite deck material, you can expect to find something that combines several materials together. For instance, some composite decks consist of wood plus some form of polyethylene. Most versions of composite feature some combination of wood and plastic.

In many instances, composite decks consist of recycled materials that have been bound together. If you’re concerned about making sustainable choices when it comes to home updates, composite materials are among the best options.

Composite can be an attractive choice for many consumers for other reasons, too. It offers unparalleled durability. Wood, on the other hand, is prone to rot and wear and tear under intense sunlight.

And with capped composite, you’ll get even more durability. Capped composite decking material has a plastic coating. This extra layer provides even more protection against warping or rotting.

As another advantage, you also won’t need to stain or paint a composite deck. Just be aware that these perks come at a cost. You likely will need to budget for more on a composite deck than you will on other types of materials.

Check Out Fiberglass

Don’t overlook fiberglass when you’re investigating deck material options. Fiberglass is a synthetic material, and as such, it can hold up for up to three decades. If you want to make a long-lasting investment, this is your best option.

For those people living in areas that get four distinct seasons, fiberglass holds up well. Extreme winter temperatures and precipitation won’t affect fiberglass the way they will hurt wood. And it stands up to insects.

You won’t need to do much to maintain a fiberglass deck, either. If you don’t envision yourself wanting to pressure wash or stain a deck every few years, fiberglass may be the low-maintenance answer. In addition, fiberglass decks are easier to install, which can help keep the costs down.

While fiberglass lacks the visual warmth of woodgrain, it does create a clean, modern feel. You can get it in many colors, too, that can complement the appearance of your home.

Try Aluminum

Finally, consider aluminum for your next deck build. While aluminum is not as popular as wood or composite, it does offer some distinct advantages. If you don’t mind the slick appearance of aluminum, it can be an excellent choice.

For starters, it’s unlikely you will need to replace it any time soon, even with minimal maintenance. With wood, neglect can cause a deck to weather and have a shorter lifespan. But an aluminum deck can be functional for two decades or longer.

Aluminum decks also are cooler. On a hot summer day, many deck materials can heat up and feel uncomfortable. This is not ideal when the whole point of a deck is to promote spending time outside.

With aluminum, you won’t need to worry about searing your feet. That’s because the aluminum will cool down quickly, making the surface comfortable to walk on. On top of that, aluminum won’t crack or splinter like wood, and it comes in a lot of different colors.

Like fiberglass, aluminum tends to be among the pricier deck materials. Depending on the grade of aluminum, you could spend up to $20 per square foot. By contrast, pressure-treated wood can be as cheap as $4 per square foot.

Choose the Right Decking Material

The type of decking material can play a critical role in the longevity of your deck. Consider your budget as you start looking at materials, as well as your aesthetic preferences. And when in doubt, talk with a deck contractor first to gain perspective on what is available.

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