Decking materials have come a long way since the early days of wood and metal. Many modern options allow you to design creative outdoor living space decks with style and functionality, enhancing your home exterior and increasing your home value. Ideal deck materials should be easily maintained, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing a Decking
When choosing materials for a new deck or repairing an existing one, here is what you need to consider:
Ease of Maintenance
Some real wood decks require special treatments every few years; others don’t need anything more than cleaning with soap and water once in a while. If you want something that requires less maintenance, consider using composite materials instead of natural wood. Composite materials resist stains and are less prone to rotting or cracking.
Decking Foundation Material
Consider the shape of your yard when choosing your deck foundation material. If it’s level, concrete is a great option. If it’s not, helical piles are the way to go. Concrete foundations are great as they’re durable and easy to install. However, it requires a lot of preparation work before installation can begin, making it hard to find a contractor on short notice. Concrete might also not be the best choice for your lawn if it’s not level or has topographic problems.
Helical piles offer several advantages over concrete. Compared to concrete, they’re much easier to install, so you won’t have to wait as long or pay more for expedited service. They are more adaptable than concrete since they can fit into yards with irregular topography without any problems. Consider looking for reputable helical piles for decks service providers for affordable, fast, and efficient deck installation.
Decking materials
The best decking material is durable, easy to maintain, and appealing. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Wooden Decks
These are made from wood, such as cedar or pine. They’re durable and last a long but need regular maintenance such as sanding and staining.
Composite Decking
It is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. It is easy to install, low-maintenance and can be stained or painted in any color.
Aluminum Composite Decking
This decking material has a metal core with a layer of plastic on top, making it durable and low-maintenance but can rust over time if not properly treated with paint or sealant.
Maintenance and Appearance
Wood decks can be treated with preservatives, but they are more susceptible to mold and mildew than other materials. Composite decking is less likely to rot or splinter and requires little maintenance. Vinyl has a low maintenance cost and requires little upkeep. Aluminum is durable, but it can also be expensive to install.
The material used on your outdoor decks determines how dedicated you are to creating an outdoor living space. Wood stains beautifully and can be customized to match your home’s exterior design. In addition to its utilitarian appearance, aluminum comes in many colors, adding variety to your outdoor space. Composite decking is available in a wide range of colors and textures, so it’s easy to find something that works well with your home’s decorating scheme.
Durability
When selecting decking materials, choose long-lasting ones. If you’re building a new deck, longevity is key as it will be exposed to all weather conditions, from rain and snowfall to sun exposure year-round. You’ll want something that withstands those elements well into the future, so you don’t have to replace them often.
The best choice for your decking material is one that stands the test of time. With proper maintenance, you should be able to enjoy your deck for decades. Choose a material that requires little maintenance.
Cost
The initial cost of building or replacing a deck can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that it’s an investment in your home’s future. Choose low-maintenance materials that are affordable and still offer beautiful results.
Exterior decking materials have come a long way, and plenty of stylish, eco-friendly options exist. The key to finding the perfect deck material is to consider the material’s durability, cost, shade, and ecological impact. If you don’t have a deck, you should learn how to build a deck to finish off a basement or outdoor room with an attractive decking project.