The Pros and Cons of Different Decking Materials

When it comes to choosing a decking material for your home, there are several pros and cons to consider. There are many types of wood available for you to choose from, including pressure-treated, composite, and synthetic. If you're in the market for a new deck, you'll want to learn more about the different materials so you can make the best choice.

Composite

• Composite decking is a great way to improve your outdoor living space. It is durable, low maintenance, and comes in a variety of styles. But, there are some composite decking materials that you may want to avoid. They have a few downsides. The first is the price. Composite decking is usually more expensive than traditional wood. However, the cost can be justified with lower maintenance and a longer lifespan.

• Composite decking is also made with recycled plastic, so it's environmentally friendly. Moreover, the recycling process helps keep waste out of the ocean. While composite decking is a great option for your outdoor living space, you may not need it. In fact, a real wood deck can last as long as 20 years, if you take good care of it.

Pressure-treated wood

• Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice for building outdoor decks and patios. It is durable, rot resistant, and insect-repellent. However, the price of treated lumber may be higher than you think.

• The cost of pressure-treated wood ranges from about $15 to $20 per square foot. A quality premium grade is about 40 percent more expensive than a standard grade. This product is usually engineered from southern pine and steamed to make it rot-resistant.

• While treated lumber is not a substitute for natural wood, it is a more practical option for many applications. To find out if treated wood is suitable for your project, consult your local building materials store. You can also consult the American Wood Preservers Association to find out which type of wood you should use.

Cedar

• Cedar decking is one of the most popular decking materials. It is softer than other woods, and can last for a long time. But, there are several important aspects you need to consider.

• First, you need to find out what kind of cedar you want to use for your deck. There are different kinds of wood, and the type you pick can affect how long your deck will last.

• The most common type of cedar used for decking is western red cedar. This is an affordable wood, and it comes in a variety of grades. You may also want to choose a grade that is resistant to rot.

• If you're planning to stain your cedar deck, you need to be careful. Oil-based stains can take two weeks to dry. For better results, you can use a semi-transparent sealer that contains UV protection.

Plastic

• There are several different types of decking material available, including composite and plastic decking. Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right material for your deck depends on your own needs and your property's climate.

• Composite decking is an option that's both environmentally friendly and affordable. These boards are made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and a plastic film. They come in a variety of textures, colors, and profiles. The boards also require less maintenance than conventional wood decking.

• Most composite decking is manufactured using a manufacturing process that gives them a harder surface. This increases their durability and resistance to moisture. If you build your deck correctly, it should last for decades. It's also relatively easy to install.

Synthetic

• When considering decking material, you may want to consider both natural wood and synthetic materials. This decision depends on your budget, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics. However, there are many advantages to choosing a composite deck over the more traditional wooden materials.

• One of the primary benefits of composite decking is its durability. Unlike wood, it is impervious to rot, mildew, and insects. It is also a cost-effective choice. Typically, it requires fewer cleaning and staining treatments than a wooden deck.

• Composite decking is often made of recycled materials. Depending on the brand, it may contain wood fibers and plastic. The first composite decking materials were actually recycled shipping pallets. Today, they are often made from recycled materials such as milk cartons.