Are you still looking for a material to use for your new deck? You might be checking online to find what suits your budget or you’ve been calling a few contractors for a consultation. We understand you. There are really a lot of decking materials to choose from. Decking options have grown remarkably and the hardest thing you can do is to decide which is which. It pays to know your options. So, here is the list of decking materials you can include on your next deck building project.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
If you are drawn towards the appeal of the wood deck, treated lumber is a great material for you. This type of wood material remains the popular choice for deck building. It is known to be long-lasting, readily available, and very economical. The special chemical treatment forced into the wood makes it effectively resistant to water over time. The wood becomes tough enough to resist rot and damages from termites. This also means that you are limiting the cost of replacement and maintenance. However, this type of wood is not dimensionally stable enough to prevent any cracking, splitting or warping.
Redwood and Cedar
Redwood and cedar are ideal choices for eco-friendly building enthusiasts. If you are really looking for a fine wood appeal, this material is for you. No need to use a special chemical treatment on it. Cedar and redwood naturally produce tannins and oils that resist molds and insect infestation, so they don’t rot and decay. However, cedar and redwood are much costly than pressure-treated lumber. Also, it requires power washing every year and finishing every three or four years to maintain its natural color and appeal.
Tropical Hardwood
A tropical hardwood is very durable and resistant to rot and damage from insects. It has a classy and unique appeal, so it increases the value of your property. This type of wood material is strong which is also good as a foundation. However, they are usually exotic and imported. That means they are relatively expensive as opposed to redwood or cedar, and treated lumber. Also, tropical hardwood is heavier and denser which makes it difficult to cut and drill.
Composites
Composite decking has been the top choice for builders and homeowners today because it offers a multitude of benefits. The materials are a combination of mostly recycled plastic and wood fibers. This makes it highly sustainable, eco-friendly and long-lasting as opposed to its wood counterparts. Traditional wood decks easily fade when exposed to weather conditions, but composite decks don’t. The material won’t easily warp and crack even under direct sunlight. It is highly resistant to scratching and staining, too. The initial cost of composite decking is much higher than traditional wood decking. But if you take into consideration the cost of ongoing maintenance of wood decking which includes staining or cleaning, composite decking is still a better option for some budget-conscious homeowners. Composite decking lasts over 30 years as compared to 15-20 years in wood decks. Here are the most popular composite decking brands available in the market today:
Trex
Trex composites are made primarily from recycled plastic fibers and wood, a mixture of almost 95% recycled materials. It is guaranteed to be eco-friendly and long-lasting. Located in Virginia, the brand is one of the top composite decking materials in the industry today. They take pride in providing high-quality decking materials better than its wood counterparts. A proven perfection in composite deck category, the material is resistant to fading, staining, molds, and damage from termites. It offers almost zero maintenance because they won’t warp or rot, so this is great for deck building, railing and outdoor furniture.
TimberTech
Known not only for its premium decking and railing materials, TimberTech is also an industry performer in providing 30-year limited premium warranties. They are dedicated to producing low maintenance and highly durable composite materials. Made from the same mixtures, these materials are fade and stain-resistant. They are sturdy enough to prevent warp and cracks from exposure to weather condition and termites.
Azek
Another industry leader in composite deck category, Azek combines the science and innovative style of decking. The brand launches a new generation of high-performance deck building materials. These materials are made up of PVC components. It is designed for sustainability, longevity and proven aesthetics. They also offer a 30-year limited warranty on their products.
Evergrain
Evergrain branded themselves to providing timeless textures and unique deep-grain patterns. This creation aims to resemble the appeal of the natural wood. Their line of most realistic color options and patterns makes it one of the top choices for composite decking.
Dura-Life
Dura-Life is also one of the top composite decking makers in the market. They offer series of collections and design options at the price you want. They also include various color options and grain patterns that would complement your house. The brand aims to promote long-lasting benefits and aesthetics.
Fiberon
Fiberon uses a combination of composites and PVC. They have been producing and selling top-of-the-line composite decking materials across the United States and abroad. With almost 20 years of expertise, this makes them one of the top performers in the composite decking category. They also pioneered a 25-year stain and fade warranty and continuously offering a premium warranty on their products. This brand promotes nothing but quality composite materials and great service.
Wolf
Wolf makes a special blend of PVC polymers and composites. It promotes premium decking experience without paying a premium price. It does not only promote long-lasting appeal and durability but also offer a cost-effective solution.
Cali-Bamboo
Cali-Bamboo produces a unique combination of recycled bamboo fibers and plastic materials. These materials create not only aesthetic and natural appeal but also long-lasting benefits. The brand boasts their product to be stain- and weather-resistant, highly durable, and eco-friendly. These are also easy to install.
LumbeRock
A blend of HDPE plastic and natural mineral fill components, LumbeRock offers a premium decking material. The combination of these materials makes it highly sturdy and durable. The best thing about this brand is that it can be submerged in water without deteriorating. This is very ideal for the harsh marine environment.
Final Thoughts
So, have you already made a choice? We hope you have. But, let’s face it! Knowing your options is a fundamental step in achieving a great decking result. There will always be pros and cons, and it pays to be aware of those. Remember that the decision to what material to use still lies on you. You need to weigh your options, consider the budget and design preferences. That is why it is also recommendable to talk to an expert to guide you all along. Contact a professional contractor near you today. They can help you provide a creative solution before you moved into construction. In that way, you are getting the chances of less problem and hassle once the project starts.
Here are the most popular composite decking brands available in the market today:
