Comparing Decking Materials
With more and more homeowners making use of yard space for relaxation and entertaining, patios and decks have grown in popularity, particularly over the last 40 years. It’s estimated that the United States has more than 30,000,000 decks alone! Perhaps its because decks provide a comfortable space that stays dry, and also add to the potential resale value of your home.
Decking can be costly but if you spend a great deal of time in your garden or yard, its well worth the investment
Step one in shopping for decking material is getting a measurement. Every type of deck material has different costs and labor levels involved. That measurement will key you into how much your preferred materials will run.
Step two is considering the materials. Treated wood is among the most popular types of deck. The treating materials deter both insects and rot. And for those on a budget wood is fairly affordable. If you go this route, please be sure that the wood you’re buying has been properly treated for your region of the country. It’s not always the case. It’s worth noting that the length of the warranty on the material is a very strong indicator of longevity or lack thereof.
Some wood decks will still require on-going maintenance. A coating of waterproofing annually, for example, can extend the lifespan of the deck considerably. Waterproofing now come with tints, so if your decking material fades or takes on an odd hue from aging, this also brings the color back to life.
Some people like the vinyl or wood base and aluminum or wrought iron railings
By comparison natural wood looks different and feels different from treated. Cedar and Redwood are two very popular examples of hardwood decking. On the upside, natural wood is beautiful and it can be painted or stained. On the downside, it requires more maintenance, especially softwood that’s prone to cracking and splinters.
A third option that’s become very popular is the composite deck. The composite material blends wood and plastic together for a finish that looks like wood but has very little maintenance, it resists rot and pests, and is generally environmentally friendly. Now, this is going to cost you more than wood, and you’ll still need some treated wood for framing, but it will last a very long time and washes up like a dream.
Plastics & Viny have become quite popular, and are cost effective in that it requires minimal repair and rarely needs replacing, but it is, initially, a hefty outlay.
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Finally there’s aluminum. This is more expensive still. Made from interlocking boards, aluminum looks nice on modern styled homes. Nonetheless it can dent. The longevity will certainly be there – the real question with aluminum is will you still like that look 10 years from now?
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