13047 Hall Shop Rd,
Highland, MD, 20777
Highland, MD, 20777
Deck Material Options
Cost, durability, and maintenance are the three main factors to consider when choosing the right decking material.
There are six materials to choose from, each with pros and cons.
Pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated decking is the most affordable choice, made of fir permeated with anti-rot and insecticide agents to enhance its natural durability. A stain can make the natural hue more aesthetically pleasing to suit your tastes. The most crucial disadvantage is that conventional lumber tends to split, warp, or crack. However, with proper care (including re-treating with a clear sealer or stain every two years), pressure-treated wood can last for decades.
Pressure-treated wood requires maintenance, including pressure washing, sanding, and re-staining at least every two years.
Cedar and Redwood
Cedar and redwood are generally considered higher quality materials than pressure-treated wood. They contain natural tannins that make them resistant to rot, infection, and rot without additional chemical treatment. But they are soft and easily damaged, even when walking. The material can last for decades, but like all types of wood, in the sun, their natural color fades to a soft gray if not oiled a couple of times a year. Both cedar and redwood must be washed, sanded, and polished every three years.
Plastic (PVC, Polystyrene)
PVC flooring has almost no wood vulnerabilities. From an aesthetic viewpoint, vinyl offers the broadest range of possibilities—smooth or imitation wood texture, colors of any shades (and they do not fade over time). PVC flooring has been in production for over 20 years and has improved in composition and appearance. The only downside is the higher initial investment.
Investing in composite or vinyl decking is wise as it is maintenance-free. This will save you money in the long run. Many of our clients are renovating their original wood terraces with modern materials.
Composite Decking Material
In general, a "composite" combines different materials to create a new product. The most commonly used are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood. Composite is the champion among others regarding resistance to environmental conditions. It is presented in a wide range of colors imitating wood. The composite is also extremely scratch resistant. It is easy to care for and does not require sanding or polishing. It is usually enough to wash the deck several times a year. With minimal maintenance, materials like Trex Composite Decking can last 25 years.
Hardwoods
Hardwood is so dense that you won't be able to drive a nail in without first drilling a hole.
Exotic hardwoods like ipe are another great material. Their exceptional density and the content of natural tannins protect against insects and decay and last for about 25 years. Each hardwood has its unique appearance and looks luxurious and rich. But they are also expensive, heavy, and difficult to work with — so hard that you can't drive a nail in without first drilling a hole. It also requires some maintenance. At the very least, it must be oiled 1-2 times a year to prevent fading to grey.
Aluminum
While not as popular as the others, aluminum is the ideal decking material. It is lighter and stronger than wood, composite, and vinyl, and is mold, weather, fire, and insect resistant. It's even recyclable — not that you need to worry about that since an aluminum deck will last forever. All of these qualities make aluminum the most expensive option of all.
Would you like to know more?
We would be happy to tell you about all the materials, their pros and cons, demonstrate samples and help you to choose the best solution for your budget.