If you have been thinking about a deck addition for your home, you may be confused by the number of design options and materials available for your project. In the past, deck construction projects had to use pressure treated, redwood, or cedar boards. Now, homeowners have a lot more to choose from, all the way from domestic lumber and recycled plastics. There are some of the more useful materials on the market to choose from.
Harwood
While one of the more expensive material options, hardwood decking boasts of beauty and durability. There are natural oils in the planks which help prevent insect invasions, but in cedar boards, they don’t stand up to moisture very well. Cedar decking can last between 25 to 30 years. Mahogany is a more expensive option, but it has a longer lifespan. If installed properly and well-maintained, hardwood decks last a long time and can add significant value to your home.
Composite Decking
One of the most controversial materials used in deck construction, composite decks can either be made from PVC composites or wooden composites. For a wooden composite, the decking boards are made from a mixture of wood pulp and recycled plastics. While many love that it is an eco-friendly option, others disapprove of the harsh chemical cleaners that need to be used on it. PVC composites are much better, though they are easily damaged by the sun’s rays. Any damage needs to be replaced rather than repaired with compositive decking material.
Yellow Pine
Used on deck surfaces like beams, posts, or joists, yellow pine is one of the cheaper materials available. The wood can be stained to create a unique look, but pretreatment is highly recommended if you are going to use yellow pine. This lifespan is only about 15 years.
As technology continues to advance, there will soon be new materials for deck construction on the market. As a consumer, choose your material based on costs, what you plan to do, and how long you want the deck to last.