Best Decking Materials for Your Yard

Deck Material Options Types of Decking The International Residential Code (IRC) outlines all of the requirements for decks. The following list is in order from the most important to the least important from a safety perspective. Adding a new deck or repairing an old one can add a new element to your outdoor space. Pressure washing is an effective way to clean dirt and debris from your deck’s surface without damaging the wood. But be careful not to use too much pressure or hold the nozzle too close to the surface, as this can cause splintering and other damage. Pressure-treated lumber is the most prevalent and cost-effective option. While it necessitates annual cleaning, sanding, and sealing, when appropriately maintained with a clear sealant, it can endure for up to 30 years.

Built in seating, custom planters, and deck storage are just a few examples of how you can make the most out of your outdoor space.Composite decking looks a lot like naturalwood and comes in a wide variety of colors.At Decks & Docks, we only sell the higher grades of lumber, which means fewer knots, consistent boards, and longer life.

Old House Journal

In construction, the term “metal decking” is often tossed around. It’s essential to find a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and your individual preferences. The chemical preservative is forced into the wood cells under pressure. Pressure-treated wood usually has a warranty against decay and termite damage, in most cases for the lifetime of the original purchaser. Preserved lumber is also used for Browse around this site fencing, landscaping, walkways and other backyard projects. Subjecting pine boards to chemical treatments under pressure produces a low-cost alternative to cedar. Many homeowners transform their rooftop or over-garage deck into a garden, reading space, or lounge. Before adding a rooftop deck, ensure the existing building is sturdy and equipped for a deck. It’s wise to hire a local structural engineer to assess your property before starting this type of deck project. Finally, it’s essential to adhere to local building codes which may limit the maximum size of your deck depending on your location. Before finalizing the type of deck for your home, it’s crucial to determine whether a patio or deck is the better option. Patios are paved areas that sit directly on the ground, while decks are raised structures resembling platforms. By following building codes and regulations, you can ensure the safety, structural integrity, and legal compliance of your deck construction project. When it comes to building construction, one important aspect to consider is the construction of a deck. A deck is a structure that is typically attached to a building and extends from the main floor level. Decks are commonly constructed outdoors and are built to provide additional living space and enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a property. The best outdoor decking material is one that is durable, attractive, and the choice that you’re comfortable with making in terms of upkeep and cost.

Multi-Tier

No matter the deck type you decide on, you can choose from wood, aluminum, composite, or synthetic deck materials. There are many types of deck materials to choose from, including wood, composite, and exotic woods. Here are some of the most popular decking material options to choose from when building your deck and factors that may help narrow your decision. One of the first steps toward building a deck is deciding on which deck building materials you’ll use. Plastic and PVC decking materials offer excellent durability and low maintenance requirements. The type of deck you should choose will depend on what you plan on using it for and the climate in your area. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it’s no surprise that decking and outdoor living are following suit. With eco-friendly materials and practices, you can reduce your impact on the environment while still enjoying a beautiful outdoor living space. Now that you’ve added fencing or screening to your deck for more privacy, it’s important to ensure the overall maintenance of your outdoor space. Lattice screens are another popular option for adding privacy to your deck. Made from wood or PVC materials, lattice screens create an attractive barrier between you and prying eyes. Soon, the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available. Cellular PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, containing no wood fibers. This material offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and UV rays. They can blend well with the home's surroundings and raise property value. However, these materials are heavy, so they are not ideal for raised or elevated structures. The high cost of composite decking is partially offset by the maintenance requirements, or lack of them. Most composite products require little to no maintenance — no staining, sanding or resealing — and they resist color fading and generally outlast wood decking. A few products will accept a stain after a period of exposure to the sun (usually about six months). Fully repairing a deck, especially if structural repairs are necessary, is usually best left to professionals. If you try, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any joist hangers, connectors, and screws or nails that you install. Similar to pressure-treated wood, cedar requires regular maintenance. But if you select quality cedar and provide annual refinishing, you can expect your cedar deck to outperform standard pressure-treated wood decking. In general, the word “composite” means different materials combined to create a new finished product. Composite decking is made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers.