How to Choose Between Cedar, Pressure Treated Wood & Composite

What Is Metal Decking and Where Is It Used? Cosby suggests looking for a mold- and mildew-resistant solution and to avoid using bleach for this job. Composite decking material is worth it if you have the budget and if you are planning to live in your home for many years. The longer you have a deck made from composite materials, the more your initial outlay will pay off. Also, it is a durable option that will last around 20 years with proper upkeep. However, while the look of aluminum decking tries to mimic that of natural wood, it cannot capture the texture and look of real wood. Exposure to the full sun will fade the natural color and cause these boards to shrink and split. The Forest Stewardship Council (us.fsc.org) does its level best to monitor how exotics are managed and certifies producers who harvest responsibly. Even so, some deck experts are doubtful of anything harvested offshore and prefer the known provenance of North American woods. You’ll be able to open the exterior door of your home and step directly onto your deck. Consider how you want your deck to look and what you plan to use it for.

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.First, you’ll want to assess the slope of your yard and determine if any retaining walls or foundation options are necessary for stability.

Deck Material Options

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on deck construction and the various types of decks available for your home. If you are among the majority of homeowners who do not have a deck, it’s time to consider adding this wonderful outdoor living space to your property. Typical construction is either of a post and beam architecture, or a cantilever construction. The post-and-beam construction relies on posts anchored to piers in the ground. Typically, these types of structural decks are engineered and require an experienced construction company that specializes in structural decks. Cantilever decks rely on floor joists that protrude http://informizze.com/directory/listingdisplay.aspx?lid=53827 out further than the wall of the house. Two of the most popular types of deck materials are wood and composite. From pressure treated lumber to more exotic hardwoods, wood decking gives you a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on your location and availability of certain woods, the cost of wood decking can vary. Another popular option that affords homeowners an array of colors and styles to choose from is durable composite decking. Composite decking is made from a combination of wood pulp and synthetic materials covered with a synthetic shell. Learn how composite decking is made from recycled materials at Decks.com. PVC's cost and lack of recycled content are its main limitations. That said, PVC decking has less recycled content than other synthetic choices (some are 100% virgin).

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Decking

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.

Redwood Decking: Cost, Maintenace & Types of Redwood

Learn which material will best suit your home with our full comparison. In tough climates or when maintenance has been long deferred, a wood deck will need to be washed, stripped, sanded, and resealed, a process that can cost $2.50 per sq. Do that twice on a cedar deck and you would have been better off buying synthetic decking that needs only an occasional washing and has a life expectancy of 25 years. And coupled with maintenance is longevity—most wood decking is good only for a couple of decades at best. If this doesn’t sound like the right choice for you, then moving forward with deck building plans is the right move. If you live in a remote area or one with a stunning view, consider building a rooftop deck. Depending on your budget and available space, wrap-around decks can be narrow or spacious. This deck type includes railings, steps, and coverings as desired. The advantage of this deck style is that it offers plenty of usable outdoor space and can easily be accessed from different points around your home. 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.