Homeowners who want to maximize their landscape views or increase their property’s living spaces have several options for decking materials. Join us in exploring different products to use in your home deck project.
Wood
Most homeowners choose wood deck materials because they’re classic, natural, easy to install, and strong. Wood also feels more comfortable to walk on, even on bare feet. Sadly, maintenance and care could be a hassle for some families.
- – Red Balau, Ipe, Cumaru, Cambara, and Golden Ironwood are popular hardwood decking options for families who want a platform that lasts at least a quarter of a century. These hardwoods are elegant, color-rich, and resistant to decay and insects.
- Pressure-treated Wood – One of the most affordable wood decking types, pressure-treated wood (mostly Southern yellow pine) can last 15 years with proper care. These products are best with stainless steel fasteners because the chemicals used in pressure-treating the wood are corrosive.
- Cedar and Redwood – Sitting in the middle ground between tropical hardwood and pressure-treated wood, redwood and cedar can last two decades but are more expensive than pressure-treated wood. They’re robust and look elegant, too.
Composite
If you don’t like wood’s high-maintenance requirements, composite decking material types are an excellent option. Manufacturers design these products to look like real wood but engineered to prevent splintering and UV damage.
You can pick a composite decking material with identical textures on both sides to make installation as effortless as possible. On the other hand, a composite deck panel with different textures on each side is perfect for families who want variety in their decks.
Engineered
These deck materials feature grooves on their undersides to improve their lightweight characteristics without undermining structural integrity and durability. It’s the perfect solution for homeowners who want to hide fasteners on the deck.
Plastic (Cellular PVC)
Some homeowners might dislike these types of decking because they look cheap. However, cellular vinyl decking can withstand the test of time, even outlasting homeowners. These panels don’t produce splinters and are sweat-free to maintain. Unfortunately, these decking options require a complicated fastening system.
Polystyrene
This decking option looks like engineered decking materials because it has grooves on the underside. Despite this, polystyrene decking products are lightweight, strong, and stiff. The best part about this decking material is it looks like authentic wood (unlike PVC).
Aluminum
Aluminum types of decking boards are uncommon. However, these materials are excellent for residential deck projects because they’re stronger and lighter than wood, vinyl, and composite. Moreover, you’ll never worry about insects, molds, and the elements wreaking havoc on the deck. Unfortunately, aluminum decking materials are the least affordable.
Conclusion on Options for Decking Materials
Homeowners have many options for decking materials. Although wood remains as popular as ever, more and more households are picking composite, vinyl, engineered, and aluminum decking panels for their respective benefits.
