Picture this: It’s a cool fall evening and your family is outside on your new deck, making memories together. The kids sip on hot chocolate while you exchange funny stories.
Building a deck not only gives your family a special place to gather, but it can help increase your home’s value, with an average ROI of up to 72%.
However, not all decks are created equally. Before you build yours, you should carefully consider the best deck materials before deciding which one to use.
Good news: This guide is here to help! Keep reading for an overview of different decking materials and the benefits of each one.
Table of Contents
Wood Decks
When you imagine a deck in your mind, you most likely envision a wood one. Wood is a classic building material that looks great with every aesthetic.
This is partly because there are a few different types of wood you can choose from for your project.
Pressure-Treated Wood
If you’re building a deck on a budget, pressure-treated wood is probably your best option, since it has a lower price point than other materials.
This type of wood is lumber that’s been chemically treated to help withstand the elements.
This helps prevent the wood from rotting and molding. And, it helps reduce the chance of damage due to pests.
This potentially exhausting work is not something that you have to do yourself. Consider establishing contact with a reputable company who can complete the work to a high standard for you. To find an experienced company offering such services, search online for “staining and sealing richmond,” or wherever you reside, to discover a list of reliable professionals in your area.
However, there are a few downsides to this popular material that you’ll need to keep in mind.
Due to the nature of the wood, it requires more maintenance than other materials. Over time, it may begin to warp or crack, meaning you’ll need to deal with the hassle of repairs or a full replacement.
Also, if you’re sensitive to certain chemicals, you may not want to choose this chemically treated option.
Although it uses non-toxic materials, it’s still something you may want to consider when making your final decision.
Redwood
Do you like the idea of a high-end deck that will catch the eyes of your neighbors? Consider using redwood.
This beautiful material is lightweight and has a stunning finish, making it a popular choice for modern decks.
Redwood contains oils and tannins, which makes it naturally resistant to decay and rot, so you don’t have to get it chemically treated.
However, it does require a finishing coat every few years, to keep it looking great. It should also be power washed at least once a year for maintenance purposes.
If you live in the eastern part of the US, it may be hard to come by the material, so be prepared to pay more for it per square foot.
Cedar
Cedar is very similar to redwood, in that it also contains natural tannins to help protect it against the elements.
It also has a beautiful natural color that appeals to many homeowners. And, it’s more widely available than redwood, meaning it’s often not as expensive.
But, in order to keep your cedar deck looking great for years, you’ll need to use protectants on the wood.
This helps to maintain its rich natural color. Without treatment, the wood will fade to gray over time.
Tropical Hardwood
When you step out to your deck, do you want it to feel like a luxurious experience? Look no further than a tropical hardwood, like tigerwood or cumaru.
Tropical hardwood is also naturally resistant to rot, making it a durable choice that also happens to look like it’s straight out of a resort.
However, the look of luxury comes with a steep price tag, so be prepared to adjust your budget if you choose this material.
And keep in mind that tropical hardwoods often don’t accept stains very well. So, the color of the wood is what you get.
This is important to remember when thinking of deck railing ideas and what will match best.
Composite Wood Decks
More and more homeowners are choosing to skip wood altogether in favor of composite wood instead.
Though it has the look of real wood, composite decking is made from a combination of plastics and wood fibers.
The result is a material that looks great and isn’t susceptible to rot and decay. It also won’t warp over time and is not affected by pests.
Composite wood is extremely durable and requires very little maintenance, aside from an occasional pressure washing.
While it’s a bit pricier than pressure-treated wood, you won’t have to worry about it developing issues down the road, making the extra cost worth it in most cases.
Concrete Decks
If you’re looking for a modern and chic deck, consider concrete as your building material.
This versatile option gives you a nice, clean look, and may better fit the aesthetic of modern or industrial home designs.
It’s also very easy to keep clean and requires little maintenance, especially when compared to different wood materials.
However, depending on your personal taste, you may find this material lacks the warmth of wood or composite wood decking.
Aluminum Decks
While it’s not a common material, you can choose to use aluminum for your deck. This material won’t splinter or rot over time and it’s also weather-resistant and not susceptible to mold.
It’s also a much lighter material when compared to wood, composite wood, and concrete. But, even still, it’s strong and durable so you don’t have to worry about damage to it over time.
Of course, all of those benefits come with a price tag, as aluminum is one of the most expensive decking materials on the market.
Choose the Best Deck Materials for Your Needs
Now that you know more about the best deck materials on the market, you can compare them to your needs and priorities.
From there, you can make the best decision for your home, so you’ll have a deck you can enjoy with your family for years to come.
Interested in more home content like this? Browse through our other articles before you go!
