A Guide to Choosing the Right Decking Material | S&S Design Build
Sergio Mota • May 17, 2024
Choosing the right decking material is a crucial decision for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living space. With so many options available it can get overwhelming to decide what material is the best fit for your needs, preferences & budget. This guide will help you with all the options by comparing the most popular materials: wood, composite, & PVC. By understanding the advantages & disadvantages of each you can make an informed decision.
Before we go over the advantages and disadvantages of the decking materials for your home, you must keep in mind that when deciding between wood, composite, & PVC decking ask yourself the following questions:
- How much are you willing to invest upfront versus long-term maintenance cost?
- Which material do you find the most visually appealing?
- How much time & effort are you willing to dedicate to deck maintenance?
- Are you looking for a material that can withstand harsh weather conditions?
- Is the environmental impact of your decking material a significant concern for you?
First, we have wood decking which is a timeless & traditional natural beauty. The most common types of wood used for decking include pressure-treated lumber, cedar, & redwood.
Advantages:
- Aesthetics - each board on wood has unique grain patterns, offering a traditional & warm aesthetic.
- Cost-Effective - pressure-treated wood is one of the most affordable decking materials on the market.
- Cooler Surface - wood doesn’t retain much heat, making it more comfortable to walk on barefoot in sunny weather.
Disadvantages:
- Maintenance - wood requires annual power washing, staining, or sealing to maintain appearance & longevity.
- Durability Concerns - wood is susceptible to rot, insect damage, & weathering over time, especially if not properly maintained.
Next, we have composite decking, which is made from a blend of wood fibers & plastic. This combination creates a material that mimics the appearance of wood but is significantly improved in durability & minimal maintenance.
Advantages:
- Low Maintenance - composite decking requires minimal maintenance. An occasional soap & water cleaning is usually required.
- Durability - it's resistant to rot, decay, & insect infestations, making it ideal for a long-term investment.
- Variety of Choices - composite decking comes in a variety of colors, textures, & finishes, allowing for a variety of customization options.
Disadvantages:
- Heat Retention - composite decking can get quite hot in direct sunlight.
- Cost - composite decking is more expensive than most types of wood decking, though its low maintenance costs can offset the initial cost over time.
Lastly, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking, it’s made entirely of synthetic materials offering a completely different approach to outdoor decking. It provides some of the highest durability & lowest maintenance requirements of any decking option.
Advantages:
- Maintenance - PVC decking is virtually maintenance free, requiring only occasional cleaning.
- Durability - it’s resistant to rot, insects, & weathering, & won’t splinter, crack, or warp.
- Aesthetics - PVC decking is available in a range of colors & styles & can even resemble natural wood.
Disadvantages:
- Cost - PVC decking is the more expensive of the three main options, which can be a significant factor for many homeowners.
- Environmental Concerns - PVC decking is less eco-friendly compared to other decking materials.
Whether you prefer the natural look and feel of wood, the durability and low maintenance of composite, or the unparalleled longevity of PVC, there's a decking material that will meet your needs & preferences. By considering the advantages & disadvantages of each option, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the beauty & functionality of your outdoor living space for years to come.
Remember, no matter which decking material you choose, proper installation & care are key to ensuring your deck remains a beautiful & safe place for family & friends to gather.
Thinking about upgrading your outdoor living space? A patio cover might be just what you need. Not only does it extend your usable space, but it also adds value to your home. Here’s what you should know before making this fantastic investment. Benefits of Adding a Patio Cover: Protection from the Elements - A patio cover provides essential protection from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. This means you can enjoy your patio year-round without worrying about the weather. Plus, your plants and furniture will be shielded from extreme conditions, ensuring they last longer. Increased Home Value - Installing a patio cover significantly boosts your home's value. It offers an attractive feature for potential buyers and creates a versatile space for barbecues, gatherings, and relaxation. Even if selling isn't on your radar, this upgrade enhances your home’s resale value, making it easier to sell in the future. Reduced Maintenance - A patio cover helps keep your deck or patio clean by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating. With less cleaning required, you’ll spend more time enjoying your space rather than maintaining it. Opt for an aluminum patio cover, and you can forget about regular painting or staining—aluminum resists fading and requires minimal upkeep. Patio covers offer numerous benefits, from weather protection to increased home value and reduced maintenance. With various styles and budgets available, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your outdoor space needs. Enjoy more time relaxing outdoors and less time on upkeep tasks. Ready to enhance your outdoor living? Explore your options and invest in a patio cover today!
As your deck ages, it's important to remain aware of the warning signs that could signify an imminent need for a replacement. Think rotting wood and mold growth, structural cracks in joists or posts—all potential health and safety risks you'll want to avoid! Refreshing yourself on these indicators can help maintain the integrity of your home. Keep vigilant watch over those tell-tale signs - they may be difficult to spot but knowing them will keep both you and your structure safe. Signs That Your Deck Needs Replacing Visible Rot or Mold - If you notice any soft, spongy spots on the wood or see discoloration from mold or mildew, then it’s likely that those areas have begun to rot due to prolonged exposure to moisture and heat. If left unchecked, this issue could cause serious structural damage over time. Structural Cracks or Splitting - As wooden decks age, they can become weak and brittle due to weathering and other environmental factors. As such, if you start noticing cracks in the wood that weren't there before or splitting along the boards, then it may be time for a replacement deck as these issues can cause further damage down the line if they aren't addressed immediately. Warping - Warping is one of the most obvious signs that your deck needs replacing—and unfortunately also one of the most common ones too! Warping occurs when boards become misshapen due to exposure to sunlight and water over time; this issue can cause uneven footing on your deck which could potentially lead to accidents like falls or slips if someone steps in an area with more give than normal. Inadequate Support - The support beams underneath your deck are essential in ensuring its structural integrity; without them, your deck could collapse under its own weight! If you notice any sagging spots on your floorboards or hear creaking noises when walking across them (especially during periods of high humidity), then these are both clear indicators that either additional support beams need to be added or that an entire replacement may be necessary instead depending on how bad the situation is. When it comes to home improvement, knowing the warning signs of when a deck is in need of replacing can be essential for both keeping your family safe and avoiding costly repairs later on. Put simply: investing now in a new, high-quality deck from us here at S&S Design Build LLC could save you money down the road! Don't hesitate to contact our team today—we promise that our decks are made with lasting quality, so you won’t have to worry about them again any time soon.
