Best Decking Material Options 2024

Decking Materials: Composite, Wood, or Plastic? This increases the carbon footprint and doesn’t necessarily translate to a higher-quality deck board. Below we compare the costs, durability and appearances of wood and composite decking. If neither option sounds right for you, there’s also synthetic PVC decking, which we discuss later in the guide. Pressure-treated wood is an essential material for outdoor construction projects, offering unparalleled durability and resistance to decay. Composite metal floor decks are strong and lightweight and can have deep or shallow profiles depending on the end requirement. The three common types of composite floor decks are 1.5-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch composite decks. As we discussed in the previous section, water damage can be a major threat to your deck’s longevity. But protecting your deck involves more than just preventing water damage – you also need to enhance its durability with coatings and sealants. Another important aspect of protecting your deck from water damage is mold prevention.

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Additionally, some buyers have issues with how loggers source these woods, as most of them come from endangered tropical rainforests. If you’re environmentally conscious, this is likely not the deck material for you. Learn the pros and cons of some of the most popular deck materials. Decks are sometimes built around permanent aboveground swimming pools to provide access to the pool and a place to relax at the water’s edge. While metal decking can be more expensive, it’s an excellent choice for areas prone to extreme weather conditions. The cost of composite decking can vary widely — as much as $5 to $13 per square foot.

Types of Decking Material

For those who want more greenery on their decks, living walls are becoming increasingly popular. These innovative planters allow you to grow herbs, flowers, and even vegetables vertically using hydroponic systems. Like the curtains that adorn our homes, outdoor curtains add a touch of elegance and privacy to your deck. These curtains can be hung from rods or cables attached to your home’s exterior or surrounding trees. They come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to customize them based on your preferences. While many homeowners may be tempted to save money by taking a do-it-yourself approach, it’s important to consider all the factors before making this choice. So whether you’re planning a DIY deck build or hiring a professional contractor, this guide will help steer you in the right direction towards creating your dream outdoor oasis. Therefore, take the time to explore various options and consider seeking professional advice to make an informed decision. Your dream deck is within your grasp—it’s time to make it a reality. When constructing an entryway deck, it is crucial to ensure it aligns with the style and structure of your house. Ideally, the front facade of your home should maintain a unified appearance, avoiding any indication that the deck was an afterthought. However, it’s important to note that the chemicals used to treat the wood may have potential toxicity concerns.

You’ll want to be careful in hot or sunny climates as it can get very hot.Ipe is the most expensive wood option and is highly resistant to rotting, bugs, wear, splintering, and fire.Most detached decks have stairs or pathways leading up to them, but not always.By considering all of these factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which contractor is right for your deck-building needs.Rooftop decks aren’t only for city apartments and hotels anymore.Often built at the front of a home, an entryway deck extends your outdoor living space toward the street.

With this trend in outdoor living increasing, many landscape architecture firms are specialized in the design, construction and maintenance of these spaces. Adjustable hybrid pedestal system allow for a self leveling, single model for all height applications, screw adjustable, and PVC pipe adjustable for elevated roof decks. Deck inspections often reveal failures to comply with modern deck construction standards. Such compliance failures Additional info are common with older decks but can also occur with recently built decks. As a result, building codes have mandated stricter standards for building decks in recent years, and many building departments are enforcing these stricter standards. Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most common types of wood decking. One of the most popular green decking options is composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. Not only does this material divert waste from landfills, but it also requires minimal upkeep and lasts much longer than traditional lumber. Other environmentally conscious choices include bamboo, reclaimed wood, and even aluminum.