The Top 3 Decking Materials for Building Your Dream Deck

There are a lot of decking materials on the market these days, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your dream deck. Do you want something natural looking? Something that’s easy to maintain? Something that’s durable?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing deck building materials but don’t worry we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll go over the top three mainstream decking materials and help you decide which one is right for you.

Wood Decking

Wood is the classic choice for a deck. It’s natural, easy to work with, and can be stained or painted to match your home. Wood decking is also durable and can last for many years with proper care.

There are a few different types of wood decking to choose from, including cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option and is treated to resist rot and insects. Cedar and redwood are more expensive, but they’re also more durable and have a beautiful natural grain.

But before you start planning your dream deck, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of wood decking.

Wood Decking Pros

• Wood decking is a natural material that can add beauty and value to your home.
• Wood decks are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
• Wood decks can be customized to fit your specific needs and wants.
• Wood decks are relatively easy to install, especially if you use pre-made deck kits.

Wood Decking Cons

• Wood decking can be on the expensive side, especially if you choose premium woods like cedar or redwood.
• Wood decks require regular maintenance, including cleaning, staining, and sealing.
• Wood decks can be slippery when wet, so you need to be careful when walking on them.
• Wood decks can be damaged by fire, insects, and extreme weather conditions.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from a mix of wood and plastic, and it’s designed to look like real wood. Composite board is a man-made material composed of wood fibers and recycled plastic. It debuted in the early 1990s and has since become a very popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. It’s also low maintenance and resistant to rot, insects, and weather. It usually comes in a variety of colors and can even be painted or stained to match your home. It’s also fairly easy to install, and it won’t splinter or warp like wood.

There are several pros and cons to consider before installing composite decking on your home.

Composite Decking Pros

• Composite decking is extremely durable. It is resistant to rot, mold, and insect damage.
• Composite decking requires very little maintenance. It is easy to clean and does not require annual sealing or staining like wood decking does.
• Composite decking is available in a variety of colors and styles. It can mimic the look of wood, but you have more color options with composite decking.
• Composite decking is eco-friendly. It is made from recycled materials and does not require the felling of trees.
• Composite decking is easy to install. It does not require special tools or skills.

Composite Decking Cons

• Composite decking is significantly more expensive than wood decking.
• Composite decking can be slippery when wet.
• Composite decking will fade in direct sunlight.
• Composite decking can scratch easily.
• Composite decking could be not as strong as wood decking.

PVC Decking

PVC decking is made from a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride. It’s strong and durable, and it’s designed to resist rot, insects, and weather. PVC decking comes in a variety of colors, and it can even be painted or stained to match your home. It’s also relatively easy to install and very low maintenance.

Here are the pros and cons of PVC decking.

PVC Decking Pros

• PVC decking is very durable and can last for many years. It is also resistant to rot, staining and fading, so it will always look good.
• PVC decking is easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is hose it down or wipe it with a damp cloth.
• PVC decking is slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about people slipping and falling on your deck.
• PVC decking is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your home.
• PVC decking is environmentally friendly because it is made from recycled materials.

PVC Decking Cons

• PVC decking can be expensive and sometimes hard to source.
• PVC decking is not as strong as some other materials, so it might not be suitable for very high-traffic areas.
• PVC decking can be difficult to install, so it is best to hire a professional to build your deck.
• PVC decking can fade in direct sunlight, so it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight when possible.
• PVC decking can be damaged by certain chemicals, so you need to be careful when using chemicals near your deck.

Which Decking Material is Right for You?

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of decking materials, you can decide which one is right for your dream deck. If you’re looking for something natural and easy to work with, wood decking is a great choice. If you want a low-maintenance deck that looks like wood, composite decking is a good option. And if you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-maintain deck, PVC decking is a great choice.