How Long Will Your Deck Last?

Deck’s are a great addition to any home. If you choose the right material for a deck, it’ll look great on your home. There are a lot of different materials you can make a deck out of, each with it’s own pro’s and con’s and life-span.

Before choosing which material you want to make your new deck out of, you need to think about what kind of wear and tear your deck will be getting. Will you just be hanging out, or will people constantly be on it, running around and moving things? Today we’re going to discuss common types of material for a deck and how long each of them last– wear and tear included.

What Can I Make My Deck From?

There are eight main types of materials for you to choose from: pressure treated wood, redwood and cedar, tropical wood, composite, multi-textured, engineered, plastic, and polystyrene. Engineered, plastic, and polystyrene decks are all designed so that you don’t see what’s connecting the separate pieces of the deck and they are typically more plastic. Composite desks are made by blending plastic and waste wood fibers together, so the boards don’t splinter nor do they need to be stained or painted.

Pressure treated wood, redwood and cedar, and tropical wood will have the nails holding them together visible however, they are wood and they look great on the outside of a home. They are more work and upkeep, solely because wood is generally harder to take care of than plastic, but it captures the traditional deck look. Pressure treated wood is actually one of the most common deck material, as it’s typically the least expensive option.

How Long Does It Last?

Plastic decks have a lifetime warranty, so they typically last the longest of all the materials. Engineered decks have varying lifespans because there’s lots of different types of engineered deck materials. Typically, an engineered material will last anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime. Composite decks and multi-textured decks both can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. The rest of the materials typically last anywhere from 10 years to 25, depending on how well you take care of them.

Any deck can last well over 10 years if you take care of it the right way. There’s different care for each type of deck, but the proper staining, sealing, and minor repair every year for wood decks keeps them going for longer. As for plastic or composite decks, infrequent washing may be necessary to keep buildup from wearing away at your deck.

Call North American Deck & Patio

If you’re looking for a new deck in the Baltimore area, call North American Deck & Patio to help you decide what kind of deck you want. We can help you decide which material is right for your deck, so your deck is perfect for you.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross