What Are Your Decking Material Options?

If you’re planning on building a new deck, you may be wondering what are some of your options. The type of decking material you choose will affect how your deck will look and how long it will last. For that reason, it’s important to choose carefully. Here are some of the most common decking materials homeowners use.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Wood has been a common material used for decks for years. It’s made out of fir permeated with anti-rot and insecticide agents. Pressure-treated wood is affordable, durable, and easy to repair. Its basic tan or brown color can be enhanced with stain. Some of the downsides to this material are its high maintenance, proneness to fading, and chemical risk.

IPE

IPE, another type of wood, is another option for decks. IPE is naturally resistant to rot, durable, and can maintain its good looks for 25 years or longer. To maintain its rich appearance, it must be sealed every year. Due to its popularity and high demand, IPE can be quite expensive.

Cedar 

Cedar decks have a natural beauty to them. Although it is an inexpensive material, once installed, it has a timeless look that many homeowners love. This type of material requires annual resealing and can last between 15 to 20 years. Cedar is a softer wood, which means that it is easier to become scratched or dented. 

Vinyl

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a new type of decking material that is quickly gaining popularity. 

It’s one of the most low-maintenance options homeowners can choose for their deck. It’s resistant to various types of damages and won’t splinter like wood. Vinyl decks can still provide the look and feel of wooden decks but without maintenance. Expect to pay more for a vinyl deck than for other types of materials. 

Composite Decking

Finally, composite decking is another popular choice for decks. It’s made out of wood fiber combined with recycled polyethylene. This combination makes it a strong, durable material that can last for over 25 years with minimal maintenance. It is, however, a more expensive option than other wood materials. 

Need Help Choosing a Material? 

Let the expert deck contractors in Columbia, MD help you choose the right material for your new deck. With over 25 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of the various decking materials and can give you the information needed to make the best decision for your project. Contact us today to get started. 

“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