When it comes to building a deck for your home, you want to make sure that the material you are using will last and will not rot, warp, crack, or split within the first few years of having it. You have endless options to choose from when you are picking a building material for your deck. You also have a lot of things to consider the cost, maintenance, installation, and much more.
Why You Should Consider Adding a Deck to Your Home
Adding a deck to your home will instantly increase the value of your home and add to your curb appeal. This can be a huge benefit to you when you go to resell. In the meantime, you get to enjoy this beautiful new addition to your home and enjoy the time you spend outdoors with your family and friends.
Things to Think About Before Selecting Your Decking Board Type
Now, before we give you some possible candidates for your new deck, we want you to know the things you should consider when choosing a material. You want to think about your budget, the place you live and what the environment is like, and how much maintenance you want to do on your deck. By considering these things, you will be able to pick the right material for your wants and needs.
The Budget Friendly Option:
The first option we have for you is Hem-Fir. This type of decking, because its dimensional, is very rarely used as decking however it can be a great fit. With the proper precautions and prep work, Hem Fir can act as a very durable and stable deck for your home. This type of wood is great for homeowners who want to paint their deck a solid color rather than leave it natural or stain it. It is also a budget-friendly option since it is normally untreated and you can find it at a low price. The only thing about Hem Fir that may be a turn off is the amount of maintenance it requires. Because it is untreated, you will have to keep an eye out for any possible flaws or damages as the years go on.
The Standard Option:
The next option is Western Red Cedar, which is more commonly used for decking. Red Cedar is mainly popular because of its appearance of rich and vibrant colors with bright wood grain. Western Red Cedar can also be left untreated because it is an oily wood, which means it does some of the maintenance itself. Because of its sustainability, versatility, and wood grain, it is a very popular choice for decking and will look great. However, the color may fade into a silver-gray after a while and may require some repairs or replacements, but other than that Western Red Cedar is a fantastic option.
The Best Option:
Next is Ipe, which is an exotic hardwood that is loved by many because of its exotic beauty and colors. Ipe is a premium wood decking material and is hard, strong, resistant to rot, weather, and insects without the use of chemical treatments. Ipe is one of the densest types of wood on the market, which makes it harder to work with but very durable and strong which is perfect for a deck. The only downsides are the cost and the need to use fastener clips rather than nails and screws because of its hardness. Regardless of the disadvantages, homeowners look to Ipe as the ideal decking material to get durability and beauty all in one.
The Classic Option:
Finally, we have Redwood decking. Redwood is perfect for any outdoor projects from decks to fencing and playgrounds. It is durable and sustainable like most but it is harder to find which makes it a unique material. There is a chemical inside Redwood that makes it resistant to insects, weather, and rot which is why it is such an ideal material for a deck. This wood requires little to no maintenance and has a rich and vibrant red coloring to it that is breathtaking. The only two disadvantages are the slim availability of redwood and the fact that it can splinter relatively easily.
Of course, these aren’t your only options for decking materials, these are just a few of the most common ones chosen by homeowners. If you want more information on these types of wood or other woods that can be used as decking visit RMFP.com!
