You might be buying a new home and wondering what type of deck to install on your property. Or maybe you are a long time homeowner and it’s finally time to replace that old deck. Either way, you want to be informed and make a choice that will last for decades. You don’t want to be shelling out for another expense of replacing your deck materials in a short few years. Most people don’t have the time to research every single type of deck out there. We’ve put together this short guide to help guide you in the process of choosing the best decking materials for your new deck. Keep reading!
Traditional Wood Deck Materials
Most people think of wood deck materials when they envision their new deck addition. This is with good cause, it’s the most common type of decking and has been around for centuries. It’s a familiar look and looks great in every space. With it being a natural product, you have to be aware that the wood can warp, split or crack over the years. It’s inevitable. Decks that are low to the ground also run the risk of absorbing moisture from the ground over the years. Whereas, elevated or multi level decks tend to have less issues with moisture. Take into account if your yard is more prone to shade or sun, as that can help you determine the right option for you.
Cedar Deck Materials
Cedar deck materials are the most commonly used type of decking and one of the most cost effective. Cedar is an excellent material to use for decking, as well as for fencing in Colorado. Its ability to resist rot and decay, as well as its limited moisture absorption makes it an excellent choice for deck materials. We recommend cleaning your deck regularly and staining annually to retain its beautiful color. You may need to replace an occasional board here and there, but being such a popular deck material- this will be no problem to source the material. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your cedar deck to last 25-40 years. Not a shabby investment for a long lasting deck!
Exotic Hardwood Deck Materials
You may think with the name ‘exotic’ that it automatically means it’s expensive! This is definitely not the case- you’d be surprised to find out just how affordable exotic hardwood decking can be. In addition to being beautiful, exotic hardwood deck materials are some of the most durable materials you can choose for your deck. Fijian Mahogany and Ipe are both excellent choices with a gorgeous, natural color that is able to resist scratches better than cedar and pine. Exotic hardwood deck materials are a good option for people with rowdy children, pets and for high traffic spaces. It’s so durable, they even use it on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Ipe and Fijian Mahogany are able to resist rot and mold very well, but be aware that they are not perfect. They are a natural wood material after all. If you maintain and take care of an exotic hardwood deck, you can expect it to last up to 40 years.
Composite Deck Materials
Perhaps you don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting splinters or replacing deck boards. If this is you, composite deck materials might be a great option for you. Composite deck materials are typically made from plastic or vinyl fibers and might be created from recycled or new materials. Because composite decking is created to be a uniform product, you won’t typically need to throw away boards with imperfections or cut down uneven boards. The consistency of the boards really decreases the chance of any splinters, rotting and warping. Composite decking is created with moisture in mind. Most of the boards are designed to absorb as little moisture as possible, which cuts down on your chances of having a mold problem. They are also UV resistant, so the sun should not be able to fade them. It is still a manufactured product that is being used outdoors, so things can still happen. If you need to replace boards, you can be assured that you’ll be able to buy replacement boards from your local lumberyard as long as you purchase reputable composite deck materials from manufacturers such as Trex, Fiberon, Fortress, and TimberTech. With minimal maintenance, you can expect composite decking can last at least 25 years.
Hopefully this short guide was helpful in helping to understand the longevity of some of the most popular deck material options on the market today. Feel free to reach out to talk to a deck specialist with any additional questions!
