Choosing the correct materials to ensure your deck’s lifespan and durability is essential while building a deck. With so many options available, it can be a challenging task to determine the best materials to use. This article will examine the top five materials ideal for building decks.
List of Materials You Need To Build a Deck
- Wood Treated Under Pressure
Due to its cost and durability, pressure-treated wood is preferred for building decks. The chemical treatment of this kind of wood makes it resistant to rust, decay, and insects, making it a wonderful material for outdoor use. Care is necessary to increase pressure-treated wood’s lifespan, such as sealing or staining.
- Synthetic Decking
Composite decking is created from a mixture of plastic and recycled wood fibers, and this substance resists decay and insects and requires little upkeep. Composite decking is a flexible option for building decks since it comes in several colors and patterns. It may, however, cost more than other materials.
- Vinyl Decking
PVC decking is made of a synthetic material that is resistant to rot, insects, and dampness. It is available in various colors and styles and requires little care. PVC decking is more expensive than other materials, but with careful care, it can last up to 50 years.
- Cedar Wood
Using cedar wood to construct a deck is a beautiful and eco-friendly choice. It has a cozy, friendly appearance and is pest- and decay-resistant. Regular maintenance, such as sealing or staining, is required to prevent fading and lengthen the lifespan of cedar wood.
- Metal Decking
Building a deck using aluminum decking is a durable and lightweight option requiring little care and is impervious to dampness, rot, and insects. Aside from being more expensive than other materials, aluminum decking comes in various colors and patterns.
Benefits of the Materials
Durability
The deck will last many years and withstand exposure to the elements using materials resistant to wear and strain. Materials that survive a very long time and are immune to rust, decay, and insect damage include stone, tropical hardwoods, and aluminum decking.
Safety
The material chosen for the deck must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as the weight of outdoor furniture or other equipment. Therefore homeowners should carefully consider the weight capacity and other safety features of materials when selecting decking materials to ensure that the finished deck is safe and secure for all users.
Appearance
When choosing the materials, it is crucial to keep the deck’s final appearance in mind. The natural beauty of some substances, such as cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods, adds to the deck’s overall aesthetic appeal. Composite and PVC decking can be built in several colors and designs to satisfy a wide range of aesthetic tastes.
Low-Maintenance
Low-maintenance decking options, including composite decking, aluminum decking, and PVC decking, require significantly less maintenance than genuine wood alternatives compared to real wood. Due to their resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, these materials don’t require frequent staining or sealing.
Where You Can Find It
Homeowners have access to various sources for the materials necessary to create decks. The following are some of the most often-used sources:
Shops Specializing in Home Improvements
Several home improvement companies sell decking supplies. These merchants carry a selection of decking materials, including wood, composite, PVC, and aluminum decking. Tools, hardware, and other building materials are also available in these stores, along with other essentials for building decks.
Lumberyards
Lumberyards are stores that specialize in selling wood and other products made of wood. As a result, they are an excellent source of natural wood decking materials such as cedar, redwood, and lumber that has been treated with pressure. In addition, some lumberyards provide customers with reclaimed wood and specialty hardwoods.
Online Retailers
Decking materials are available in a wide variety on online merchants’ websites, such as Amazon and Wayfair. These materials include composite decking, aluminum decking, and PVC decking. These stores frequently offer in-depth product information, reviews from previous customers, and competitive pricing.
Local Contractors
Local contractors can also provide decking materials, particularly those specializing in deck construction or exterior home renovations. For instance, if you reside in Denver, it might be worth researching the best deck builder in Denver for guidance on selecting suitable materials for your project and for potential installation services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to choose the correct materials to build a durable, safe, and attractive deck. Pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood, composite, aluminum, PVC decking, exotic hardwoods, concrete, stone, and brick are just a few of the possibilities that are accessible. When selecting materials for their decks, homeowners should carefully evaluate their budget, maintenance needs, and design preferences.
