Decking Materials: Composite, Wood, or Plastic?

The Main Types Of Decking Material To Consider Take extra care when removing snow and ice from your deck to avoid slipping and falling. Hiring professionals ensures that your deck is built correctly and up-to-code from start to finish. In addition to ensuring that your deck meets safety standards, hiring professionals also saves you time management stress. Just make sure you choose the right light fixtures to complement your overall design aesthetic. Detached decks are also known as floating decks, island decks, or platform decks. Wraparound decks are ideal for extending your living space and enjoying more than one outdoor view. They can enhance or add entry points to your home and allow you to bask in the sun and shade at different points of the day. Learn more about the different types of pressure treated lumber as well as how long they last at Decks.com. Composite and wood decking differ in terms of maintenance, costs, labor, and lifetime value. In addition, this perennial decking favorite is inexpensive and easy to work with—a good choice for the do-it-yourselfer. Buy the darker-colored heartwood—anything else is sapwood and can rot within a few years.

Then they will create the perfect deck solution that fits your budget.This increases the carbon footprint and doesn’t necessarily translate to a higher-quality deck board.Adding a deck near your pool extends the space for sunbathing, dining, and keeping an eye on kiddos in the water.Similar to pressure-treated wood, cedar requires regular maintenance.

Before starting any construction project, you’ll need to research the permit process in your area. Each city or county may have different requirements for obtaining permits and inspections. Overall, taking good care of your decking investment requires some effort but pays off in spades when you’re able to enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come. Durability concerns should also be taken into account when considering composite materials. While many manufacturers boast long-lasting warranties ranging from years, it’s important to research individual brand reviews before making a final decision on your purchase.

Pressure Treated Wood: Types, Grading Standards & More

Cedar also contains natural tannins, which make it resistant to decay, infestation, and rot. Uncapped composite decking isn't usually recommended since it's more susceptible to damage from the elements and likely to fade unevenly and stain over time. In addition, it's prone to mold, mildew, and fungus growth in humid climates, and it can be scratched and damaged easily. It lacks a plastic layer to protect the core, so it’s not as resilient as capped decking. Selecting the right pressure-treated wood means considering the type of structure, environmental conditions, and budget. It’s important to do a little homework (or call us at Decks & Docks!) before buying any pressure-treated wood.

The Ultimate Guide to Composite Decking Profiles

You’ll also want to prevent access underneath your deck so animals can’t nest there. For areas with intense sun and heat exposures, make sure to use a sealant with UV protectant,” he says. “It differs from a porch in that it’s not enclosed, and it does not extend to the roof of a structure,” Cosby says. Aluminum decking works very well in some situations like around swimming pools, but it has some drawbacks to consider as well. However, unlike PVC decking, it does not give off toxic chemicals as a result of its production. While not a substitute for a professional inspection, here are some things you can look for that might help you determine if your deck presents a significant safety risk.

Aluminum Decking: Pros And Cons

It offers the advantage of being lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Cedar also possesses natural tannins that provide resistance against decay, infestation, and rot. By extending the living space outdoors, attached decks create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and environments, allowing for a smooth flow of activities. A deck not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also provides an ideal place for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. In this guide, we will explore the different types of decks and help you choose the perfect one for your specific needs and preferences. Aesthetically, vinyl provides a wider range of options than wood. Washing your deck a few times per year is typically the extent of the required maintenance. With minimal care, high-quality materials like Trex Composite Decking can last for years. Because many people prefer the look of natural wood decks, composite decks often don’t increase a home’s resale value like wood decks do. Failure to properly secure the deck to the house can cause the deck to collapse when it pulls away from the house. When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more. It’s also important to note that there are different grades of treated lumber, and your local supplier can Take a look at the site here help you choose the grade that’s right for your budget. If you don’t like the appearance of pressure-treated lumber, a stain can help make it more attractive. However, it’s recommended to let pressure-treated deck wood weather for a few months before staining and consider sanding before applying it. Redwood is a tight-grained wood that’s red to dark red in color.