The Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Decking Materials

A deck at home is a nice place to reflect or hold recreational activities for family and friends. If you plan to build a deck for your house anytime soon, choosing the right material is one of the first steps you need to take. Unfortunately, gone are the days when there were only a few materials to choose from. Today, there are dozens of different decking materials. Before you start construction, you need to know your best options. 

This article will help you understand what you need to know about your decking material options. Here are the three most popular materials considered for deck building and their respective pros and cons.

Material 1: Pressure-Treated Wood

If you are looking for a stunning yet affordable material for your deck, you should consider pressure-treated wood. The wood is subjected to high pressure, making it resistant to insect damage and moisture. In short, this material is strong enough to resist wear and tear without letting you break the bank. 

This material is a popular option because of its low price point and durability. It is a material that is easy to fasten and results in a beautiful deck. The only downside is that the material has a higher tendency to crack or warp because it uses non-toxic treatment chemicals that are not as effective as their toxic counterparts. However, this disadvantage also makes it a healthier material for home use. 

Material 2: Composites

Composites are a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic, producing an artificial wood-like material for decks. While they are artificially made, the following characteristics make them perfect for your deck:

  • They neither warp nor splinter
  • They do not rot, nor do they get damaged by insects
  • They do not require that much maintenance
  • They come in different textures, colours, and styles.

However, since composites are partially wood, mould and mildew could grow if parts of your deck are exposed to moisture. They are also prone to decay and could also be pricier, depending on the manufacturer. 

Material 3: Cedar Wood

Another option for wood is cedar. This material is a crowd favourite because of its natural beauty, rich colour, and natural resistance to decaying, rotting, and insects. This option might also be expensive, but they are lightweight, highly dense, and strong. 

It is the perfect option for houses in locations with inclement weather conditions. However, you need to make sure that you use protectants to ensure that your cedar retains its rich colour. Otherwise, it could change into a soft grey after a while. You also need to find the best grades of cedar for decking before committing. 

Conclusion

There are many good materials for decking. Before deciding which one to use, you need to identify what suits your needs best. Consider your budget, location, weather, and how you plan to use your deck. If you are clueless, consult with an expert to identify the best material for your home deck. Nevertheless, if you are looking for the best materials, the items above are among the best choices. 

Should you need help from professional deck builders in Calgary, YYC Builders is just one call away. Our goal is to provide our clients with complete, professional, and fun solutions to their decking problems. We do not stop until our clients are satisfied. Call us at 1-403-629-6640 or email us at [email protected] to get a quote.

 

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