Photo from Unsplash

 

Originally Posted On:  https://yycserenityconstruction.com/what-are-the-best-materials-for-building-a-deck/

 

 

What Are the Best Materials for Building a Deck?

Overview

In this blog post, Serenity Construction Ltd’s expert deck builders will compare what material options you have for building a deck. From the different types of natural wood to metal, we’ll look at what each has to offer and give you the key considerations to keep in mind when you’re choosing a material for your new deck.

Highlights

• Natural wood
• Composite decking
• PVC decks
• Metal framing
• Factors influencing material selection

Introduction

A deck gives you a space on your property where you can lounge in the sun, grill under the stars, or host a summer get-together. With so many ways to enjoy your deck, it’s worth taking the time to consider material options and make sure you choose the one that’s perfect for your space.

Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading your existing one, the material you choose plays a significant role in your enjoyment and appreciation of your outdoor space. Fortunately, you have a few great options, including natural wood, composite materials, PVC decking, and metal framing. Serenity Construction Ltd will take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Natural Wood: Classic Beauty

Natural wood is a long-standing favourite for decking, offering a unique combination of beauty, warmth, and character. Its organic appearance seamlessly integrates with the trees, grass, and plants of outdoor spaces, creating a warm ambiance that’s hard to replicate. Additionally, natural wood comes in many different styles and price points, catering to diverse budgets and aesthetic preferences.

Natural wood does, however, require regular maintenance, such as sealing and staining. These efforts are necessary to help preserve its rich color and extend its lifespan. Proper care ensures your deck retains its charm and withstands the elements for years to come.

Let’s take a look at some of your options for a natural wood deck.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is infused with chemicals to resist moisture and pests. It offers a cost-effective solution for homeowners.

Pros

• Treatment makes the wood resistant to moisture and pests, extending its lifespan.
• Pressure-treated lumber is among the most affordable and available decking options, making it perfect for those on a budget.
• This lumber can be stained and cut to fit any space and match any style, making it a versatile option for your yard.

Cons

• Pressure-treated lumber usually has higher maintenance requirements, including regular cleaning, sealing, and staining to prevent cracking, warping, and fading.
• While staining offers versatility and customization options, this lumber doesn’t have the richness of other woods.

Cedar and Redwood

Cedar and redwood are popular choices due to their rich appearance and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. They’re also easier to access in western Canada.

Pros

• Their natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects makes cedar and redwood ideal for outdoor use.
• They have a warm colour palette, with rich reds and browns and beautiful grain patterns, making them one of the most attractive options.
• They’re comfortable underfoot, staying cooler in the sun.
• Cedar and redwood are lightweight and easy to install.

Cons

• Cedar and redwood have a higher initial price point than pressure-treated lumber.
• They’re prone to discolouration from prolonged weather exposure and require regular oiling and staining to maintain their appearance.
• As softer woods, they’re more prone to scratches and dents.

Tropical Hardwoods

Tropical hardwoods like ipe and teak are renowned for their exceptional durability and resistance to weathering, providing a premium option for those seeking a long-lasting investment.

Pros

• Tropical hardwoods are some of the most durable wood decking options out there.
• They’re known for their intricate grain patterns and deep, rich colours, ranging from golden brown to dark reds.
• Their natural oils mean you don’t have to stain or seal as often.
• Their high density makes them more resistant to scratches, dents, and fire.

Cons

• Tropical hardwoods are among the more expensive decking materials, and availability can be challenging.
• Their density and weight make them difficult to install, requiring high expertise to avoid splitting or other damage.
• They can become slippery in wet conditions.

Ultimately, natural wood offers a classic look that blends beautifully with the outdoors. While it does require some upkeep, the variety of styles it can create at low price points makes it a popular choice.

Composite Decking: Modern Ease

Composite decking retains the appearance of wood while offering homeowners a more durable, low-maintenance option. It’s made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and plastic, helping it resist rotting, warping, and splintering.

Pros

• Composite decking is available in a wide range of colours and textures, mimicking the appearance of natural wood.
• It’s resistant to fading and moisture while requiring little upkeep.
• Its recycled nature makes it an eco-friendly option, though you should double-check the brand you buy.

Cons

• Composite materials are more expensive than most woods.
• Some composites on the lower end of the price range can have a slightly artificial look.
• It can retain a lot of heat, making walking on it with bare feet uncomfortable.

Overall, with its longevity and versatility, composite decking delivers both style and performance, ensuring a beautiful outdoor space for years to come.

PVC Decks: Low-Maintenance and Durable

PVC decking is a premium choice for homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance solution for outdoor living spaces. Made entirely from synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), there’s no wood built into this material. This composition makes it extremely effective at resisting rot, moisture, insects, and fading. It’s an ideal material for harsh climates and high-moisture environments.

PVC decking requires no staining, sealing, or painting, saving you time on maintenance tasks. It also comes in a variety of colors and textures and can mimic the appearance of natural wood while providing superior performance. Additionally, it’s lightweight and easy to install, resistant to stains and scratches, and easy to clean, making it one of the most hassle-free decking materials out there.

Pros

• PVC has some of the lowest maintenance needs, requiring just the occasional cleaning with soap and water.
• It’s very durable and resistant to fire, scratches, stains, rot, and warping, even in harsh weather.
• It’s lightweight and comes in a variety of colours.

Cons

• PVC is an expensive option, with premium products being among the most expensive decking materials.
• It can expand and contract with temperature changes, making careful installation necessary to prevent gaps.
• It becomes very hot in sunlight and can become slippery when wet.

Overall, PVC decks are a great option when you want an easy, low-maintenance outdoor space.

Metal Framing: Strength and Longevity

Metal isn’t a material you use for your whole deck, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as an option for deck frames, which are traditionally made of wood. Metal, typically aluminum or steel, is a modern and durable option that provides unmatched strength and longevity. It resists rot, warping, insects, and fire and is incredibly sturdy despite being relatively lightweight.

Pros

• Metal has excellent load-bearing capabilities and can support even the heaviest decking materials for a long time without failure.
• It requires little to no maintenance across its lifespan.
• It’s available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to go for a sleek, contemporary look or something that blends better with nature.

Cons

• Metal is more expensive for framing than wood.
• Metal railings and other elements quickly become very hot in sunlight.
• The fabrication and installation process is more complex, requiring tools for welding and metal cutting.

Metal framing is a modern and durable option for outdoor spaces, prized for its unmatched strength and longevity. It combines practicality and style to create a resilient and visually striking outdoor space.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Deck Material

The right option to choose for your deck material will depend on your needs and preferences. Some people want a cost-effective option, while others want the elegance of natural wood or the modern look of metal. Whatever your preferences, there will be a good option for you.

Some factors to consider when choosing your deck material are:

• Budget: Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option, while tropical hardwoods, composites, premium PVC, and metal frames can be more pricey.
• Aesthetic preferences: Tropical hardwood, cedar, and redwood offer rich colours and beautiful grain patterns, while composites and PVC can seem slightly more artificial. Metal provides a modern look.
• Maintenance requirements: Natural woods require the most upkeep, including cleaning, sealing, and staining. PVC and composites both require a significantly smaller time investment, while a metal frame can also reduce your maintenance needs.
• Longevity: PVC, composites, and especially metal all offer superior longevity, though some tropical hardwoods can last for up to 50 years.

Get Started On Your Deck Building Project

Building a deck gives you an outdoor space for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing while enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s an investment in your quality of life. Being a financial investment too, you need to be sure you’re making the right choices for yourself and your property. With this guide, you can make that crucial first choice: the material.

If you want any further guidance or want to get started on your deck project, reach out to the deck builders at Serenity Construction Ltd. We’ve been building decks for years and are comfortable working with all sorts of materials.

Call (403) 471-8100 today to get started on your deck project.