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High, low, medium, no - which maintenance level do you want for your deck, porch or dock? It all begins with what decking material you choose to use for your project. Educating yourself about the decking products in today's market, the look and feel that each offers and their associated costs, will help you make the choice that's right for your deck. Additionally, how much time will you spend on your deck? Will it be just an unused appendage on your home, or will your family be living out the summer months on your deck? |
Deck Materials - Things to consider: |
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself when you are researching various products, manufacturers and decking brands:
- What decking material will suit my home?
- What yearly and ongoing maintenance is required?
- What hardware should I use?
- Is the material slip-resistant? ADA approved?
- Will the decking material mold or stain?
- How will the decking weather?
- How will the color change or fade?
- How long will my deck last?
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Some brands or manufactures include: Ariddek, Boardwalk, CertainTeed, Choice Dek, CorrectDeck, DeckRite, Duradek, EverGrain, Ez-Deck, E Wood, LockDry, LP, Noxwood, Rhino Deck, SmartDeck, Timbertech, Trex, TriMax, Weatherbest and Wolmanized Outdoor Wood. Do your own research on these products to see which one fits into your budget and offers the most benefits and features that are important to you and your family. |
Decking Materials: |
Wood
For those who love all that is natural, wood has a strong appeal. Wood does have a tendency to splinter, warp, twist, rot and crack if it is not properly sealed and cared for. But, when you love the look and feel of real wood it is worth the time and effort that it takes to maintain it.
Maintenance for wood decks involves annual scrubbing and washing, as well as sanding, staining, resealing or painting as needed. That being said, wood can last for a long time. |
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Pressure Treated Lumber
Usually made of pine, pressure treated wood is a rugged and economical choice that is widely available at lumber yards. Companies that manufacture pressure treated wood warranty their product against fungus decay, termites and rot. This pretreated decking starts off with a green hue, goes to a yellow/brown color, and eventually weathers to gray. The lumber is rated according to the pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood for uses ranging from above ground deck use to salt water docks. |
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Cedar and Redwood
Cedar is a popular softwood that resists rot. It can splinter easily, so a good quality penetrating stain is recommended. Unstained it will age to a silver gray. The grades available in Cedar range from A to D.
Redwood (especially clear heart grade) is a durable wood that resists decay. It does tends to blacken if it is not sealed. Construction common, construction heart, B-grade, and clear heart are the various grades for Redwood. |
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| Philippine Mahogany and Ipé are hardwoods that resist rot and pests. These virtually knot-free woods come in amber to dark brown hues that fade to a silver gray. Sealing is recommended. Because these woods are imported you will need to check if the wood has a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificate to ensure it has been harvested responsibly. The cost of these woods is higher than other wood decking. Additionally, these hardwoods cost more to install because they are difficult to work with and require pre-drilling to prevent the wood from splitting. |
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Non-Wood - Composite Lumber
Polyethylene Plastic & Wood: Usually composed of 50% wood fibers (sawdust) and 50% recycled polyethylene plastic (like plastic shopping bags). Requres low maintenance as compared to wood. Has good slip resistance.
Polypropylene Plastic & Wood:
Made from wood flower (small wood particles) and hard plastic (like plastic from recycled keyboards). Can be installed in curved patterns and designs. See product directions for installing on a curve. |
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Many manufacturers are quick to admit to a mildew problem and are working on solutions. You must follow the manufacturers' washing and care instructions to minimize grease stains, and buildup of mold and mildew. Additionally, decking must be installed correctly with consistent spacing between the boards to achieve the right look and for proper drainage.
A wood grain is pressed into the boards during production to give the product a more natural look and feel. Composites also come in variety of colors, depending on the manufacturer. Color fading, however, is another problem connected with composite materials and companies are working to eliminate this with UV inhibitors. Pick a product line and color that you like the look of when it is faded.
Composite lumber is not structurally rated and will require pressure treated lumber for beams and posts when building a deck. |
All Plastic Lumber
Plastic lumber, or HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic, is made from 90% (or higher) recycled materials and does not contain traces of wood. Plastic lumber doesn't fade or stain and it repels water. There are even structurally rated plastic lumber products available that can be used in structural applications such as posts, girders or joists. Costing three to four times what wood does, this all plastic option is substantially more expensive than wood. |
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Lumber
Plastic mixed with glass fiber. This lumber is the highest cost of the three plastics, but it is also the strongest and can be used in some structural applications. Low maintenance. |
Tips for choosing a deck color:
- White tends to have more of a glare than a darker color.
- Really dark colors can be hot to the touch with bare feet. Try samples that have been left out in the sun to get a true feel.
- Think about a color that will blend or co-ordinate with your house.
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Aluminum Decking
This decking material is an interlocking aluminum with a powder coat paint finish that promises not to rust or rot, nor warp or mold. Pieces need to be cut with a saw that has a carbide blade and filed to smooth down the edges before installation.
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Vinyl Decking
Vinyl is another alternative to wood decking. It is a solid waterproof, synthetic surface that needs to be professionally installed. An application of Duradek is pictured to the left on a home with multiple decks.
Duradek makes a 'waterproof vinyl roof and walking deck membrane system' that can last up to 15 to 20 years when it is properly maintained and cared for.
We can help you get local qualified deck contractors to build your deck or dock the way you want it. Learn more about decks in our
Rooftop Deck article. |
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