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July 04, 2021
What Is the Best Material for a Deck?
A beautiful deck gives you a comfortable space to relax after a long day, host summer parties, and have Sunday barbeques. Natural wood and composite add an aesthetic appeal that can be customized to complement your home’s architecture. This affordable add-on can increase the value of your home and the number of prospective buyers.
If you are planning to build a deck, then you might be wondering how to choose the best material for it. Not too long ago, you had the choice between wood and other types of wood. Now, however, there are several different decking materials on the market. Allow Beall Contracting to give you a rundown on some of the popular decking materials.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Wood is a wonderful building material, but it is not without faults. For one, it is susceptible to decay. Then, it can succumb to insects, fungi, and water damage. Pressure-treated wood is a result of efforts to reduce such limitations. Intense pressure is applied during the manufacturing of this wood to force different chemical compounds into the grain. These can crack or warp over time and are difficult to maintain, however.
Tropical Hardwood
Tropical hardwood was made to withstand the power of storms. These rich-grained woods have become a popular choice over the past 20 years because they are hard, durable, and naturally resistant to insects, rot, and water damage. In fact, they can be so dense that you cannot screw into the board without boring a pilot hole.
Tropical hardwood has lowered in price over the years but is still relatively expensive. Though the installation is heavy work and expensive, the result is a durable product that requires little maintenance.
Redwood and Cedar
Aside from tropical hardwood, popular wood decking materials include redwood and cedar. Similar to tropical hardwood, redwood and cedar contain special tannins and oils that act as natural resistance against decay, rot, and insect infestations.
Both of these wood decking materials are known for their natural beauty that is rich in color. These, too, are expensive, however, and their maintenance requires time and attention to detail.
Composites
Let’s face it, the world is becoming more conscious of the consequences of pollution. With this has come an increased focus on recycling. Composite decking is made from a mixture of recycled plastics and wood dust and is a fast-growing decking material. This option has many benefits aside from its environmental friendliness.
Composites are weather-resistant and do not warp, cup, splinter, or rot. They require very little maintenance and no staining or sanding is necessary. Composites come in a variety of colors but are a little more costly.
Aluminum
Obviously, aluminum is not going to rot, warp, rust, crack, or splinter. Better yet, aluminum quickly dissipates heat. However, this decking material has a higher upfront cost, gives a different feeling underfoot, and is less attractive than wood for many people. Finally, it is not readily available.
Ready to Install or Replace a Deck?
Installing a deck is a simpler project than, say, a bathroom renovation, but it is still hard work. If you would like to hire professional handymen, then call Beall Contracting to get in touch with a friendly representative.