Outdoor decking materials are available in varieties of options such as wood, redwood, composite, aluminum, plastic and much more. They can be used to create a durable and stunning deck with the help of professional deck builders in Auckland. However, a well-constructed deck can easily last for years. So, it is necessary to choose the right material when planning your new deck.
Here we have mentioned about the most popular decking materials used, including the pros and cons of each type.
Wood: Wood is a renewable and recyclables resource and the most common type of decking. It is also called Timber Decking.
Pros:
- Lowest initial cost
- It’s natural and smells good
- Natural wood decking has a natural warmth, and on the hottest days, wood decks remain comfortable underfoot than stone or brick pavers
- Eco-friendly material
- Wood decking absorbs water, which makes it a great outdoor decking material for around swimming pool to avoid slip and falls.
- Available in a wide range of grades
Cons:
- Hardwoods can be expensive
- From hardwoods to redwood, all wood decking requires frequent maintenance to prevent fading, rot, cracking and discolouration.
Composite: It is also known as synthetic decking, wood-polymer composites, or wood alternatives. It has become the popular choice of homeowners for last few years. Composite decking is an equal mix of recycled plastic and wood fiber.
Pros:
Lightweight
Stain resistant
Weather resistant
Won't rot or splinter
Requires less maintenance
Lasts longer than wood decks
Environmentally friendly
It is also an excellent choice for decking around a swimming pool.
Cons:
Expensive initial cost
Some look cheap or fake
Can be heavier than wood
Some composite brands can be slippery
Not resistant to mildew and mold
Poor quality grade composite can discolour or warp over time
Pressure Treated Wood: Pressure treated wood is less durable woods, treated with preservatives. It is the most commonly used type of building material by homeowners today. It can be used for various purposes.
Pros:
It is affordable as compared to other types of wood
It is strong and can hold up to lot more wear and tear
This type of wood has extra strength and is very long-lasting
Ideal for surface decking and structural parts
Repels Insects & Rot Resistant
Offer a long-term warranty
Cons:
It contains chemical preservatives, which is harmful to the environment and your health as well
It has a tendency to warp and twist
Pressure Treated Wood is very reactive to the sun and can cause discolouration
More likely to rot or mold
Pressure Treated Wood is porous and soft material, so
it stains and scratches easily
Lowest life expectancy of 10-15 years
Vinyl: From last few years, vinyl decking has become a competitive choice on the market. The material used can be PVC, steel, and recycled.
Pros:
It is durable and able to resist mildew, mold and insects without much maintenance
It can be customised to have a wood-like appearance
It is hard wearing and can resist harsh weather
It is much easier to maintain over time
It is less expensive than wood
Cons:
When exposed to prolonged periods of sun, it may fade.
Vinyl decking is more expensive than cedar, pressure treated wood, and some composite materials
Requires periodic cleaning to maintain its appearance and condition.
It can’t be refinished. Need replacement, if it gets damaged or worn
Aluminum: Aluminum decks are durable, sleek, and won't rot near rivers and lakes or under rain. It is made up from one of the strongest alloys.
Pros:
Aluminium decks have textured finish
Tough and strong
Lightweight and Long-lasting
Slip-resistant
On the hottest days, it keeps feet cool and prevents slips after rain.
Maintains its color for a longer period
Won't rot, decay, warp or splinter like other decking lumber
Recyclable
Fireproof
Cons:
Noisy
Gets slippery when frozen
Most pricey decking
Does not resemble wood
Plastic: It is high-density plastic and made from recycled polyethylene plastic. Which means you do not have to worry about splinters and high maintenance.
Pros:
Stain and fade resistant
Weather resistant
Low maintenance and doesn't require staining, sanding, or painting
Lightweight
Eco-friendly decking material
Easy to clean, using a mop
Recyclable
Cons:
It is not strong enough as compared to other decking materials and requires more extensive support structure than wood.
Looks and feels like synthetic
It is expensive
Gets extremely hot during summers and difficult to walk on
May fade from sunscreen, insect repellants and rubber mats
Prone to chalking
Sensitive to mildew and mold in dark or shady areas of the deck
If you think we missed out on something or you have any tips or suggestions, feel free to write us in the comment box.
Author's Bio:
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, making money, health and so on. Her write-ups are a window into her thoughts and knowledge.
