Choosing the right material for your deck can be hard because there are so many things you need to keep in mind like the weather and the longevity of the material itself among other things. Here is a compiled list of materials that are commonly used in building a deck, so you can find the best one for yours. Moreover, you should also consider a few things first before consulting deck contractors and choosing a decking material.
Things To Consider When Selecting A Decking Material
Here are the 3 key things to consider when buying and choosing a decking material.
The Weather
You absolutely need to keep the weather in mind. A deck is essentially an exterior extension of your house, where you have the extra space to lounge out, relax, and even host parties.
The point is that the deck is exposed to the weather almost 100% of the time, so you must choose a material that’s not only durable but can endure harsh weather conditions, like heavy rains and hot and cold temperatures.
Your Budget
The next most important thing to consider when you’re out searching for the perfect deck material, is the budget you’ve allocated. There are expensive and cheap materials available readily, but the choice is ultimately up to you and how much you can spend. Not having a budget for your deck installation project is like walking in the dark without a flashlight.
You don’t have any reference or guide as to how much you can actually spend on a material without breaking the bank. This is why, before committing to the installation of a deck, you must do your research on different materials and their respective prices so that you can have an idea as to how much decking materials cost.
Durability
Lastly, durability also counts. If you’re spending a fortune on deck material, then it might as well be durable, right? Well, that’s not how people tend to go about things all the time. There are a lot of reasons why people don’t opt for durable materials and one of them is the hefty price tag. If you really think about it though, investing in a good quality and equally durable material is going to pay you back in ways you can’t even begin to comprehend.
Durability is a huge quality because the last thing you want is to keep replacing or repairing the deck over and over again, and that’s going to add up over time as well. So, if your budget allows it, try to go for a durable material, that’s not going to bug you during maintenance and will last you for a long, long time. Those are the materials that are truly worth the splurge.
Moreover, durability is your priority, you should also consider building patio instead of a deck.
Common Materials Used In Deck Building
Now that you know what you should look for in a material and the things you should know, here is the complete guide of materials used in deck making and what sets them apart from others.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Wood might not sound like the best material to build an outdoor deck, but this is one of the better and reasonably durable options available in this category. This wood is treated with chemicals to make it water, stain, and mold resistant.
Although wood on its own looks very beautiful and the appearance is what gets people, it can be a bit of work to maintain, like resealing it every couple of months to ensure durability.
Composite
Composite is a new addition in the realm of materials and it’s becoming extremely popular as far as its qualities are concerned. Composite is made by combining plastic and fiberglass shreds with a strong and clear resin. In appearance, composite decking looks a lot more like wood and it doesn’t have a cheap plastic feeling either, which is another reason why people prefer composite over other plastic variants.
It is also quite low maintenance, unlike wood and other natural materials. However, if the material is this good, then it’s bound to have some major demerits and for composite, it’s the price. Composite is an extremely expensive material, considering that the main constituent is plastic. It’s nearly as expensive as metal decking materials, so most people opt for the latter.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is pretty similar to laminate countertops for kitchens because of how it can mimic other designs and make them look realistic. PVC is a type of plastic and decking made out of this material is essentially free from hefty maintenance and care. It can be made to appear like hardwood, stone, or any other surface.
One of the best things about PVC is that it’s completely recyclable, so it’s a great choice to sate your inner environmentalist. The only drawback to PVC decks is that they can get hot in the summer and it’s best if you keep them in a shaded area.
Aluminum
If you want to explore the category of metals, then aluminum is a great choice for building a sturdy and durable deck. It is an extremely durable option, but because it’s metal, it can get hot under the blazing sun and that can be a deal breaker for a lot of people.
Aluminum can also be treated to mimic the appearance of wood, but it’s not as professional looking and a lot of people don’t like the look at all. It is also quite expensive, which is another reason why it is not as popular among people.
However, if you want durability, aluminum offers that fine. In fact, many people who build pergolas and decks, ask pergola builders Long Island specifically for aluminum.
HDPE
If you’re looking for an even more sustainable choice of decking material, then high-density polyethylene is also a good choice. It is primarily a plastic decking material, but it is treated to get rid of the harmful toxins that plastic usually has and it is also made to look better in appearance, not tacky and cheap.
It is the liaison between PVC and composite, in a way that it’s much better in appearance and feeling than PVC, but it’s not as great of a material as composite. It is available in a lot of colors and it’s a cost-effective option. HDPE also doesn’t need to be protected from water, as it is already quite dense and compact and it repels water. This material is also quite easy to clean and as far as durability is concerned, it can last up to 25 years, which is amazing.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is also another very environmentally friendly option. This material works all year round and doesn’t get affected by alternating hot and cold temperatures. A lot of the time, decking materials crack, because they’re not able to endure temperatures of both extremes. Fiberglass is also quite lightweight and is pretty easy to install. It’s also extremely durable and doesn’t need protection against moisture, insects, and other natural agents.
On the flip side, fiberglass is also an expensive material and it has an extremely smooth surface that can, at times, look fake and people don’t like this particular feature very much.
Conclusion
Each and every one of these materials has certain things that make or break a house deck. Now that you’ve gone through this guide, it will be somewhat easier for you to come to a final decision. Involve your deck builder Port Jefferson in this process as well because they can provide you with useful information.