What is the best material to use for decks?
PVC decking is also the top choice for long-lasting, durable deck boards. Much of this owes to PVC's water resistance. It's moisture-absorption that causes most of wood decking's durability issues: warping, splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, rot, and insect damage.
What is the longest lasting decking material?
Aluminum and Steel Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What is the best low maintenance deck material?
3 Best Low-Maintenance Deck MaterialsComposite Decking. Composite decking combines wood fibers and recycled plastic to create a highly durable, weather- and stain-resistant decking material that won't warp, split, or splinter. ... Pressure-Treated Wood Decking. ... Ipe Decking.
Is composite or wood decking better?
While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.
What are the problems with composite decking?
Composite decking has a high rate of expansion and contraction due to temperature swings. It actually moves greater distances and more unexpectedly than traditional wood. When the boards expand and contract, they may split, delaminate, and peel. The movement can cause your decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend.
Is a composite deck worth the money?
Yes, composite materials on decking and trim are worth the money. The labor to install composite is the same as the labor to install wood, which will rot and require a lot of maintenance. For example, the labor to replace a deck with Trex or wood might both be $4000. The only difference is the cost of the materials.
What is the most maintenance free deck?
Modern, low-maintenance deck products like vinyl have become the material of choice for homeowners who don't want to spend time and money maintaining a wood deck. Wood decks need to be sanded and either painted or stained every few years to keep the wood from deteriorating.
Is composite or PVC decking better?
PVC is much harder and more scratch resistant than composite decking, which is good news if you have a large dog or heavy patio furniture. All these benefits don't come cheap, however: PVC decking will cost you about $10 per sq. ft. Some companies offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Can you pressure wash composite decking?
Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Most composite decking is slippery compared to wood decking when wet. The polymer cap of the decking repelling the water, creating potential slipping hazards. There are some notable composite decking exceptions, that provide excellent traction both when wet and dry.
Is composite decking cheaper than wood in 2022?
A pressure-treated wood deck will cost, on average, $15 to $25 per square foot while the composite deck will cost about $20 to $30 per square foot. The composite deck will cost more upfront, but the savings are in the maintenance cost over the years, and the composite deck will last longer than a wood deck.
How much does a 20x20 composite deck cost?
If we assume a 20' x 20' deck, then a rough estimate for pressure treated wood would be around $3,000, whereas the same deck built with a high-quality composite material might cost around $5,6001. However, after just two to three years of routine maintenance, that cost difference is easily erased.
Is composite or PVC decking better?
PVC is much harder and more scratch resistant than composite decking, which is good news if you have a large dog or heavy patio furniture. All these benefits don't come cheap, however: PVC decking will cost you about $10 per sq. ft. Some companies offer a limited lifetime warranty.
What is the best decking for full sun?
Looking for the best composite decking for full sun? Look no further than TimberTech® capped polymer and capped composite decking. TimberTech deck boards are far superior to traditional wood in several ways, including in their ability to handle direct sunlight with less heat retention and minimal color fading.
What is the average lifespan of a deck?
Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.
How long will pressure-treated deck last?
Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
What is the best material for a deck?
Exotic hardwoods like Ipe wood are another excellent decking material option. The advantage of hardwoods is suggested right in their name – they’re hard. Their dense composition makes them resistant to infestation and rot. They also contain natural tannins that work similarly to the chemicals added to pressure-treated lumber.
What factors go into choosing deck material?
From cost and appearance to maintenance and installation, many factors go into choosing deck material options. If you want to make the best choice for your own deck, it helps to be fully informed about your options. Take a moment to learn more about decking materials here.
How long does Trex decking last?
With minimal care, high-quality materials like Trex Composite Decking can last for 25 years. There are many manufacturers and color options to choose from when selecting composite materials, so the cost of composite decking can vary widely – as much as $8 to $12 per square foot.
How much does PVC decking cost?
When compared to wood, PVC decking has a much higher upfront cost, around $10-$12 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer. As with any longer-lasting building material, the increased cost of materials can be mitigated over time by the savings of reduced maintenance.
What color is PVC decking?
Aesthetically, PVC provides a wider range of options than ordinary lumber. You can find color options for brown, gray, white, tan, or even patterns that mimic the grain of wood. Solid PVC decking has been manufactured for over 20 years and has improved in both formulation and aesthetics over that time.
What is composite decking?
There are many types of composite decking . In general the word “composite” means different materials combined to make a new finished product. Most commonly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood are used together, but some products use rice hulls, high-density polyethylene and other combinations of various materials.
What is the most important decision you make when building a deck?
Choosing a decking material is arguably the most important decision you’ll make while building a deck. Different circumstances call for different types of decking, and each option has its own unique aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements, and other important considerations to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the most popular decking material?
If you are building a new deck, you have probably noticed that the decking material choices are almost endless when it comes to decking material. While wood is still the most popular material, composite decking materials are quickly gaining ground.
Who owns Fiberon decking?
Fiberon decking, who was recently acquired by Fortune Brands has products that appeal to every taste and budget.
What is ipe wood?
Ipe Decking. Ipe wood (pronounced E-pay), which is also known as Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood or Pau lope, is extremely durable and sturdy, with a Janka hardness of 3680. That’s triple the strength of a typical plastic-composite decking, while providing all of the aesthetic benefits of a natural, beautiful wood deck.
Is wood decking durable?
Extremely durable and sturdyTriple the strength of typical plastic-composite deckingBeautiful aesthetic benefits of natural wood deckGrain is extremely dense and tightFine texture and inter-locking grain results in superior slip resistanceDoes not require usage of preservatives or treatmentsNaturally resistant to decay, rot, insect infestation and more.
Is Timbertech decking good?
Timbertech Decking which now includes the entire Azek decking line is a good product choice with entry level products all the way to the high end product choices to meet your needs.
What is the best cedar for decking?
And note that all types of cedar aren’t the same: The four best grades of cedar to use for decking are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty (listed from clearest to most knotty). So the nicer you go, the more it’s going to cost you.
What is composite decking made of?
Pros: Composite decking materials are made primarily from wood fibers and recycled plastics, and are among the fastest-growing decking options available today. Since they’ve been artificially created, they won't warp or splinter, and they also don’t get affected by rot or insects.
How much does cedar cost per square foot?
Cons: The main issue is the price, averaging at about $3.75 to $5 per square foot. And note that all types of cedar aren’t the same: The four best grades of cedar to use for decking are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty (listed from clearest to most knotty). So the nicer you go, the more it’s going to cost you.
What is decking in a pool?
Decks are a place for reflection as much as recreation whether it's surrounding an in-ground swimming pool or as a balcony extension in the front or backyard, but the options when embarking on a design can feel overwhelming.
How much does a composite wood floor cost?
They can be on the pricier side depending on the company you pick—around $7 to $10 per square foot —and you have to make sure that you choose a reputed, high-quality company.
Is bluestone a good nonslip surface?
Bluestone. Pros: Bluestone is rich color in color, it's organic, and it integrates well with traditional architecture. It's also a great nonslip surface when wet, making it particularly well-suited for rainy regions or backyards with swimming pools.
Is pressure treated wood safe?
In the past, pressure-treated wood was treated with chromated copper arsenate, a suspected carcinogen. Now, though, it’s treated with less toxic chemicals, making it relatively safe for the home.
Why is composite decking considered a good material?
Over the years, composite decking has proven its value, evolving into a go-to decking material for more homeowners and commercial contractors alike because of its long-term benefits, low maintenance and durability.
What is Composite Decking Made of?
Composite decking boards are made out of recycled or reclaimed materials , with polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) plastic or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) mixed with wood fiber, rice hulls or other fillers, as well as a blend of chemical additives.
How long does capped composite decking last?
Decks made from capped composite boards can last for at least 25 to 30 years.
How long do composite deck boards last?
Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage. Comparatively, traditional wood decks have an average lifespan of 10-15 years with routine annual maintenance depending on the quality of wood used and the effects of different climates.
What is capped composite decking?
Capped composite decking boards consist of a mixture of wood and plastic that comprise their core. These boards are then “capped” coated with a sturdy polymer coating. This protective synthetic shell helps protect the wood fibers inside the composite from mold, mildew, rot, and the elements.
What is decking investment?
A deck is an investment that adds value to your home, whether you choose natural wood or composite materials. And while cost is often the primary consideration when planning a deck project, it’s equally important to understand the value of what you’re getting.
What is hidden clip on composite deck?
Composite deck boards now boast a feature called the “hidden clip system” for easy fastening. The end result is a more convenient and seamless deck installation that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.
What are decks made of?
Historically, most decks were made from wood, such as pressure-treated pine or cedar. But a proliferation of new materials, including aluminum, composites, and vinyl, offer compelling alternatives—any of which might be extra-appealing against the backdrop of an ongoing lumber shortage.
What materials are tested to see if they hold up?
Our extensive tests expose aluminum, composite, and wood options to extreme conditions to see which ones hold up for the long haul
How long does it take for a deck to show age?
A deck built with subpar materials will start showing its age in a year or two. Fast-forward a decade, and a wooden deck that was beautiful that first summer might have warped or cracked wooden boards. Even a composite deck might have a faded finish, or a span that sags between joists.
What to Consider When Buying Composite Decking?
With tons of features and product lines to compare, choosing a composite product can get overwhelming fast. The most important thing to consider is what you’ll use this deck for. Is it to go around your in-ground pool or hot tub? Do you want to barbecue on it? Spend your entire summer on it? Is it something you’ll use a lot or only occasionally? Knowing what you want to use it for will help guide you on what features are most important. It doesn’t matter so much if the deck gets scalding hot if no one uses it in the summer.
What is Wolf decking?
Like Fiberon and AZEK, Wolf Decking offers both composite and PVC decking. They have the most affordable PVC decking in the industry, which lets you get a higher quality deck for the same price. Their Serenity line is at the top of the industry for slip resistance.
How long is Trex decking warranty?
But their reputation is all over the place, especially depending on the product line. Their main advantages are their standard 25-year warranty that they offer some of the most affordable composite decking options.
What does composite look like?
Early composite materials looked like, well, plastic, but manufacturing has improved since then. Budget composite still looks like plastic, but high-quality composite will look more like wood. Some brands even have no-repeat grain embossing for the most natural look.
Is composite decking slippery?
One of the top two complaints about composite decking is that it can be so slippery! Higher quality products, especially those made with PVC or mineral, have deeper embossing and rate higher for grip. Consider how much traction you, your family, and any visitors will need — not just now, but ten to twenty years in the future. Also consider how much rain and ice your deck will get (especially pool-side decks) — the wetter the deck will get, the more traction you’ll need.
How much does Cooldeck reduce heat?
Their CoolDeck technologyhas been proven to reduce heat by 35%. That could be the difference between a deck that’s 140F and 90F. CoolDeck is only available on select lines, though, so watch out for that.
Is Fiberon decking approved for Wildland?
Fiberon’s Paramount decking is also approved for use in Wildland Urban Interface zones and meets the additional requirements of San Diego County.
