Here are the most common woods used for decking:
- Cedar – At $4 to $8 per square foot, cedar is naturally resistant to weathering, insects, and rot. ...
- Bamboo – Bamboo is the cheapest material used in decking at an average cost of $3 per square foot. ...
- Redwood – Redwood decking costs $7 per square foot and is the most common wood used in deck building. ...
Full Answer
Where is the cheapest place to buy composite decking?
Most Economical Costing Composite Decking [Less than $2.50] Prices will change with each collection but if you are tight on cash, look to Trex, Fiberon, and TimberTech. If you’re in the Midwest, take a look at Ultra Deck, which also has some economical decking boards. They all offer composite decking for less than $2.50 a lineal foot in most markets.
What is the best decking material?
What’s the Best Decking Material For My Outdoor Living Space?
- Most Water-Resistant Deck Boards: PVC. ...
- Deck Boards With The Most Style And Color Options: Composite. ...
- Best-Performing Deck Boards In All Climates: Mineral-Based Composite. ...
- Best Deck Boards For Staying Cool On Hot, Sunny Days: PVC. ...
- Most Durable Deck Boards: PVC. ...
- Safest Deck Boards For Foot Traction: Composite. ...
- Most Natural-Looking Deck Boards: Composite. ...
What is the best lumber for a deck?
Types of Deck Material Options
- Pressure-Treated Wood. Among the various types of wood decking, pressure-treated lumber is the most common. ...
- Cedar Decking. Cedar is commonly regarded as a higher-quality material than pressure-treated lumber. ...
- PVC Decking. ...
- Composite Decking. ...
- Hardwoods. ...
How much does new decking cost/price?
Adding a deck can add significant value to your home as well. The average cost of building a deck is about $20 - $50 per square foot , and most spend $4,000 to $12,000 to build one. There are several things to consider when establishing a budget for your project to help get a more precise estimate.
What is the cheapest material to build a deck with?
Pressure-treated woodPressure-treated wood is generally the cheapest material to build decks from.
What is the cheapest wood to use on decking?
Pressure treated woodPressure treated wood is usually the least expensive option of all the decking materials, but other types of wood can be more costly, especially for large decks. Composite decking is usually more expensive per square foot than common types of wood because it's manufactured and long-lasting.
What is the cheapest type of decking?
Pressure-Treated Lumber Costs It's the most common and least expensive type of decking. Although pressure-treated wood requires yearly washing, sanding, and sealing, when finished with a clear sealant, it will last up to 30 years if maintained properly.
What is a cheaper alternative to Trex decking?
Generally speaking, Trex and Fiberon offer the least expensive options while TimberTech and AZEK come in on the higher end. However, keep in mind that the higher-tiered grades of Trex are more expensive than the lower-tiered grades of Timbertech so it's important to make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
How much should a 20x20 deck cost?
A 20 x 20 deck installation costs approximately $14,000 on average. Using more economical materials like bamboo or cedar deck boards can knock the price down. In contrast, high-end decking materials like composite decking will increase the price.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite DeckingA pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. ... Composites aren't natural. ... Composite decks aren't completely maintenance free. ... You'll need to comparison shop.
What can I put down instead of decking?
Cheaper alternatives to deckingGravel. Most people don't consider gravel as an option but it can be a good alternative. ... Paving. ... Rubber mats. ... Poured concrete. ... Pallet decking. ... Bark chippings. ... Self binding gravel. ... DIY decking kits.
What can I have instead of decking?
Decking AlternativesNatural Stone And Porcelain. Firstly, let's start with one of the most expensive options. ... Poured Concrete. If you decide that concrete slabs are not for you, and you are looking for a super low-cost option, you could contemplate a patio made from poured concrete. ... Timber Decking.
What wood can you use instead of decking?
Bamboo Decking Not only do the many types of bamboo withstand moisture, feature strong fibers and pulp, and is extremely handsome, but it's also the most eco-friendly of the decking alternatives.
What is the best low maintenance deck material?
Pressure treated wood, cedar, and redwood are great choices for wood decking. These are the least expensive yet high maintenance options. Traditional wood decks easily fade when exposed to weather conditions.
Is IPE cheaper than Trex?
On the other hand, Trex can be a little less expensive upfront than ipe and it is available in colors not found in natural woods.
What product is better than Trex?
In a high-end comparison of the Legacy Collection by TimberTech vs Trex Transcend, TimberTech offers the most realistic-looking boards, while Trex Transcend is widely known as the most durable composite on the market.
What is the best type of wood to use for a deck?
Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.
What kind of wood should I use for a deck?
Wood Materials The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.
Which deck wood lasts the longest?
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 type of wood is used for outdoor decks?
What is the Best Wood for Outdoor Decks?Cedar. Using Cedar for decks is one of the most popular options because of it's durability and resistance to moisture. ... Redwood. Redwood is another western soft wood that is frequently used in outdoor deck builds. ... Pressure Treated Wood. ... Tropical Hardwoods. ... Composite Wood.
What is the cheapest decking material?
It great to have a place to set a chair and put your feet up and enjoy the sun and the great outdoors. If you are on a budget, the cheapest decking material is 5/4 treated decking.
What is the cheapest way to do decking?
The cheapest way to install decking is Horizontal decking pattern faced screwed with 3” coated screws. Horizontal decking has the least amount of waste if the decking coincides with the length of the decking.
How much does a 5/4 cedar deck cost?
Cedar decking is often hailed as a cost-effective decking resistant to rot. Which is true old-growth cedar naturally decays slower than untreated softwood but 5/4 cedar decking costs around $1.40 a lineal foot, $3.05 a square foot. The decking for a 12’ by 12’ deck with 5/4 cedar will cost, on average, $440.
What is Trex decking?
Trex, the largest manufacturer of composite decking and the innovator of composite decking, in 2020 introduced a new line Trex Enhanced Basics composite decking. With a scalloped bottom but at the lowest price for composite decking. Limited to only three basic colours, hence the name but still with Trex’s standard 25-year decking warranty. A polymer capped composite decking costing as low as $5.00 a square foot. The most economical, quality composite decking available to date. For a 12’ by 12’ deck with Trex Enhanced Basics composite decking material costing only $720. 5/4 treated decking is still cheaper by $485 then Trex’s Basics. But Trex Basics is a good deal for low maintenance decking.
What is Elegance decking?
Elegance is a hollow core composite decking material by Leadvision International. Sold by Lowes and Rona as an economical low maintenance decking. Not as cheap as 5/4 treated decking, but averaging $5.50 a square foot is an excellent price for composite decking. To reduce the cost of the decking, the amount of material is reduced with six hollow cylinders inside the decking. Less material, less cost, but still, 5/4 treated decking is cheaper. A 12’ by 12’ deck with Elegance composite decking will cost $800 for the decking material. Making 5/4 treated decking $565 cheaper than Elegance but requiring more maintenance to last as long as composite decking.
How much does a Trex hidden fastener cost?
Hidden fasteners for composite decking are not cheap. Trex composite hidden fasteners will cost around $1.35 a square foot of deck. Where if you use standard coated 3” deck screws faced screwed the screws will cost on average $0.16 a square foot.
How much does 5/4 decking cost?
Priced as low as $0.75 a lineal foot but on average between $0.80 and $1.00 lineal foot. 5/4 decking material cost as cheap as $1.63 a square foot. For a 12’ by 12’, 5/4 treated decking material costing as little as $235.
How much does composite decking cost?
For a quick reference, composite decking will cost between $2.25 and $9.00 a linear foot, with the majority of compositing decking costing between $3 and $6 a linear foot. Prices will vary by boards and brands. The more expensive are usually PVC decking, the most economical a three-sided capped scalloped composite with a single board colour.
How thick is a deck?
On a much broader note. Almost all synthetic decking is thinner than traditional decking. It use to be standard that decking boards were 1 ½” (38mm) thick. Now, even wood decking is often only 1″ (25mm) thick.
What is Zuri decking?
Zuri PVC decking is designed to bring the beauty of hardwood outdoors. I have seen no decking that matches Zuri is appearance. With names like Walnut, Chestnut, Pecan, Brazilia, Weathered Gray, and Hickory, you know you are installing the finest imitation wood decking.
How thick is Trex Select?
Trex Select is a good example of thinner boards. It is only 7/8″ (22mm) thick compared to the industry standard of 1″ (25mm). It may not seem like much but it brings Select into the lower price bracket. Saving you on average $1.80 a lineal foot.
What is the best decking board for the Midwest?
Prices will change with each collection but if you are tight on cash, look to Trex, Fiberon, and TimberTech. If you’re in the Midwest, take a look at Ultra Deck, which also has some economical decking boards.
What boards are included in the $2.50 to $3.00 tier?
The $2.50 to $3.00 tier includes boards from Trex, Armadillo, NewTechWood and UltraDeck.
How much does Trex cost?
Nationally, Trex’s Basic Enhances boards are the most economical. Costing as little as $1.60 a lineal foot in some markets . More often closer to $2. Still, that is close to the price of pressure-treated.
How long does Neotimber decking last?
So, if you are searching for a good, solid low-cost affordable composite decking solution which is easy to install, looks fabulous, is built to last AND is guaranteed for 25 years, then our range of NeoTimber decking boards are for you.
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking boards are made up of recycled materials – plastics and wood – which, when combined, create a superior blended, man-made decking product.
Is composite board good for decking?
If you are keen to DIY your decking, then composite boarding is a great choice as it’s easy to cut, connect and install. Other natural materials (wood/stone) require a solid base to start and this often requires heavy excavation works prior to installation.
Is Neotimber decking rot resistant?
NeoTimber composite boards are weather-resistant, lightweight and they don’t splinter or rot. This means decking structures made with our products are going to be sturdier and, therefore, safer than a traditional wooden alternative. Unlike other cheap composite deck boards, our entire decking range comes with a reversible finish (either grooved or woodgrain) providing our customers with ultimate control over what solution best suits their project.
Why is it important to compare decking prices?
Comparing pricing is always important when trying to choose the best product to meet your budget. Many low maintenance decking brands offer a range of products at different price points. You can consult the websites or your local dealer for details of how price relates to appearance and performance.
How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?
A big, beautiful deck is one of your main resources of outside entertainment for guests. From cookouts to conversation, nothing gets more use than a nice deck on a beautiful day. So, when comparing composite decking prices with their natural wood counterpart’s pricing, it’s important to know why composite decks are more expensive than a natural wood deck.
What is composite decking?
Due to their mixture of synthetic and organic fibers wrapped in a protective synthetic shell, composite deck boards are resistant to mold, warping, and staining. They are also scratch-resistant and fade-resistant.
Is composite decking better than wood?
Not only does composite decking hold up better in terms of longevity and structural integrity, but a deck made from composite will still stay beautiful over the course of its lifetime with significantly less maintenance than a wood deck.
Why seal and preserve a deck?
Seal and Preserve Your Deck. When building a deck out of raw, cheap materials, it’s important that you seal your deck so that it doesn’t rot or decay.
Is treated wood cheaper than untreated wood?
Treated wood is more costly than untreated wood. Plus, the jury is still out on how safe these chemicals are when it comes to your health. However, if you still want to treat your wood, you can purchase a chemical wood treatment and apply it yourself.
Can you customize a deck?
Any customization is going to raise the prices on the materials you need to build the deck. Stick with simple lumber and other standard materials. A simple deck can still be a beautiful deck.
Can you build a deck with pallets?
Build a Pallet Deck. Although you can build a regular deck for cheap, a pallet deck is worth considering. Not only are pallets inexpensive or sometimes free, but also pallets can add interesting character to your home. You can arrange them in different shapes and paint or finish them in any color.
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 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 is the difference between cedar and sapwood?
One important distinction to make if you choose cedar as a decking material is that you must ensure the cedar you use is heartwood as opposed to sapwood. Heartwood is cut from the center of the tree and is considerably denser, whereas sapwood is the softer material on the outside of the tree. The extra density of heartwood makes lumber more resistant to environmental decay.
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.
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.
