what should i use for deck flooring

The three most common materials used for shed floor decks are:

• Timber tongue and grooved planks
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
• Plywood

Full Answer

What is the best material for deck flooring?

Wood is often the most cost-effective and efficient material for creating deck flooring. Wood looks great, weathers well, spans wide joist distances, and is easily available.

How do I choose the best wood decking tiles?

Wooden deck tiles are most easily installed over hard, flat surfaces. If you do have surface irregularities, choose a deck tile that will adhere to those irregularities. Make sure your deck is clean of dirt, grime and other objects before installing wood decking tiles.

Can you put wood deck tiles on concrete?

Grass: Wood deck tiles can be installed above grass. Dig down 2-1/2 in. where the deck tiles will be laid. Apply a 1-1/2 in. thick layer of gravel. Place the deck tiles onto the gravel and hammer them flat. Concrete: You can definitely place these wood deck tiles over concrete but you need some help.

What kind of paint is best for decking?

However, dirt is more likely to stick to a flat finish, making flat paint better suited to decks that won’t get a lot of muddy traffic. Eggshell: Eggshell deck paint has a slight sheen of about 10 percent and provides a nice, soft finish. The low level of shine also helps hide flaws in the wood.

What is the best material to use for decks?

Composite and PVC decking are popular because they're virtually maintenance free. Both types are extremely weather-resistant, easy to clean, and neither will ever splinter, warp, cup, or rot. And they don't require sanding or staining.

What kind of wood should I use for a deck floor?

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.

What can I use for deck boards?

Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them. For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s.

What can I cover my deck floor with?

DeckRite is a sheet material that comes on a roll, much like sheet vinyl flooring. It basically turns your old deck into an outdoor floor with no gaps in it and creates a watertight roof for the area beneath your deck. As long as your old deck boards are at least 5/4 thick and structurally sound, you can screw 1/2-in.

Can you use untreated wood for a deck?

You can build a deck using untreated wood, but ensure you seal the wood with stain-sealant combos or coat it with exterior grade paint to make it resilient to the harsh weather elements outside.

Should I use cedar or pressure treated wood for a deck?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

What is the least expensive deck material?

pressure-treated pineThe cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.

What is the longest lasting deck 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.

Can I use plywood for decking?

Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means a deck can easily be covered with plywood. With Marine Plywood, you can finish your deck in hours instead of the days it would take using individual boards, and at a very reasonable cost.

Can I cover my deck with vinyl flooring?

Typically, vinyl is applied with glue over plywood. It can also be applied over non-sealed concrete. To prepare your deck for a vinyl covering, the substrate must be smooth, clean, dry, and well-sloped. Patch any imperfections in the substrate including plywood joints, cracks, screw holes, low points, and gouges.

Can I put vinyl flooring over deck boards?

If you plan to use it over your patio decking, you may want to use vinyl flooring that is specifically made for outdoor use. They can be either in tile form, boards, or sheets. Regardless, there are many advantages to using vinyl flooring.

Can you put vinyl flooring on a deck?

Yes, vinyl flooring can be installed on the outdoor patio since it's moisture resistant, durable, and require little maintenance. The vinyl outdoor patio provides a comfortable and durable playing space for kids and a relaxation area.

What are the factors that determine the best decking material?

Ultimately, finding one that suits your space comes down to a compromise of four key factors: budget, climate, ease of maintenance, and overall aesthetic. Start your construction process by considering these five most popular picks for the best decking material—we’ve got the pros and cons for each.

What is composite decking made of?

Composite decking, from brands such as Trex and TimberTech, is made from a blend of recycled plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC) mixed with wood fibers (like wood chips or sawdust). Not only does the durable synthetic material resist warping, it also holds strong against rot and insect infestations. Composite decking is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including looks that mimic natural wood, none of which require sealing, sanding, or staining unless you absolutely want to change the color later on. On the flip side, dark-colored composite decking can get extremely hot in direct sunlight; mold and mildew can grow in shady, cool, or damp areas; and the surface can be quite slick when wet. (It’s best to allow adequate time to air-dry between lightly scrubbing down the surface and inviting guests out on the deck in order to avoid any slips.)

What is pressure treated wood?

Often made from a southern pine infused with a chemical to make it resistant to rot, moisture, and insects, this widely available decking material is generally the least expensive option—certainly among wood decking materials —and therefore the most widely used. Homeowners enjoy pressure-treated wood for its durability and visual similarity to natural wood. It’s an ideal option for do-it-yourself construction because, unlike natural wood, it’s easy to cut and fasten with nails or screws.

What is aluminum decking?

Often used near swimming pools and lakes, aluminum decking is a long-lasting and low-maintenance material. Most options feature a baked-on, powder-coated, or anodized finish that stands up to harsh weather conditions. Aluminum is extremely resistant to mold, mildew, and staining, and it also won’t rust, rot, crack, or peel over time. What’s more, most aluminum decking comes with a non-skid textured surface that prevents slips and falls. Surprisingly, most varieties of aluminum decking manage to stay cool even on the hottest days. However, this combination of benefits makes it one of the most expensive options, second only to some varieties of natural wood. The price—as well as the distinct industrial appearance—isn’t for every homeowner.

Why do you need to reapply pressure treated wood?

The biggest downside to pressure-treated wood? The infused chemicals release toxic gas into the air if burned, so it’s important to always reapply a good sealer when you stain every few years in order to minimize the exposure to chemicals when using the deck. Otherwise, in regards to maintenance, homeowners will need to pressure wash annually.

How much does exotic hardwood cost?

Some exotic hardwoods cost more than $20 per square foot! And without proper maintenance, it tends to fade or crack, so keep your investment in tip-top shape by pressure washing and re-sealing every couple of years. Photo: istockphoto.com.

Does plastic decking need to be sanded?

Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop. Plastic will not warp, crack, or split over time, and it’s impervious to moisture, rot, decay, and insects. What’s more, the surface does not need to be sanded, stained, or sealed.

What is the best material for deck flooring?

Wood is often the most cost-effective and efficient material for creating deck flooring. Wood looks great, weathers well, spans wide joist distances, and is easily available. Natural wood's closest contenders, composite wood and PVC, are very durable and friendly to bare feet. But they are expensive and have short joist spans.

What is the lowest cost decking board?

Except for pallet wood, untreated hem-fir is the lowest cost wood decking board. Because it is strong, it has a great joist distance span. If a painted solid color is what you want in a deck, you can choose a wood like hem-fir. Preservation of hem-fir is difficult.

What woods are good for termites?

Softwoods like Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Southern Yellow Pine, and Ponderosa Pine easily decay and provide an attractive food source to termites and carpenter ants. Forcing the preservative copper azole, type C (CA-C) into the wood transforms it into a useless food source for bugs and wards off fungi. Pressure treated wood boards are easy to obtain ...

What is pressure treated wood?

Pressure treated wood is the classic low-cost deck board. Pressure treated wood in longer lengths (10 feet or greater) and wider widths (6 inches or greater) can work as an effective deck board, but with a few limitations.

Is IPE wood hard to work with?

Ipe is a gorgeous dark-brown wood that maintains its appearance with only minimal maintenance. Once installed, ipe has few disadvantages as a decking material. However, due to its sheer hardness, ipe can be difficult to work with and it can blunt tools.

Is redwood good for decking?

Once commonly used for fences, play structures, and decks, redwood is becoming harder to find. When available, redwood is still an excellent choice for deck floorboards . Heartwood costs about 25-percent more than the less desirable sapwood. No preservatives are required to maintain redwood. Redwood weathers to an attractive deep red color. Since redwood is difficult to find on the open market, this makes it a less desirable choice for decks. Redwood will begin to get splintery over time, making it unsuitable for walking on with bare feet.

Can pallet wood be used as a deck floor?

Pallet wood, though generally a poor deck floor material, can be used in a pinch, when funds are tight, or as a temporary flooring material.

What to do if your deck is water based?

If the old deck finish is cracking or peeling and/or doesn’t absorb water, it’s likely water-based. To remove water-based wood deck finishes, you’ll need to use paint stripper as well as a fair degree of sanding before applying your new finish.

Why use oil based deck finish?

Oil-based deck finish. Easy to apply because of the slower drying time. Penetrates the wood and doesn’t form a film. Takes longer to dry. The wide temperature parameters for application let you apply it earlier or later in the season than water-based wood deck finishes. Doesn’t crack or peel.

How to tell if a deck is oil based?

If you don’t know whether the old deck finish is water- or oil-based, here’s how to tell: If the old finish absorbs water and isn’t peeling or cracking, it ’s most likely oil-based. In this case, use a deck cleaner with a scrub brush to clean the surface. Apply your new finish according to the directions on the can.

How long does a deck last?

With good airflow, the deck will last for decades. If you’ve had a deck for more than a couple years, chances are it’ll need some work. After all, it spends 365 days a year exposed to the elements. Check out these 31 tips for repairing and replacing deck parts, and other tips for maximizing your deck, too.

What is the first step to refinish wood?

When it’s time to refinish, the first step is cleaning . Pressure washing can loosen the wood fibers and hasten the breakdown of the wood, so don’t do it unless you’re experienced with the proper pressure and angles for cleaning wood. Deck cleaners and scrub brushes are a much safer option.

How to protect lumber from moisture?

If your lumber is not kiln-dried, let it dry for several weeks. Stack the boards flat, keeping them off the ground with concrete blocks or 4x4s and insert 2x2 spacers (called stickers) between them. The stickers will let air circulate evenly throughout the stack. Kiln-dried lumber is ready to use, but you'll need to protect it from the elements too.

How wide is a 2x10 deck?

An untreated 2x10 will measure 9-1/4 inches, a PT 2x10 may only be 9-1/8 inches wide. Decking and railings: These are the most visible parts of your deck, so you'll want to use the best lumber you can afford.

What type of wood is used for framing?

For example, the type of wood typically used for framing is different than lumber for decking and railings. Before you begin building a deck, it's important to get acquainted with the different types of decking lumber, including domestic woods and exotic species.

What does a lumber grade stamp mean?

A lumber grade stamp will indicate the quality of the stock and note its moisture content. For framing, air-dried lumber is adequate. Use S-dry or MC-15 lumber for decking and rails.

How to use pressure treated lumber?

Use lumber rated for ground contact for posts and framing members within 6 inches of the soil. Look for a grade stamp that says "ground contact" or indicates a treatment depth of 0.40 or greater. Some pressure-treated species are less porous than others, so they're incised before being treated. These incisions still show after treatment, so place this lumber where it will be less visible. Wood that has been kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT) is the highest quality.

Is exotic hardwood stronger than domestic wood?

Exotic hardwoods offer a more costly but extremely durable alternative to domestic woods. Ipe, for example, can triple your material costs—and that's if you use it only on the deck surface and railings. On the other hand, ipe is twice as strong as PT Douglas fir.

What are deck tiles?

Wood deck tiles are a popular, cost-effective way to cover an ugly patio or deck, or to create a small outdoor living space on the cheap. The tiles, which come in a variety of sizes and styles, simply snap together, so you don’t need any special tools. According to Archatrak, a company in Maryland ...

What are the drawbacks of using wood deck tiles?

1. Drawbacks of using wood deck tiles include visible seams. Of course this depends on the specific style you choose and how they are laid out. Some consumers note they don’t like the visible seams . 2. The fact that wood deck tiles aren’t permanent can be a con for some.

Why are deck tiles so popular in Japan?

According to Archatrak, a company in Maryland that specializes in wood deck tiles, the trend became popular in Japan due to the fact that so many people were living in densely populated areas without much land for outdoor living.

Do wood deck tiles add value?

3. Don’t expect wood deck tiles to add much value if you plan on selling your home. Since they aren’t permanent, if you’re looking to increase the value of your home, you’re better off adding a wood deck or concrete patio.

Can you install wood deck tiles on concrete?

Wood deck tiles are easy to install. Since the tiles just lock together, you can install them quickly and without any special tools or skills. And, if one needs to be replaced, you can just snap in a new one. Learn how to build a deck over a concrete patio. 2.

What should deck paint be?

To qualify as a top pick, deck paint should be durable and withstand the elements. It should also contain quality ingredients and additives that block UV rays for decks that receive a lot of sun. Buyers in humid regions should look for deck paints with mold- or mildew-resistant properties.

Why wait to paint a deck?

Why? The longer you wait to paint the deck, the more flaws it will develop , making maintaining the deck that much more difficult.

How many square feet does a gallon of deck paint cover?

For best results, use a roller to apply two coats of this water-based deck paint and resurfacing product. One gallon will cover up to 75 square feet.

What is the sheen of eggshell deck paint?

Eggshell: Eggshell deck paint has a slight sheen of about 10 percent and provides a nice, soft finish. The low level of shine also helps hide flaws in the wood. Dirt tends to collect on an eggshell surface, making it a more suitable option for enclosed decks not subjected to blowing dust.

Why is my deck peeling?

Wet and rainy climates contribute to deck paint failure because if moisture seeps into the wood beneath the paint, it can loosen the bond between wood and paint, resulting in peeling. To reduce this risk, paint all sides of the deck boards—even the bottom, if possible—to seal the wood and keep moisture out.

What is the best way to protect paint from UV rays?

UV blockers: Both oil-based and water-based paints will last longer if they contain UV blockers that protect the paint from damaging UV rays. Mildewcide: For decks in humid regions, look for the addition of mildewcide to the paint to help reduce the risk of mold or mildew growth on the deck.

How long does it take for oil based deck paint to dry?

Most oil-based deck paints take longer to dry than water-based options, which can be as long as 6 to 24 hours, depending on the individual product. Water-based paints dry more quickly, some in as short as 1 to 2 hours. However, temperature and humidity will affect the dry times of both types of paint.

Why is it important to have a deck?

And while it’s important to have a deck that’s aesthetically pleasing to you, the most vital part about your deck is making sure it’s structurally sound. That includes knowing the difference between a joist and a beam and what purpose they serve to your deck and its functionality and safety.

What is a joist in a deck?

Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame. The minimum size joist to be used in deck construction depends on the number of footings and beams that will be installed.

What is center to center spacing for deck joists?

The layout term for joists is “On Center,” which is the center-to-center measurement from one joist to the next. Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.

Can you stretch a string across a composite deck?

This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. That’s why stretching a string across the joist spacing for composite deck boards can help detect spots that may be higher than others. These spots can be addressed with a power hand planer to give you a nicer, smoother surface for the deck of your dreams.

Do you fill nail holes for deck harware?

Always fill all the nail holes for deck harware.

Do you need to install stair stringers on composite decking?

If you are installing composite decking over an existing frame, you may need to install new intermediate joists or stair stringers to meet the installation requirements. Since most composite products aren’t as inflexible as their wood counterparts, they don’t hide imperfections in the framing quite as well.

What is the best material for deck tile?

Some of the most popular deck tile materials include wood, plastic, foam and rubber. Each of these materials come in a variety of styles, from wood-grain to slate and every color in between. Although there exists a wide variety of options for installing outdoor tile over wood deck, every Greatmats' tile has a few things in common: quality, ...

Can I put tile over a wood deck?

If your deck is just discolored, stained or looks worn down, installing outdoor tile over wood deck area can be a great way to cover that up and start fresh. However, if the wood is rotting or decaying, your deck may be unsafe. Given just the right environment, decay fungi can grow on wood and eat away at it.

Can you put raised tile on hardwood floors?

Thus, if you live in a place with high humidity and a wet climate, you should consider installing raised tiles that will allow enough air flow between the tile and the hardwood. You can also choose waterproof and watertight materials for added protection.