Types of Decking Materials
There are many types of deck materials to choose from, including composite, wood, and alternative material like waterproof vinyl membrane and aluminum. Before you choose a deck material, it’s important to explore your options and understand the pros and cons of each, as well as the level of maintenance required to keep your deck beautiful for a long time. Here are some of the most popular decking material options to choose from when building your deck and factors that may help narrow your decision.
Let’s discuss the following deck materials:
- Composite
- Wood
- Waterproof Vinyl membrane (such as Duradek)
- Aluminum decking
Composite Decking
There are many types of composite deck material. In general, the word “composite” means different materials combined to create a new finished product. Most commonly, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood fibers are used together, but some products use rice hulls, high-density polyethylene, and other combinations of various materials.
Composite deck material is resistant to the elements. Many composite hues resemble wood and are scratch-resistant, but performance varies by manufacturer and price.
Composite decking is also very low-maintenance and does not require sanding or refinishing. Washing your deck a few times per year is typically the extent of the required maintenance. With minimal care, high-quality materials like composite decking can last for several decades.
Many manufacturers may use recycled materials in composites without affecting performance. Some brands recycle up to 95%. If lowering your carbon footprint is important to you, contact a manufacturer for information.
Composite decking is a popular decking material for several reasons. First, it doesn’t require painting or staining as wood does. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Second, composite decking is more durable than wood. It’s resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering, which means it will last longer and require less maintenance over time. Third, composite decking is made from recycled materials, so it’s an eco-friendly choice. And fourth, it comes in a variety of colors and styles to suit your home.
Capped Composite Decking
Capped composite deck material is a type of composite decking coated with tough, durable plastic.
Capped deck materials are less likely to fade or stain than uncapped decking, making it a great decking option based on durability. Installation is similar to traditional composites, but following trusted manufacturers’ installation instructions is essential, as precise spacing is necessary for proper ventilation.
Uncapped Composite Decking
Another type of composite decking is uncapped decking. It lacks a plastic layer to protect the core, so it’s not as resilient as capped decking.
Uncapped composite decking isn’t usually recommended since it’s more susceptible to damage from the elements and likely to fade unevenly and stain over time. In addition, it’s prone to mold, mildew, and fungus growth in humid climates, and it can be scratched and damaged easily. Cracking and crumbling may also occur.
Wood Decking
There are several types of wood decking to choose from when planning your new deck. The most common wood for decking includes cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated. Other wood decking options include tropical hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood.
Pressure-Treated Wood Decking
Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most common types of wood decking. While ordinary lumber is not treated with chemicals, pressure-treated lumber is permeated with chemicals that deter insects, inhibit mold and mildew, and protect the wood from rot, helping enhance its natural durability. It’s also easy to find, cut, and work with, although precautions, such as a mask, must be taken while sawing or drilling to avoid inhalation of chemicals. In addition, scraps should not be burned to avoid releasing chemical vapors.
If you don’t like the appearance of pressure-treated lumber, a stain can help make it more attractive. However, it’s recommended to let pressure-treated deck wood weather for a few months before staining and consider a light sanding before applying it.
It’s also important to note that there are different grades of treated lumber, and your local supplier can help you choose the grade that’s right for your budget.
When comparing composite and wood deck material, ordinary lumber tends to split, warp, or crack, and pressure-treated wood requires far more maintenance than composite decking. But with care, including power washing, sanding, and regular re-staining, you can extend the lifespan of your pressure-treated deck.
Cedar Decking
Cedar is commonly regarded as a higher-quality wood for decks compared to pressure-treated lumber. If left unstained this natural wood gradually weathers into a soft gray tone over the years. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, which makes it great for DIY projects.
Cedar is an oily wood with large, open pores which lets water in, but also allows the water to evaporate out easily and not stay, which promoting rot and decay. Cedar also contains natural tannins, which make it resistant to bacterial decay and rot. Use heartwood, not sapwood, for cedar decking. Heartwood is denser than sapwood, the tree’s outer layer, and its density makes it decay-resistant.
Similar to pressure-treated wood, cedar requires regular maintenance. But if you select quality cedar and provide scheduled refinishing, you can expect your cedar deck to outperform standard pressure-treated wood decking. My own cedar deck is 1,200 sq ft and is 32 years old. Its sturdy and its beautiful! I must also say my personal favorite deck stain is called TWP.
TWP is listed with the EPA as a wood preservative and the maintenance and re-staining procedure with this product is the easiest of any product on the market. TWP is here.
Hardwoods
Exotic hardwoods such as ipe make great decking. Hardwoods are hard, as their name suggests, and their dense material resists termites and decay. In addition, they contain tannins that work like the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber to enhance durability.
Every hardwood has its own look. Ipe, a rich crimson brown, fades to gray unless oiled 1-2 times a year. Mahogany, tigerwood, and cumaru are other hardwood options. Due to their density, hardwoods last longer and look better with age than softwood. However, many hardwoods are slow-growing, and the ability to renew certain species is debatable. If this is a concern for you, there are many resources to consult online to decide what wood types for decks are best for your project.
Alternative Decking Materials
In addition to composite and wood decking, a few alternative decking materials are worth mentioning. Let’s look at them.
PVC Membrane Decking (Our choice being Duradek)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are available in many levels of quality, but nearly all are resilient. High-quality PVC decking has almost none of the vulnerabilities of wood. That means you don’t have to worry about sanding and re-staining , which makes vinyl deck material almost maintenance-free.
Aesthetically, vinyl provides a wider range of options than wood. Brown, gray, white, tan, and wood-grain patterns are available. Plus, some people feel that PVC is more attractive. PVC decking has improved in formulation and aesthetics over the last 20 years, and it’s lighter than other decking materials, making it easier to carry and work with at the job site. As with any longer-lasting building material, decreased maintenance can lower costs over time.
Aluminum Decking
Aluminum decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking. Aluminum decking has low maintenance requirements and can last for years without replacement since it doesn’t decay or crack over time. It’s also fire-resistant.
Aluminum decking is another choice for homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance deck. It’s available in a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s exterior. In addition, since it’s fire resistant, it’s recommended in areas prone to wildfires, and it’s also a good alternative for homes where hailstorms and strong winds are common, since it’s resistant to weather damage.
Use The Right Deck Material Options
Many factors go into choosing deck material options, from cost and appearance to maintenance and installation. If you want to make the best choice among the types of decks, it helps to be fully informed about your options. choice
