Having a deck is an excellent opportunity to entertain and catch up with family members when the weather cooperates. When selecting the suitable material for your deck, you need to evaluate the pros and cons of each.
There are a plethora of types of deck materials. However, the three standard decks are pressure-treated wood, PVC decking, and composite decking. You want the material best suited to your outdoor living space and your willingness to take care of it.
You must also determine the best type of deck for your and your family’s needs. If you want to know the three types of decks that are the most common, peruse this article.
Are There Different Types of Decks?
If you know the material you want your deck to be made from, you can better visualize your living space. There are not only various materials that make up different types of decks but also different styles of decks you can choose from. Some of these include:
- Pressure-treated wood
- Composite decking
- Cedar decking
- Hardwoods
- PVC decking
A wraparound deck is a type of deck that extends the living space of your house and helps with air circulation. A rooftop garage is a novel idea if you have a flat roof. It offers a terrific view, especially compared to a deck that is ground level. When it comes to the style of deck you want, the sky is the limit.
What Type of Decking is Best?
If you are looking for a natural-looking, durable option, composite decking takes the top spot. Composite decks contain natural wood fibers and are low maintenance. You can find gorgeous wood options with composite decking. There are composite woods with surface-level cathedral graining that have the appeal of very traditional and tasteful-looking wood. It also comes in different colors.
With composite decking, there is little to no need to apply wood stain for every drop of ketchup that drips from you and your family’s hot dogs during a summer cookout. Composite decks do not require as much cleaning as often as other types of decks, but they still need to be cleaned occasionally to keep them in good condition.
Composite decks are also slip-resistant and are not as susceptible to damage, wear, and tear due to weather changes. They are the safest choice for foot traction. However, PVC offers exceptional mold resistance. It is lighter and easier to install wherever you want. It is also a 100 percent recyclable material. Either one of these options would be a good choice, depending on your decking needs.
What is the Cheapest Type of Deck to Build?
Untreated woods are typically the least expensive woods to use. However, they require yearly maintenance and may not remain in good condition for long without proper cleaning and upkeep. If you want a deck that remains in good condition for the long haul, a composite deck will likely save you a lot of time and money. Investing in a composite deck would be a wise choice if you plan on living in your house for a long time. You can also DIY your deck to decrease the cost, but remember, if you choose to go that route, you might also be sacrificing the quality of your deck as well. When you DIY your deck, you will be responsible for the following:
- Go to the county building office to request a permit
- Draw up the plans for designing the deck
- Interpret building codes and regulations
- Installing proper foundation supports
You could also split up the duties between you and a professional by having them install the unfinished wood deck, and you can do the painting. You can save money by doing this, but you want to ensure that you are up to the task.
What Type of Deck Lasts the Longest?
While there are some significant advantages to composite decking, cement decking will last the longest, as it can last up to a whopping 60 years or more, and yes, you read that number correctly! Composite decks will typically last up to 25 years, but cement decking can last more than double that amount of time. The factors that determine the lifespan of a cement deck:
- Climate and weather
- Type of cement used
- The care of the cement
As far as decking material is concerned, cement decking is excellent because it can endure extreme weather, from the stormiest spring or summer to the snowiest and harshest winter. Cement decking will likely give you the most value for its price. However, it is not as authentic and natural looking compared to composite wood. You want a deck that you can enjoy looking at for years.
The Three Types of Decks That Are the Most Common
There are many popular choices when it comes to the type of material for your deck. You must weigh the pros and cons to know which deck material you want. It should depend on your living space and how much work you are willing to contribute to making the deck as beautiful as possible. The following are the three most common types of decks:
1. Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood holds chemicals with insecticides and anti-rot properties. It is the most accessible wood to work with in general. Manufacturers produce pressure-treated wood by putting the wood in a vacuum and treating it with chemicals. There are three types of pressure-treated lumber:
- Borate
- Alkaline copper quaternary
- Noncombustible
The main drawback of pressure-treated wood is that it is challenging to paint because the paint cracks when the lumbar shrinks. You can have your pressure-treated wood deck for a long time with proper care.
2. PVC Decking
You do not need to worry about sanding or staining decks made from this material, as vinyl decking does not require as much maintenance as other decks. It also comes in different colors:
- Brown
- Gray
- White
- Tan
The main drawback of PVC is that it is far more expensive than a deck made from wood. However, the omission of constant maintenance costs may be worth the investment.
3. Composite Decking
Composite decking is great for all types of inclement weather conditions. It is scratch-resistant and can withstand even the most indiscriminate foot traction. The advantages of composite decking:
- Little maintenance
- Environmentally conscious
- More color options
- High durability
You can also walk barefoot on a composite deck without fear of splinters. It is the ideal option if you have kids and pets.
Conclusion
Various materials can be used to create a deck. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the right decking material based on your circumstances.
Check out this article for the steps to prepare your deck for the winter.
