Types of Composite, Wood & Vinyl Decking
A multimillion dollar industry with more than 100 manufacturers, decking is here to stay. From its humble roots in the redwood decks of the past to the advent of plastic manufactured wood alternatives, landscape decking has come a long way. But has it finally come of age? Even with advances in technology it has a rather short life expectancy when compared with concrete and stone patios. Here are a few facts to aid you in choosing the right deck. Does this Spark an idea?
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Treated Lumber
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Pressure-treated lumber accounts for most of the decks built every year. Rated to last 20 years, it is a durable and affordable option. It is easily customizable with paint or stain, adequate for any climate and, well maintained, frequently lasts more than two decades. Easy to maintain, easy to repair and always available in quantity, treated decking is the best option for most homeowners.
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Redwood and Cedar
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Redwood and cedar run a close second to treated lumber in the wood category in rot and pest resistance. Western cedar is the clear favorite, priced only a little more than treated lumber but less than half the cost of redwood. Concern for redwood forests made prices rise. Well-managed logging is making it both more available and affordable. Known for their beautiful colors, both make excellent choices.
Composite, the Good
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Composite decking is often generically called "Trex" due to that manufacturer's market dominance. It isn't all Trex anymore with more than 75 products available. National brands include Evergrain and Latitudes. Composed of recycled plastic, such as grocery bags, and sawdust filler, it is a manufactured product. Consistency in dimension, texture and density are excellent. There is almost no maintenance and it boasts long-lasting looks.
Composite, the Bad and the Ugly
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While less susceptible to rot, composites have had problems, most notably Trex. The manufacturers have replaced decks and settled class action lawsuits regarding the product's longevity. Not as strong as wood, it may require additional framing. Composites are nearly twice as heavy and up to four times more expensive than wood.
Vinyl and Other Alternatives
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Wood and composites are not the only options. Several companies are offering PVC--polyvinyl chloride--decking. It comes in hollow and solid forms. Unlike composites it contains no wood and is impervious to rot. Some brands use carbon or fiberglass reinforcement. Faster and easier than wood to install, the pieces generally are fastened with screws or special clips that are hidden in the final product. It is costlier and not as attractive as treated or composite options, but is the longest lasting product available.
Less used options include interlocking aluminum decking, fiberglass decking and vinyl covered steel. While strong and long lasting, all of these have a more industrial feel and may not be appropriate for residential use. Cost may also be a factor with many brands averaging twice the price of PVC decking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "Deck Level Three Stage Five From Inside House" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: timtimes (Tim Fuller) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
