How to Choose the Perfect Deck Material
Like a patio, garage or balcony, a deck is an important extension of your home. You enjoy your deck's comfortable outdoorsy feel, and use it as an alternative dining, entertainment and relaxation area. If you're planning on adding a deck or replacing your existing deck, you might go with the most popular material ... pressure treated wood. But there are alternative deck materials to choose from, each with its positive and negative features. Learn what you can about the choices available so you'll be confident about choosing the perfect deck material for your lifestyle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Deck materials including:
- Pressure treated wood lumber (e.g., pine or oak)
- Exotic hardwoods such as Brazilian Ipe or Teak
- Composite
- Plastic
- Aluminum
- Bamboo
Instructions
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Though composite is quickly catching up, pressure treated woods such as oak, pine and redwood are still the most popular of all deck materials. They are warm, aesthetically pleasing and can be stained in any number of colors and shades. However, there are a few drawbacks to decking timber. Over time, the wood can become cracked, warped, discolored, splintered and dried out, particularly in arid climates such as the American Southwest. It can rot, and insects can eventually invade and bore holes in the lumber. To avoid these problems, you must periodically sand, stain and seal the deck to protect it against weathering and UV damage. Insect damage from termites, carpenter bees and other creepy critters is a bit harder to control and may require the services of a professional pest control company.
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For natural pest control and rot resistance, choose an exotic hardwood such as a Brazilian hardwood like cherry or ipe, also called Brazilian walnut. Not only is this wood beautiful, it is easy to care for since it doesn't require staining or other chemical applications to preserve it. Teak is likewise striking in appearance and contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, weathering and insect damage.
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Composite decking is made from a combination of post-manufacturing recycled lumber and plastic products. This type of material is becoming a popular alternative to pressure treated wood for its ease of maintenance, which includes protection against moisture damage, rot, splintering, warping and insects. A composite deck needs only occasional cleaning -- no sanding or staining required.
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You might be amazed to discover that plastic deck material is not only completely care-free, it is also colored and textured to mimic real wood. And, if you're interested in preserving the environment, you'll be happy to learn that the plastic is derived from the post-manufacturing process of milk containers and grocery bags, making this type of decking a good "green" choice. To care for a plastic deck, simply sweep and hose down periodically. Stains can be removed using a rust and stain remover.
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The first thing that comes to mind upon mention of an aluminum deck is a cold, industrial feel as compared to the warmth and comfort of pressure treated wood. However, aluminum does have certain advantages over wood that make it appealing to some homeowners. The obvious upsides are elimination of rot and insect damage, and the lack of a need to sand and stain, thus making the material care-free. Some aluminum decking materials are manufactured with a special coating to make the surface softer on the feet and cooler in the sun. They are also manufactured to eliminate the "ping" noise associated with common aluminum.
Aluminum decking is sold in numerous colors and types. Choose from colors including brown wood, terra cotta or gray slate. Types include planks, modular or waterproof. Planks are essentially the same as you'd find on a wood deck, only aluminum; and they are spaced with gaps in between each plank. Modular aluminum decking is sold with plans to quickly create deck designs such as octagons, triangles, and rectangles. Waterproof aluminum types are made with planks that feature specialized channels to direct water off any part of the construction.
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The number one decking choice for the eco-friendly homeowner is bamboo. This material is naturally water resistant, extremely durable, insect-resistant and made from a fast-growing renewable resource rather than the felling and clear-cutting of slow-growing trees. Like wood, a bamboo deck requires periodic maintenance including sweeping, washing, sealing and application of a mold and mildew remover.
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Tips & Warnings
Pressure treated wood is but one of several deck materials. Before calling deck builders or remodeling contractors for a price estimate, consider the range of options including Brazilian hardwood, composite, plastic, aluminum, and bamboo.
Cedar is rot-resistant, as is Cypress with the added benefit of being naturally resistant to termites.
With the exception of plastic decks, never use a power washer to clean your deck.
Unless you set out to buy composite, make sure your bamboo deck is 100 percent bamboo.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
