Which Decking Material Is Best?
Building a deck adds value and outdoor living space to your home. There are few choices when it comes to the concrete anchors a deck requires, but the number of choices available in decking material for posts and floorboards is staggering. Avoid being distracted by exotic woods and the newest fads by focusing on the best decking materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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Composite
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Composite decking materials are pressed planks consisting of wood pulp and one of two types of plastic. The best composite decks stay one color for many years, resist scratching and simulate the look of real wood, says Decks.com. Choose a composite decking plank that is compression-molded for the maximum strength and for a more realistic look. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly material, choose a brand that uses waste wood pulp. Composite decking can't be stained or refinished.
Aluminum
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Aluminum may look futuristic, but it is a durable and strong decking material. Interlocking aluminum deck systems are the best for creating a dry space below your deck, and aluminum planks require almost no maintenance. Powder coatings are applied to the decking to create a matte finish and neutral colors. Despite the heat absorption qualities of other metals, aluminum decking doesn't get very warm in the direct sunlight of summer. The nontraditional look is the main drawback to this material.
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Wood
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Decks have been constructed of wood since they were first built. Wood remains popular as a decking material because of its natural style, easy installation and familiarity, says This Old House. Close-grained hardwoods tend to last the longest when exposed to weathering, but redwood and cedar may be the best wood for decking due to their natural resistance to water and sunlight. You can also cut wood planks smoothly and easily yourself using a handsaw, while other decking materials may require high-powered saws.
Plastic & Vinyl
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A variety of plastics and PVC vinyl are used to create alternative decking materials at a lower price than composites or aluminum. However, many of these products lack strength and become brittle after sun exposure. If you've chosen plastic as your decking material, find the best brand by looking for PET, HDPE or LDPE plastics. These are recycled materials that do not create excess pollution the way PVC vinyl does. Recycled plastics are also stronger and more durable than vinyl decking.
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References
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