Exterior Deck Materials
Exterior decking increases the usability of outdoor living space. Whether a deck will surround a pool, house a hot tub, or just be a comfortable and inviting place to barbecue, choosing the right materials is the key to creating a deck that will last for years and add value to any property. Does this Spark an idea?
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Wood Decking Materials
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Wood is by far the most popular decking material in use today. The warmth and beauty of wood make it visually appealing and it is readily available in a wide range of prices.
Cedar and redwood have traditionally been leaders in deck construction. Both of these evergreens have a natural resistance to pests and rot that make them valuable to builders. Current prices place cedar and redwood out of the reach of some homeowners, however.
Exotic deck woods such as ipe or teak provide distinctive grains and colors that suit many discriminating homeowners. Even more expensive than redwood, these hardwoods require additional care during installation, including specialized blades to cut through the density.
Treated pine or "whitewood" is the most common decking type due to its ready availability and low cost. While not as beautiful as its more elegant cousins, treated lumber stands up well to time and the elements.
Composite Decking Materials
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Recently "green" decking options have been put on the market in the form of composite deck materials. Made of scrap wood fibers and plastics recycled from petroleum and other sources, these deck boards boast consistency and longevity superior to wood.
While less susceptible to rotting, because these products are composed of up to 70 percent wood fiber, they can rot if they aren't properly sealed. There are two major types of composite decking, hollow and solid. Hollow decking is typically more fragile before installation and features hidden mounting hardware that does away with nail and screw holes.
Solid composite materials are more like wood and stronger than the hollow versions. They are more popular because they tend to be easier to install. Many come extruded with wood-grain finishes. Most composites are available in a variety of colors.
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Other Types of Decking
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Metal and vinyl have been used for siding for decades. Lately, PVC, aluminum and steel have become popular in decking as well.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride is a plastic material most commonly used in plumbing pipes and fittings. Both hollow and solid PVC decking boards are available. With no wood or natural fibers, PVC decking is impervious to rot and mold. Newer versions have embossed wood grain texture and most have tongue-and-groove edges for a solid surface.
Steel and aluminum decking are mostly used in industrial, commercial and modern architectural designs. The expense of the material and specialized framing and installation combined with the colder feel make it less appealing for residential uses.
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References
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