Choosing The Best Material For Your Deck

Installing a deck is not only a great DIY challenge. It also offers homeowners the chance to have a place in their home where they can enjoy various outdoor activities. A deck will not only make your yard more accessible but it will also boost the value of your property. This will benefit you once you decide to sell your home in the future.

Questions To Ask

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when finding the best decking material.

–    Can you handle its repairs?

–    Do you have time to maintain your chosen decking material?

–    Are you willing to update or improve the look of your deck regularly?

–    Is making a “green” decision important to you?

To help you answer these questions, provided below is a simple guide to assist you in choosing the best decking material that will suit your needs.

Real Wood

Hardwood is the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to having a durable and visually appealing deck. There are different types of hardwood, which can also be used for flooring purposes, and each of them possesses their own unique colour, grain, and character. They are stronger and has less maintenance requirements compared to softer timbers. If you are purchasing hardwood timber, you have choose the native one to make sure that it has a minimal carbon footprint and sustainable processes were used to source it out. Find out if the timber comes from an accredited source and if possible, purchase from a  local supplier.

We all know that decking timber is both visually pleasing and durable, provided that it is maintained on a regular basis. The expensive varieties are well worth the investment, according to expert builders. If you choose natural wood deck like malas timber decking, spotted gum timber decking, blackbutt and merbau, you should always factor in the maintenance aspect. Always remember that when this type of timber is constantly exposed to Australia’s varying weather, it will eventually rot, crack, or split and that is why you have to spend time, cash, and effort to take care of it on a regular basis.

Metal

Another option for your new deck is aluminum. This option is ideal for those who are living in places that are near bushland because it will not act as a fire accelerant. It is also weather resistant and extremely affordable. Just like composite wood, it requires minimal upkeep. The problem with aluminum is that it can be slippery when wet. Because of this characteristic, aluminum can be used to build a regular deck but not a pool deck because it may cause terrible accidents.

Bamboo

If you love the appearance of hardwood but you are concerned that you are not making an eco-friendly choice then you should consider another product, which is bamboo. It possesses the natural beauty of timber and needs the same level of upkeep. Since it is highly sustainable, a lot of builders and homeowners who are environmentally conscious choose this option.

If you are planning to upgrade your outdoor area, installing a new deck is the most effective and affordable way to do this. It does not only improve the aesthetics of your yard or provide you with additional space, you will have a special place where you can relax or have fun with families or friends. It will not only boost your home’s value but also reduce the amount of unused spaces in your yard.

Composite Wood

Composite wood and co-extrusion timber are popular alternative products to real wood because it is environmentally friendly, weather resistant, and lightweight. It is made of recycled plastics and wood fibers and it is less likely to rot or splinter, unlike traditional timber. Compared to traditional Australian hardwood decking material, composite timber decking never requires staining or sealing. It will continue to maintain its wood grain texture, color, and appearance for a very long time. All you need to do is wash your deck to continue enjoying its amazing features. They are also designed to be resistant to scratching, staining, and mold and mildew growth. It can also endure heavy traffic, which makes it the perfect choice if you plan to use your deck to entertain lots of guests. Since it is lightweight, hardwood timbers will place lesser strain and stress for newbie DIYers. If you want to know more about composite wood and co-extrusion timber, contact Futurewood now.