A Guide To Different Decking Materials

Nothing can compare to the freedom you feel when you are outdoors, relaxing on your deck. Whether you convert it to a private retreat that is surrounded by trees and plants or perhaps decorated as an entertainment area, this outdoor living space is usually the most enjoyable part of a home. Having an outdoor deck can also increase the value of a residential or commercial property. Some homeowners who have decided to build one reported a return on investment between 74% and 87%. However, before you begin building your outdoor deck, you need to choose the best deck boards that matches the exterior of your home and complements your lifestyle. Provided below is a quick guide on a few popular products like wood, composites, and PVC decking material.

Wood Decking Material

In terms of installing residential decks and railing, the most common product choice has always been traditional wood because of its natural color, stain, and beauty that they add to any garden. With its strength and durability, it’s no wonder that it managed to maintain a good reputation in the building industry. It offers a classic look to any property and looks well with conventional, contemporary, and virtually any home design and style. The wood’s smooth planks remain cool and feel good on bare feet. Softer woods are easy to work with, making it a good option for DIYers. Meanwhile, hardwoods are usually used by professional contractors and builders since working with it requires a stronger and more sophisticated skillset.

The cost of wood depends on your preferred type. The most affordable one is the pressure treated pine. However, it needs to be replaced after a decade or so. Tropical hardwoods look extremely stunning, lasts for more than three decades, and cost more per lineal foot. The other options that are in the middle price range and have a lifespan of up to 20 years are cedar and redwood.

Regardless of what kind of wood you choose, may it be decking composite or not, all of them will need a fair amount of maintenance. Decks made of wood should be cleaned yearly, restained, and resealed after a few years. You may also be required to change some of the boards over the lifespan of the deck. If you do not maintain it properly, the wood will take up the stains, which will make it more susceptible to warping, rotting, and cracking.

Composite Decking Material

An eco-friendly alternative to wood is composite deck products. They possess the look of natural wood but with low maintenance requirements. Premium boards feature a textured surface that replicates the wood grain’s appearance. Composites are made of waste wood fibers and recycled plastics. They are available in different colors and can make a wonderful addition to any home. Some composite wood variations have grooves on the plank’s edge where hidden fasteners will be placed. Composite wood are extremely easy to install. However, you need to follow the installation manual provided by the manufacturer like Futurewood so there is enough room for expansion.

Composite wood prices are higher than regular wood boards. But the price you pay is worth it due to its resistant features, UV coating, strength, durability, and ability to last for a very long time. Homeowners will be able to recoup the extra costs since there is minimal maintenance involved throughout your deck’s lifespan.

PVC Decking Material

Let us now talk about PVC decking material. Unlike composite wood, the content of PVC is only plastic. PVC timber decking is durable, easy to clean, splinter free and smooth. It is lightweight but strong enough to stand up to the harshest weather conditions. It is resident to fading and impervious to stains. These characteristics and top quality performance make PVC decking material the best choice for an outdoor deck. Compared to other kinds of decking products, PVC decking materials are coated with a special treatment that make them slip and fade resistant. They also have high resistance to water, mold, and moisture. Its installation is pretty easy if you know the basics and if you have the tools required to get the job done. But in case you don’t have the time or skills, you can always find a professional builder to help you create that beautiful and low-maintenance deck.

It is also worth to note that a vinyl board or PVC boards, which can also be used for decking railing and fencing, do not need extensive care, painting, staining, and sanding. All it needs is seasonal cleaning so it stays looking like brand new. The price of the best PVC decking material is similar to composite decking products. Most PVC deck manufacturers also provide a warranty against production defects. You should also know that some PVC decking brands are more prone to sagging and that is why you need to choose the best PVC decking material like the ones offered by Futurewood.

Please contact Futurewood for a detailed explanation about the best PVC decking material for your project.