What Is The Best Material For Building Your Deck?

All this time, the master of all decking materials has always been wood, and for good reasons. However, the increasing popularity of plastic lumber or composite pvc wood decking is undeniable. A growing number of DIYers and professional contractors and builders are using the latter as part of the primary resources for both small and large scale construction projects. The right material for your new deck or perhaps your deck remodeling project will be based on several factors. These include the size, colour, price, and maintenance requirements.

Traditional Wood

Decking materials that are made of natural wood have three categories. These are the pressure treated timber, redwood and cedar, as well as the tropical hardwoods. You will see several kinds of wood decking products at your local wood supplier, however, their availability will depend on the area where you live.

Pressure treated lumber – the common green hued wood has been one of the most highly sought after material for decking and other outdoor projects. It has been this way for several decades and up until today. According to studies, 75% of the new decks installed are made of pressure treated wood. The joints, beams, posts of nearly every deck is made of pressure treated wood. This option is not just widely available but it is also quite affordable. It is mostly manufactured from southern yellow pine and treated using chemical solutions to prevent decay and resist bugs, mold, and fungus.

But just like all the other available materials in the market today, pressure treated timber also comes with its own set of disadvantages. Since it cut from pine, you can’t expect it to be dimensionally stable after installation. It is also prone warping, splitting, cracking, fading, and swelling, which may affect its original design and overall performance. The material will also become heavier when it is wet. In terms of its required cleaning and maintenance, it needs regular upkeep and that includes annual power washing, staining, and recoating with new paint.

Redwood and Cedar – These softwood species are famous for their natural and crimson hued beauty. Furthermore, they possess special properties that make them less susceptible to rotting, decay, and pest infestation, which means they don’t need to be coated with various kinds of chemicals. They are lightweight and easy to work with. They are stable as well as resistant to splitting and warping. Both of these materials are available in a range of different grades from the clearest to the knottiest.

These materials are naturally resistant to varying weather conditions but requires annual power washing once installed on the site. It also needs to be stained and finished every three years to retain its quality. Staining is required to keep its natural shade and texture. If left unstained, its shade will weather to a soft silver gray. Although this is not a problem, experts recommend to recoat it with a clear wood preservative to block excess moisture.

Tropical hardwood – this material is quite new to the wood decking market. They are imported from countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Africa. They possess varying characteristics. They are durable, dense, heavy, and hard. They are not prone to rotting and resistant to insect infestation.

Composite Decking

Composite wood is a product that is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers. This material is dense, heavy, stain and weather resistant. It does not splinter, split, rot, or warp. Its wood component gives composite timber its wood like appearance. Wood adds to its structural support while the plastic component is responsible for its durability. The good news with composite timber decking is that it does not need staining or sealing. As a result this type of material is an ultra low maintenance option.

PVC Wood Decking

What is PVC wood? PVC wood decking, unlike composite wood, does not contain wood. It is made of 100% plastic. A lot of DIYers as well as professional construction experts search for the best PVC decking boards as an excellent alternative when considering synthetic materials. Apart from being low maintenance, it also has a long life expectancy and usually comes with a warranty. Although pvc decking material prices are more expensive upfront, many will argue that its low maintenance features as well as its longevity and visually appeal makes it an economical option. Also, even if it does not contain wood, it can still look, feel, and even sound like wood when painted.

You will find free resources online if you need more details about why you should go with a PVC wood decking board. You will also find information about the other important parts of your deck like the railing, post, flooring, lighting, and colors that are best for your outdoor living space. By doing a thorough research, you will likewise find the required hardware and tools if you are planning to install your wood composite deck in your garden on your own. If you prefer to get expert help, don’t forget to visit the gallery on the website of the company that you want to hire for the installation of your deck. It will offers you access to some of their top projects to give you inspiration and options as to the kind of deck you wish to have.

With all of these details laid out for you including the pvc decking pros and cons, you will have a good idea of which deck material you should buy for your project. Please contact Futurewood if you need more information about pvc decking material.