What Is The Best Material For Your Decking Project?

As consumers, we have always heard the phrase “you get what you pay for”. Admit it or not, there was a point in time when you have fallen for what you thought was a great deal, only to regret making the purchase later. But still, it remains a lesson that many of us seem to forget, especially when it involves making a major purchase. Building a deck at home is one of those investments where most homeowners tend to make mistakes and wind up learning that lesson the hard way.

Apart from the size, style, and color, you need to choose the primary material you want to build a deck for additional outdoor living space, higher property value, or improved aesthetics for your home’s exterior. Generally speaking, your main choices are wood, composite, and veranda cellular PVC decking boards. Provided below are some of the most important things and differences between these decking materials.

Wooden Decks

For those who prefer to go with traditional options, wood decking will always be on top of the list. Using a wooden board will give your deck a unique look, surface, and design. It also provides countless advantages like being resistant to the moisture, and other elements provided that it is installed properly and treated with special chemicals. Standard wooden decks are framed using pressure treated lumber, which helps prevent rot and damage caused by pest infestation.

So, what are the benefits of wood decking? It is affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and durable. A solid wooden deck is known for its impeccable performance and long lifespan. Most manufacturers offer a warranty on the material and workmanship. You can also have a custom wooden deck with different colored paints as well as stains. Don’t forget to install the most suitable sides, finish, type of railing and lighting with the use of the right fasteners, screws and other types of tools and hardware. However, if you don’t have the time or skills to go the DIY route, you can always hire a pro to work for you and help you in installing your new deck.

Low Maintenance Decking: Composites and PVC Vinyl Decking

Over the past years, a newer trend has emerged in the decking industry – low maintenance decks. It offers a less stressful experience for homeowners who wish to have a deck at the outdoor area of their home. You have the option to use traditional wood or a pressure treated lumber product for the deck frame. Meanwhile, you can use other low maintenance materials like composites or veranda cellular PVC decking for the flooring and railings.

Composite Wood

Composite wood has made a significant change within the decking sector and it all boils down to the many advantages it has to offer. Composite decking is known for its durability. It has high resistance to fading, scratching, staining, and mold growth. It is less likely to rot, warp, or crack. It is splinter free and insect proof, which makes it more comfortable and much safer for families with children and pets.

Composite wood also have low care and maintenance requirements. You don’t have to worry about painting, staining, or sanding every year. You can clean it using water and soap. In terms of its aesthetics, composites feature rich colors and high definition wood grain patterns. Thanks to the advancements in technology, composite decks now look and feel a lot like real wood. You can choose from a wide range of shades ranging from deep earth tones to reds and greys. Different composite accessories are also available like gates, railings, furniture, and even pergolas.

Composites also provide the look and feel of natural wood without negatively affecting the environment. Composite panels are made of recycled content including wood scraps and plastic. In terms of the price, the upfront cost of composite decks is higher than natural wood. However, if you factor in the maintenance cost, a composite deck will pay for itself in less than 10 years.

PVC Decking Material

Among the decking products available today, veranda cellular PVC decking features the most significant stain, fade, and mold resistance. These products are known for its low maintenance requirements after installation. Since it is completely recyclable since it is made of 100% plastic. Compared to the other materials discussed, PVC vinyl decking is extremely lightweight and very easy to use. These products are also bendable and can be shaped, which is ideal for custom configurations.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your preferred decking material. But it is important to learn all the details about every material that’s available in the market. All of these options offer a wonderful way to improve the beauty and value to your property. But at the very least, now you have a good idea about the available decking material to help you make a well-informed decision.

Please contact Futurewood or visit our website to get access to additional information about veranda cellular PVC decking. You might find the tips, news, and other resources useful for your project.