Decking is a highlight for every home. However, picking a new dream deck is a real challenge. Let’s read this article to find out what is the best decking material!
I. Composite decking
Composite materials are deck material that is synthesized from two or more different recycled materials to create a new, superior, and more durable material than the original materials. Composite decking is a synthetic product made of a mix of wood fibers, recycled wood, plastics or recycled plastic, and a small number of binding agents like chromated-copper arsenate. Many manufacturers will mix the ingredient, heat them, mold the decks and cool them down. The resulting boards require far less maintenance than lumber decking while looking more realistic than the plastic alternative in the decking market. It is perfect for your swimming pools because of its durability.
1. Advantages of composite decking
Composites have a textured surface and rich color which creates a realistic wood look. Besides, you can install it with hidden fasteners for a better result afterward. Because it is made from various materials, it is resistant to many other monolithic materials, like mixing concrete, mixed materials so that your deck board’s surface will not be deformed by pressure, weather, or moisture. Scrubbing the surface of composite decking doesn’t require any profession. Usual cleaning chemicals can treat stains. Especially, If you choose a company like Trex, you will have a maintenance-free deck for 25 years, based on their warranty. It is hard to warp and rot than natural wood.
2. Disadvantages of composite decking
It is a real investment in deck material variety. It range about $25 per square foot. But trust us, it is worth it.
II. Exotic hardwood decking
Everybody knows wood decking is the common choice for people when it comes to their new deck. You have a wide variety of wood to choose from, from cedar, redwood to tropical hardwoods.
1. Advantages of hardwood decking
If you choose some exotic hardwoods decking material like cedar or redwood, it will bring even more durability due to the natural tannins.
2. Disadvantages of hardwood decking
There is a lack of color options for natural wood. There are only several colors to choose from. If you want a better finish deck, you can choose other options like composites.
III. Pressure-treated wood?
Pressure-treated lumber is a deck material made from wood fibers or particles pressed together to form cohesive elements. There are a lot of chemicals put in as preservatives—some preservatives such as copper or plastic. The cost fluctuates between $15 to $20 per square foot. Although Pressure-treated lumber is inexpensive and highly versatile in use with homeowners. It is not considered strong and durable, and it can break quite easily when subjected to excessive loads. Pressure-treated wood is has a variety of functions. The wood grains are pressed together, and an adhesive is used to form a cohesive structure. Wood to be relatively light, and it is durable to some extent. However, chipboard can chip quite quickly, so wood veneer is often glued over it to prevent damage from direct impacts. Veneers can mimic the grain and tone of solid wood, which means this wood product can be made to look reasonably attractive.
1. The advantages of pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated lumber is considered material at an affordable cost. The average price is $15 per square foot. Along with that, the input materials of pressure-treated wood are also easy to find and cheap, so the price of industrial timber is much lower than that of natural wood. This is also one of the leading reasons why customers increasingly trust industrial lumber. Homeowners can save a lot of money by taking good advantage of it. Pressure-treated lumber sold on the market comes in panels with standard sizes, need to be cut, grafted, glued when manufacturing furniture; the construction time is quick and can be mass-produced with identical models.
2. The disadvantages of pressure-treated wood
The pressure treatment process makes the lumber become a solid board. However, the pressure-treated lumber doesn’t bring a lot of benefits when it comes to the outside deck. Rot, fungal decay, termites are a nightmare with homeowners. Incests, like termites, are complicated to recognize because they often create small holes from deep inside, causing the wood to rot; the wood structure is also damaged. No matter how tight and stiff the lumber is made, it can still be eaten as usual. Because insect do not use their teeth or bite as we think, but in their body, there is an extreme acidic fluid, which, when secreted, will soften the wood and decompose the internal structures. Pressure-treated wood doesn’t have a high water-resistant. The climate is hot and wet, with high humidity and high temperature, so a sudden temperature change will cause ordinary pressure-treated wood to crack or become fungal decay when the temperature changes. Fungal decay takes a large budget to repurchase because you can’t fix it. If they expose to ground contact, such as water or leaf, the wood deck boards can be damaged.
IV. Aluminum decking
The cast aluminum railing models are manufactured and processed by aluminum alloy; the motifs are designed but no less unique and sophisticated way. The cost is about $70 per aluminum post. This railing model is often used with houses with modern design styles. It can pair with a wood deck or granite deck.
1. Advantages of aluminum decking
Aluminum alloy balcony is durable, solid, and has high rigidity, so cast aluminum railing products ensure absolute safety when used. If you choose the material with an anodized finish, it will create an even more hard aluminum for your deck.bAlong with the development of modern technology, cast aluminum alloy can limit the disadvantages of being easily oxidized and becoming rustic like other materials, so it has created even more durability over time. Not only a tiny detail in the house, the building for the house, the cast aluminum railing is also a work of art that makes the house space special; it exudes luxury and always shines. The aluminum deck railing has diversity in design because it is shaped easily due to the material flexibility; you can custom deck adjust to your liking with a different pattern.
2. Disadvantages of aluminum decking
It is abrasive to cutting tools, requiring greater precision when an aluminum oxide coating forms on its surface; without it, aluminum will have a rustic texture after a long duration. It has a significant backlash and needs a unique process to weld. Therefore, when making railings, the cost will also be more expensive than other metals
V. PVC Decking
PVC decking materials are planks that are shaped into rectangular bars or square panels. They are made from PVC particles that create a solid structure. There is a lot of artificial texture that resembles natural wood and marble, perfect for a low-budget apartment. The decoration will depend on the textured paper layer, creating different kinds for users to choose from. The layer will be covered with glossy paint on the decorative paper to protect against scratches, fade, and affect aesthetics. Some types of PVC decking materials will be embossed on the surface to create slip resistance for users.
Decking pros NW from Bellevue, Seattle is a girl that provides decking services, including maintenance and design. You can check them out and get advice for your future decking.
PVC decking is preferred with a homeowner who spends a low budget for their living space. It ranges from about $5 to $10 per square foot.
1. The advantages of PVC decking
The durability of plastic decking is evaluated based on the decking materials and the thickness of the wear layer (surface coating of the deck). Most plastic decking has an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. You should look to reputable suppliers and check carefully before buying the product to choose the right type of PVC decking with the best durability at the most reasonable price.
This lightweight requires low maintenance compared to other types. The imitation plastic deck is an exceptional structure to make the cleaning process extremely easy to clean the stain. Usually, we need to sweep, vacuum, or use a damp cloth to remove all the sand and dirt on the floor. If you use it when moving and walking on the natural wood deck or composite decking, we will see it make squeaky noises. This absolutely will not appear on plastic bases because this product is bonded to the substrate with the manufacturer’s specialized adhesive, so it is excellent, does not vibrate, and does not make noise.
2. The disadvantages of PVC decking
The surface of the plastic deck boards is hard, but the inside is still soft and porous; in some manufacturing, errors will cause a lot of damage. For this reason, the pattern will not be as beautiful when carving as natural wood or composite deck.
PVC boards are artificial boards anyway, so they can’t produce soulful products like natural wood resources without the fragrance of wood. In some high-end wooden houses, plastic decking can’t be applied.
Plastic decking is durable decking material in severe weather, but it is not resistant to heat. One flame and your plastic boards can be destroyed; it also releases toxic chemicals when it burns. You might choose other options for a better deck.
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