Which Outdoor Decking Material Should You Use?
If you’ve set out to build a dream deck, you will be met with many distinct decking materials. The plethora of options available can seem overwhelming, especially because many of these options are good in their own unique ways. There are many factors to consider when thinking about your deck’s materials, but the big ones are climate, budget, climate, maintenance, and fitting aesthetic. In this guide, we will take you through the most common decking materials that Andy OnCall can help you install this Spring season.
Wood
Wood is the most traditional building material for decks, and for good reason. The many types of wood decking are beautiful and fit aesthetically with most types of homes. Typically cedar, redwood, or tropical woods, these natural planks are rot and insect resistant. The downsides to these lavish materials are the cost and the frequency of maintenance. Redwood can be around 4 dollars per square foot, but cedar can be double the price. Some of the exotic hardwoods may even range up to 20 dollars per square foot. Wood also requires semi-annual coating or it may begin to crack or fade.
Composite
Modern problems require modern solutions, which is why composites are the fastest growing type of decking on the market. Made from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, these boards come in a variety of colors to fit many different aesthetics. Trex is a common example of composite, made from wood fibers and recycled plastic. These boards are very durable and resistant to knots, cracks, splinters, and cracks. The price of these typically ranges from 2 to 3 dollars per square inch, making it more affordable than most types of wood, but debatably look less natural and decorative.
Plastic Lumber
Similar to composite, these boards are very similar, but are made entirely of plastic instead of the wood fibers of a composite. They share the same resistance to decay, knots, splinters, and cracks as composites, and also come in other forms of decorative trim such as handrails, balusters, fascias, and others. While they are typically close in price to composites, they are generally priced at around 3 dollars per square inch, making them more costly than most composites on the market.
Aluminum
When you think of decks, you probably don’t think of aluminum, but you should. This unique deck material is quickly rising in popularity, and for good reason. Aluminum decks require less maintenance, fewer repairs, and a longer lifetime. This material costs more on average than wood, usually being around the 10 dollar mark per square inch.
With all of these options, we hope we made it easier for you to pick the best material for your home. Remember the expert handymen at AndyOncall when you are in need of decking installation, repair, or maintenance. Call us today at (636) 724-8008 for a free estimate!
