Making the most of your outside area often involves installing a deck. Additionally, it is the simplest way to add more living space to your house.

Trex invented composite decking out of finely powdered wood and used plastic bags about 25 years ago, and it completely altered the decking industry. Today, there are many more manufacturers of synthetic decking, providing you a far wider range of viable possibilities.

Choosing the right decking can be challenging. You are also thinking about performance and upkeep in addition to aesthetics and cost. Decking, if properly chosen, can last for ten to thirty years. Timber and composite materials typically have long lifespans. The timber deck can have some of its components replaced, unlike composite. Comparatively, composite decking needs to be completely replaced, which can end up costing more over time.

We’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of certain decking materials in the article to help you make an informed choice. Whatever option you select, make sure your installer uses stainless steel joist hanger, screw, and clips on the deck framework, which is almost certainly going to be built of pressure-treated lumber. Alternatively, hot-dipped galvanised hardware would also work.

  • Composite

The most popular and recent type of decking has been composite decking. They are made of a variety of materials, such as recycled wood fibres and plastic from the woodworking industry. The durability of composite decking is on par with natural wood in appearance. However, although being more expensive than wood decking, it is compensated for by its special composition, which makes it simple to maintain and termite-resistant.

Composite has a natural beauty and doesn’t require paints, stains, or sealants to keep it looking good. Additionally, it won’t decay, split, or splinter. Even some logos can be curved. Many of them have embossing on both sides, so if one is damaged, the other can be used.

Although composite materials are a good choice for decking, they also have drawbacks. One big criticism of composite decking is that it might be difficult to remove tough stains using a moderate bleach solution or deck cleaning.

The majority of manufacturers do well to warn their clients before starting the project because it is also likely to fade. Additionally, composite decking is twice as heavy as wood, making it unsuitable for roof decks.

  • Wood treated under pressure

Pressure-treated wood has become one of the most often utilised materials in the deck construction industry due to its low cost. It is authentic, lovely, and natural. Additionally, it has been treated to be resistant to termite, mould, mildew, rot, and fungal degradation.

But pressure-treated wood needs to be stained or sealed frequently, much like conventional wood products. Unsealed wood will absorb and release moisture, causing it to expand and compress as it dries out. Additionally, because of the frequent swelling and shrinking, the appearance of the wood tends to deteriorate over time. Additionally, it is quite likely to splinter.

  • Cedar decking

Due to its natural appearance, cedar is one of the most popular woods for decking. It has been pressure-treated to ground contact level and is constructed with higher-grade lumber. Additionally, it has a warm tone, a natural grain, a distinct texture, and a rich, affluent, coastal cedar hue. Finally, it has remarkable longevity because of its insect resistance. You can choose a different colour for the cedar to go with your home’s decor.

But cedar requires frequent sealing and staining, just like other woods, and it costs more than pressure-treated wood.

Conclusion

The best way to increase the value of your house might be to build a deck. However, to make the greatest decision that fits your needs and the needs of your family, take into account the cost, maintenance requirements, and durability level of the decking material you are considering.

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