If you’re like most homeowners, chances are you’ll start thinking about your decking at some point in the next few years.
After all, a good deck can be a great addition to any home – providing extra space for relaxing or entertaining guests. That’s why it’s essential to choose the best decking material for your outdoor space.
This blog post will discuss the top 5 decking materials in 2022 and what you need to consider when making your decision.
Types of Deck Material Options
There are a variety of materials to choose from when building a deck, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some materials are better suited for certain climates or applications than others. Here is a brief overview of the most popular decking materials.
1. Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is one of the most popular decking materials because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It’s made from Southern yellow pine that has been chemically treated with a preserving agent to make it resistant to rot, decay, and insects.
The treatment also gives the wood a greenish tint that will weather a natural gray over time. Pressure-treated wood is a good choice for decks that will see a lot of use, like those used for entertaining or playgrounds. Because of the toxic chemicals used to treat the natural wood, it’s essential to take care when handling it and follow all manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t like the natural color of your pressure-treated lumber, you can easily apply a more aesthetically pleasing stain for your own style. There are various colors to choose from, and most paints can be applied easily with a brush or rag.
Just test the stain on a small area of the wood first to make sure you like the way it looks before applying it to the entire surface.
Tip: Proper maintenance like regular cleaning and re-staining every few years will help keep your pressure-treated wood deck looking its best.
2. Cedar Decking
A cedar deck is a popular option among homeowners because it’s naturally rot-resistant and has a beautiful reddish-brown color similar to redwood decking, that will age to a silver-gray over time. Cedar is also relatively soft, so it’s easy to work with if you’re doing the deck installation yourself.
One downside of cedar is that it can be susceptible to cupping, warping, and checking (cracks that form in the wood as it dries). These problems are more likely to occur if the cedar is not kiln-dried correctly before using it for decking.
Cedar is also a relative softwood, so that it may dent or scratch more easily than some of the other materials on this list.
If you choose cedar for your deck, select an appropriate grade for its intended use. For example, construction-grade cedar is cheaper, but it’s also more likely to have knots and defects that affect its strength and stability.
3. Composite Decking
Composite decking is an artificial material that combines wood fibers and plastic decking to create a product that looks and feels like natural wood. Composite decking materials resist rot and are easy to maintain.
One advantage of composite materials is that they come in a wide range of colors, so you can find an option that perfectly complements your home’s exterior. Composite materials are also very durable so that they won’t scratch or dent easily.
A downside of composite materials is that they can be more expensive than some of the other options on this list.
Composite materials are also not as easy to work with as some of the different materials, so you will need to hire a professional to install your deck if you choose this option.
Some of the best composite brands on the market these days are Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators.
4. PVC Decking
PVC decking is available in many levels of quality, yet almost most of them are resilient. They can withstand impacts and weathering without significant damage, making them a good choice for decks that will see a lot of use.
PVC is also available in a wide range of colors (brown, gray, white, tan, etc.)and styles such as patterns that mimic the grain of the wood. So it’s easy to find a look that you love.
One downside of PVC( polyvinyl chloride) is that it can be expensive, around $10- $15 per square foot, including only decking material. The price can change, especially if you choose a high-end brand or style.
It’s also not the most eco-friendly option since it’s made from synthetic decking materials. If you’re looking for eco-friendly decking material, better options are available like recycled plastic and tropical hardwoods.
5. Hardwoods
Hardwoods like Ipe wood are an excellent decking material option. Ipe is a very dense wood, meaning it’s resistant to rot, insects, and weathering. It also has a natural oil that helps protect it from the elements.
Each wood decking has its distinct appearance. For example, Ipe wood has a dark brown color with striping that ranges from olive green to black. There are also other options like Tigerwood, Cumaru, and Mahogany.
Real wood decks are more expensive than other materials, but they will last longer and require very low maintenance.
If you choose hardwood deck boards for your outdoors, be sure to get them from a reputable source and let a professional install them for you.
Work With British Columbia Home Renovation Experts
When it comes to decking material, there are multiple factors you need to consider before making your decision. The material you choose should be based on your personal preferences and the practical considerations of your specific situation.
We’ve outlined six of the most popular decking material in this article, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Remember that no matter which materials you choose, it’s vital to have a professional install your deck to ensure it’s built correctly and will last for years to come.
Here at City & Country Contracting, we take immense pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and a complete service that guarantees your satisfaction!
If you’re ready to get started on building a deck for your home in BC, give us a call at (604) 329-8996 or (250) 616-7700 or request a quote now!
