Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck

The Main Types Of Decking Material To Consider Two of the most popular types of deck materials are wood and composite. From pressure treated lumber to more exotic hardwoods, wood decking gives you a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on your location and availability of certain woods, the cost of wood decking can vary. Another popular option that affords homeowners an array of colors and styles to choose from is durable composite decking. Composite decking is made from a combination of wood pulp and synthetic materials covered with a synthetic shell. If you’re willing to put in the effort required for regular maintenance, consider investing in high-quality wood decking that will withstand the test of time. Just be sure to do your research and select a species that works best for your climate and has been sourced sustainably. Decking is an excellent way to upgrade your outdoor living space. Also, some decking projects such as this floating deck one can be very DIY friendly. But before plunging into the project, it’s essential to understand the basics of decking. It’s easy to get option paralysis when weighing the pros and cons of each one. While wood remains a popular choice, alternatives such as composite and plastic decking have become a top pick for homeowners due to their longevity and easy maintenance. Below, we explore the pros and cons of popular decking materials so you can see which may be best for your outdoor project. Typically square, rectangle, L-shape, or U-shape, attached decks are built directly off your home. They may extend an existing room, like a kitchen or dining room.

Properly store deck furniture during off-seasons to reduce wear and tear.When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more.Our goal is to continue to provide you with excellent work and craftsmanship and maintain a health environment for all.If the structure is a deck, then the deck construction standards apply.Over time, cedar naturally weathers into an appealing soft gray hue.

Within the broad category of wood decking, there are many options to consider. Proponents of composite decking tout it as a much-needed development, as it helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However, composite decking contains harmful chemicals, cannot https://www.youtube.com/@clearviewbuildersinc be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. Composite decking has gained popularity in the past decade as a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, composite decking offers the look of wood without the upkeep. It’s more expensive than regular wood, and it’s also heavier, so there are several cons.

What Is Pressure-Treated Wood Treated With?

Cedar also contains natural tannins, which make it resistant to decay, infestation, and rot. Uncapped composite decking isn't usually recommended since it's more susceptible to damage from the elements and likely to fade unevenly and stain over time. In addition, it's prone to mold, mildew, and fungus growth in humid climates, and it can be scratched and damaged easily. It lacks a plastic layer to protect the core, so it’s not as resilient as capped decking. Selecting the right pressure-treated wood means considering the type of structure, environmental conditions, and budget. It’s important to do a little homework (or call us at Decks & Docks!) before buying any pressure-treated wood.

Alternative Decking Materials

While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number of deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Railings on decks above 760 mm (30 in) are considered guard rails.[according to whom? ] Guard rails have a specific building code requirement for both height and structural strength. Most U.S. commercial building codes require a 1,100 mm (42 in) guardrail on decks, and 910 or 1,070 mm (36 or 42 in) for a residential code depending on the state. Typical railing assemblies must meet structural strength requirements of 9.6 kPa (200 lbf/sq ft). Building codes also have requirements for the height of deck guards above the deck flooring. A horizontal deck guard should be at least 36 inches tall, except in California, where the minimum height is 42 inches. Many manufacturers may use recycled materials in composites without affecting performance. Cosby suggests looking for a mold- and mildew-resistant solution and to avoid using bleach for this job. Composite decking material is worth it if you have the budget and if you are planning to live in your home for many years. The longer you have a deck made from composite materials, the more your initial outlay will pay off. Also, it is a durable option that will last around 20 years with proper upkeep. However, while the look of aluminum decking tries to mimic that of natural wood, it cannot capture the texture and look of real wood. Exposure to the full sun will fade the natural color and cause these boards to shrink and split. Redwood and other hardwoods naturally offer unique colors and textures. Cedar has a classic yellowish look, bamboo is durable and sustainable, and mahogany is resilient. Ipe is the most expensive wood option and is highly resistant to rotting, bugs, wear, splintering, and fire. The ideal wood type will vary based on the weather in your area and how wooded your yard is. Both can affect exposure to the sun, extreme weather, and wood-eating bugs that could ruin a wood deck.