Asked by: Abdeloihab Panait
hobbies and interests woodworking

What is the best material to use for a deck?

Last Updated: 2nd February, 2020

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How to Choose a Deck Material That Is Right for You
  1. The Economic Answer: Pressure-Treated Lumber. Despite all the competition, this ubiquitous green-tinted wood is still the No.
  2. Naturally Superior: Redwood and Cedar.
  3. Exotic Import: Tropical Hardwoods.
  4. Better Board: Composites.
  5. Stay-Cool Option: Aluminum.

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Regarding this, what is the best material to build a deck?

One popular choice for homeowners is wood decks, which are typically built with pressure-treated wood. This makes the wood more resistant to moisture and other outdoor elements.

Several types of wood are used in the making these types of decks, but some of the best wood for decks include:

  • cedar,
  • pine, and.
  • spruce.

Beside above, how long do Composite decks last? 25 to 30 years

Similarly, you may ask, what is the most durable decking material?

The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although there are also versions made from polyethylene. Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop.

Is composite decking better than wood?

Composite decking pros and cons If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite wood decking. Most is made from recycled plastic and wood chips or sawdust. It's more expensive than cedar for a wood deck, but once it's down, it won't rot, splinter or twist.

Related Question Answers

Ratiba Sabaris

Professional

How much does it cost to build a 20x20 deck?

An entry level deck with basic materials costs $15 per square foot, while a deck built with premium materials costs $35 per square foot.

Cost To Build A Deck By Size.
Deck Size Square Feet Average Cost
20x20 400 $6,000 – $14,000

David Rosaler

Professional

What to use instead of decking boards?

The rest in the list, while an option, aren't terribly popular.
  • Composite Decking. There are many options other than natural wood for a deck.
  • PVC Decking. Source: Home Depot.
  • Vinyl Decking Systems.
  • Aluminum Decking.
  • Vinyl Tiles.
  • Bamboo Decking.
  • Rubber Paver Tiles.
  • Interlocking Grass Deck Tiles.

Younesse Madroño

Professional

How long do pressure treated decks last?

15 to 20 years

Coralia Washausen

Explainer

What length deck boards should I use?

Length: When possible, buy decking that can run the full length of your deck. All lumberyards and home centers carry 16-ft. deck boards, but many also stock or can order 20- and 24-ft. boards, though they may cost more.

America Rodeño

Explainer

Will a deck add value to my home?

value of home improvement projects. In the NAR/NALP study, a new wood deck will recover 106 percent of its value when the house is sold. Estimated construction cost estimated was $9,450, and the estimated value that a new deck adds to the house value at the sale was $10,000.

Zetta Klein

Explainer

How long does softwood decking last?

It's cheaper than other materials
Hardwood decking has known to last over 40 years, although pressure treated softwood can last just as long if it's treated well. Left untreated, softwood decking can last between 10 to 15 years, so over time hardwood can be a more economical material.

Eustaquia Gabrieli

Pundit

Is composite decking worth the cost?

However, composite decking is a little more expensive than most. If you can afford it, always go with the greener option; it's going to save you money in the end, through maintenance costs and replacement costs. Composite decking will take longer and doesn't need to be refinished.

Jeane Luddeche

Pundit

How do I pick a deck color?

Consider the color of your home.
If your home is yellow, beige, tan, or brown, almost any tan or brown deck board should work. Just watch the undertones and level of contrast. If your home is red, gray, or blue, you could opt for these same colors or go with a gray board.

Pasqualina Bogner

Pundit

What is the best low maintenance deck material?

We take a detailed look at each.
  1. The Economic Answer: Pressure-Treated Lumber. Despite all the competition, this ubiquitous green-tinted wood is still the No. 1 decking material sold today.
  2. Naturally Superior: Redwood and Cedar.
  3. Exotic Import: Tropical Hardwoods.
  4. Better Board: Composites.
  5. Stay-Cool Option: Aluminum.

Danika Esperante

Pundit

What is the best product to use for decking?

Decking Oils, Treatment & Staining
  • Our #1 Best Deck Oil. Liberon Medium Oak. This oil is best for those looking to darken their deck surface, while also protecting from the elements.
  • Also Effective Cuprinol Anti Slip Stain.
  • The Best Clear Decking Oil. Ronseal Natural Protector.

Silveri Jornet

Pundit

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

Fading and damages
Darker composite deck colors may fade over time. This is an unavoidable process that happens due to UV rays, weathering, and high foot traffic. Other drawbacks include noticeable surface damage. Severe scratches and deep gouges are common issues with composite deck products.

Modest Fahim

Teacher

Which is better PVC or composite decking?

Aesthetics: Capped composite decking has a more wood-like appearance whereas PVC decking, due to its all-plastic construction, has an enhanced wood look. Heat Dissipation: With enhanced UV protection, capped PVC decking offers slightly better heat dissipation than capped composite.

Alessio Machowic

Teacher

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface.

Chie Arazuri

Teacher

Does aluminum decking scratch easily?

Like almost any new development on an old design, aluminum decking is designed to make vast improvements on their wooden or composite plastic counterparts. Composite plastic decking doesn't warp, deteriorate, or break down, but it has a surface that can be scratched and scraped a lot easier than wood decks.

Rafik Detjen

Teacher

Do composite decks get hot?

Trex decking does not typically get hotter than pressure-treated wood, although on a hot day with a blazing sun, nearly any surface will get uncomfortably hot. Lighter colored boards tend to be slightly cooler than darker composite boards.

Annemieke Labena

Reviewer

How much is composite decking vs wood?

Quick Summary: Composite vs Wood Deck Cost
On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed.

Earlean Nijinsky

Reviewer

How long will non pressure treated wood last outside?

Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.

Alami Anikeev

Reviewer

What is the best composite decking for the money?

TimberTech (AZEK)
TimberTech AZEK products are high-quality, premium lines, perhaps the best (and most expensive) of all the composite decking manufacturers, with a limited warranty of 50 years. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro (with 30-year warranties) and TimberTech Edge (25-year warranties).

Massiel Bufi

Reviewer

Should I seal my composite deck?

You don't have to seal the surface once it's been cleaned, but I suggest you do. If you decide to not seal the deck, you will most likely need to clean it again every year or so. By properly sealing or staining composite decking, you could get several years of use out of it before you need to clean it again.

Co-Authored By:

EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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2nd February, 2020

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