Whatever the size and design of your deck, everything boils down to the look and walking surface. The kind of materials you pick for decking will have a direct impact on the looks and surface of the deck. Thus, keep the decking material in mind as it will have a major impact on the total cost of the deck.
Today, there are ample choices available when it comes to decking materials. Most decking boards are available in pre-manufactured sizes and could vary in thickness as well as the style of the edges. So you need to choose the best decking materials which are scratch resistant and waterproof.
The Different Types Of Materials Available For Decking:
Let us take a look at the basic types of decking materials available in the market. Each of these types has its maintenance requirements, and they are available in different designs and price range.
1. Wooden decking - Redwood and cedar are the most common types of decking material available in the market. These woods are well famous for their durability, resistance to insects and fire. Moreover, these woods not only look great but are much easier to seal, stain and paint. Both wood materials provide a beautiful decking surface but you need to pay regular maintenance charges for your deck.
2. Pressure-Treated Wooden decking - is the most popular as it is durable and least-expensive. The chemically treated wood is resistant to rot, mould, and insects. However, as it is made from inferior-grade wood, that explains the lower price of the decking boards. Pressure-treated is becoming the No. 1 decking material today as it is readily available in the market. Apart from that, they are durable, and affordable. On the downsides, it is not a stable decking material when exposed to weather elements, and it can shrink, crack, split, and warp after a certain period of time.
3. Composite decking - Composite decking is among the fastest-growing segment and is made from wood fibres and recycled plastics. The plus point of the decking is that it will not warp or bend, or get infested by insects or rot. As it is virtually maintenance-free and looks like real wood, many homeowners prefer Composite decking boards. Composite is one of the fastest-growing decking materials and it is very easy to clean. You can pick from a wide range of colours and styles available in this decking material.
4. Tropical Hardwoods decking - Another popular but expensive material for decking is Tropical Hardwoods. This is the right choice for those looking for a luxurious deck. As it is a very expensive material, and you must buy it from reputed and reliable dealers. The deck would last for decades but will need a specially formulated oil-based penetrating sealer for its maintenance. One can pick from different species such as massaranduba, cumaru, garapa, tigerwood, and ipe. Make sure that the tropical wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
5. Metal decking - Metal decking is also getting popular, and the customer can choose from different metals and colours. This is the right choice for those looking for an upper-level deck as the metal decking material can be installed over large spans. It is highly recommended to wash the metal surface on a regular basis and you must keep it away from water. Prefinished aluminium decking is much preferred because it is lighter, weatherproof, and insect-proof.
There are also many other options available in the market. The finals decision will, of course, rely on your preferences and budget. Keep aspects such as aesthetics, price range, and maintenance in mind and shop from only the most reliable suppliers.
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