There are many different types of deck building material you can use to build your deck. There are three main concerns when it comes to deck materials:
- Price
- Durability
- Appearance
Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure treated wood is, by far, the cheapest option. It’s long-lasting, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it sealed from moisture.
Aesthetically speaking, pressure treated lumber is pretty ugly on its own. However, it’s pretty easy to stain to whatever color you’d like. Stains come in a huge variety of colors and opacity.
Cedar Decking
Cedar is, in my opinion, the most beautiful of the choices. On its own, cedar can last many years. It is naturally rot and pest resistant. With deck stains, it can last decades.
Cedar is a lot more expensive than pressure treated wood, but cheaper than all of the other real wood and manufactured materials.
Cedar has a rich color. However, if left unsealed, cedar will turn grey when exposed to the elements.
Redwood
Redwood is a gorgeous hardwood. It is harder to get on the East Coast then cedar. Because of its scarcity and distance it has to travel, redwood is around twice the cost as cedar.
Redwood can also last decades if it is properly maintained because it is also rot and pest resistant.
PVC Decking
Also called vinyl decking, PVC decking is a manufactured material. It costs around the same amount as redwood, but lasts so much longer. Some manufacturers offer a 25 year warranty.
PVC decking looks more and more like real wood. However, you won’t get as many slivers from it!
Composite Decking
Composite decking costs around the same amount as PVC decking and lasts about as long. The difference is that composite decking is made from wood fibers and recycled plastics. They come in every color and texture.
Composite decking looks and feels more like wood than PVC decking. However, it needs a good cleaning every few years to prevent the wood fibers from molding.
Ipe
Ipe is a South American hardwood that is naturally resistant to rotting and pests. Ipe is the most expensive decking material on this page and it is also the most labor intensive. You’ll need to refinish the deck every year to maintain its appearance.
Ipe also doesn’t last any longer than cedar or redwood, but many like it for its appearance and because it is a hardwood. Both cedar and redwood are softwoods.
The Best Deck Building Material
Choosing the best deck building material for your deck is a personal choice. It all comes down to price, durability, and appearance. It is hard to swear by any one material over the other.
Keep in mind you may want to ensure your deck matches your fence. Additionally, your HOA may have restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your deck.
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