What material to use for your DECK?

WOOD DECKING:

Natural wood planks often made from cedar wood or pressure-treated lumber. Cedar has a more natural look than pressure-treated but both are very resistant to rot and moisture. However, cedar also requires the most maintenance of these options as well since it’s not treated you have to stain it every few years. Decking made with pressure-treated lumber is more durable than natural cedar and it needs the least maintenance. Both cedar and pressure-treated lumber decking last approximately 20 years.

COMPOSITE DECKING:

Composite decking comprised of recycled plastic and either bamboo fibers, wood chips, or sawdust. This material is the strongest available and requires little more washing with a hose and sprayer as maintenance, though you can also stain a composite deck as needed. Composite decking are recycled materials. If you’re looking to turn your home green, a composite deck can fit right in with this mission. Composite materials are the most expensive option of the three, though the low-maintenance quality of the material may make it the investment in the long run.

Cedar Deck vs Pressure-Treated vs Composite

Adding a deck to your home add a lot of value to your property. It also gives you and your family a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you want to build a deck you need to decide what material you want to use, cedar, pressure treated, or composite deck.

Here are the pros and cons of each:

CEDAR DECK:

Most homeowners who choose cedar it is because of the natural beautiful traditional wood look.Cedar Deck Pros:Cedar Deck Cons:Natural wood look that so many homeowners love.

Resistance to rot that is natural to the wood.

Cedar doesn’t readily absorb water or any other moisture- moisture is what warps, twists, and cracks, and rots wood so last approximately 20 years. The natural color won’t retain for long so staining is often recommended to help further the life of your deck.

Cedar is a soft wood, which means it can be scratched if furniture is frequently moved around.

Decks that are low- lying, ground level, or are constantly shaded can deteriorate faster because they dry out slower.

PRESSURE-TREATED DECK:

The pressure-treated is the most effortable.Pressure-Treated Deck Pros:Pressure-Treated Deck Cons:

Strong and can handle moisture a lot better than untreated woods.

Persistent to rot.

Long deck lifespan.

Pressure-treated can stand up against moisture and rot, it often can’t tolerate the heat and dry air as well.

Spend all that money on a deck for it to only last a few months until it becomes cracked.

COMPOSITE DECK:

Composite has low maintenance option. It’s the great option for homeowners that don’t care whether the deck has a natural look.Composite Deck Pros:                                    Composite Deck Cons:

Can use natural materials.

Low maintenance by hose will usually do the trick.

Composite decks are becoming better looking as the companies develop.

Reasonably protected against bad weather.

Composite, just like traditional and pressure treated wood, will fade in color.

Some people don’t like the lack of a natural look.