Pros and Cons of Popular Deck Materials

Outdoor decking materials are available in varieties of options such as wood, redwood, composite, aluminum, plastic and much more. They can be used to create a durable and stunning deck with the help of professional deck builders in Auckland. However, a well-constructed deck can easily last for years. So, it is necessary to choose the right material when planning your new deck.rnHere we have mentioned about the most popular decking materials used, including the pros and cons of each type. Wood: Wood is a renewable and recyclables resource and the most common type of decking. It is also called Timber Decking. Pros:

• Lowest initial cost
• It’s natural and smells good
• Natural wood decking has a natural warmth, and on the hottest days, wood decks remain comfortable underfoot than stone or brick pavers
• Eco-friendly material
• Wood decking absorbs water, which makes it a great outdoor decking material for around swimming pool to avoid slip and falls.
• Available in a wide range of grades

Cons:

• Hardwoods can be expensive
• From hardwoods to redwood, all wood decking requires frequent maintenance to prevent fading, rot, cracking and discolouration.

Composite: It is also known as synthetic decking, wood-polymer composites, or wood alternatives. It has become the popular choice of homeowners for last few years. Composite decking is an equal mix of recycled plastic and wood fiber. Pros:

Lightweight

Stain resistant

Weather resistant

Won't rot or splinter

Requires less maintenance

Lasts longer than wood decks

Environmentally friendly

It is also an excellent choice for decking around a swimming pool. Cons:

Expensive initial cost

Some look cheap or fake

Can be heavier than wood

Some composite brands can be slippery

Not resistant to mildew and mold

Poor quality grade composite can discolour or warp over time Pressure Treated Wood: Pressure treated wood is less durable woods, treated with preservatives. It is the most commonly used type of building material by homeowners today. It can be used for various purposes. Pros:

It is affordable as compared to other types of wood

It is strong and can hold up to lot more wear and tear

This type of wood has extra strength and is very long-lasting

Ideal for surface decking and structural parts

Repels Insects & Rot Resistant

Offer a long-term warranty Cons:

It contains chemical preservatives, which is harmful to the environment and your health as well

It has a tendency to warp and twist

Pressure Treated Wood is very reactive to the sun and can cause discolouration

More likely to rot or mold

Pressure Treated Wood is porous and soft material, so

it stains and scratches easily

Lowest life expectancy of 10-15 years Vinyl: From last few years, vinyl decking has become a competitive choice on the market. The material used can be PVC, steel, and recycled. Pros:

It is durable and able to resist mildew, mold and insects without much maintenance

It can be customised to have a wood-like appearance

It is hard wearing and can resist harsh weather

It is much easier to maintain over time

It is less expensive than wood Cons:

When exposed to prolonged periods of sun, it may fade.

Vinyl decking is more expensive than cedar, pressure treated wood, and some composite materials

Requires periodic cleaning to maintain its appearance and condition.

It can’t be refinished. Need replacement, if it gets damaged or wo Aluminum: Aluminum decks are durable, sleek, and won't rot near rivers and lakes or under rain. It is made up from one of the strongest alloys. Pros:

Aluminium decks have textured finish

Tough and strong

Lightweight and Long-lasting

Slip-resistant

On the hottest days, it keeps feet cool and prevents slips after rain.

Maintains its color for a longer period

Won't rot, decay, warp or splinter like other decking lumber

Recyclable

Fireproof Cons:

Noisy

Gets slippery when frozen

Most pricey decking

Does not resemble wood Plastic: It is high-density plastic and made from recycled polyethylene plastic. Which means you do not have to worry about splinters and high maintenance. Pros:

Stain and fade resistant

Weather resistant

Low maintenance and doesn't require staining, sanding, or painting

Lightweight

Eco-friendly decking material

Easy to clean, using a mop

Recyclable Cons:

It is not strong enough as compared to other decking materials and requires more extensive support structure than wood.

Looks and feels like synthetic

It is expensive

Gets extremely hot during summers and difficult to walk on

May fade from sunscreen, insect repellants and rubber mats

Prone to chalking

Sensitive to mildew and mold in dark or shady areas of the deck

If you think we missed out on something or you have any tips or suggestions, feel free to write us in the comment box.