Looking to turn your backyard into a space where you can enjoy spending time with friends and family? For many people, achieving this goal begins with building a deck. Having a deck allows you to enjoy all sorts of outdoor recreation, including hosting an al fresco dinner party or simply enjoying a glass of wine while you watch the sun go down.
If you’re already sold on the idea of building a deck in your backyard, it is time to decide what kind of outdoor decking materials to use. This choice can be trickier than it may at first seem. From cost to aftercare, there are many factors that you need to consider when selecting the best outdoor decking material for your home.
Here are eight of the best outdoor decking materials to use in your project:
1. Pressure-treated wood material
The pressure-treated wood is the best outdoor decking material to use. it is estimated that about 75 percent of all new decks are built using pressure-treated wood. Due to the fact that the material has been chemically treated in order to make it resistant to rot, mold, and insects, it a popular and durable choice.
In addition to be widely available, it is also easy to install and available at a fairly reasonable price point. In terms of drawbacks, it is worth knowing that it does tend to crack or warp overtime and therefore might not stay looking new as long as some of the other options.
2. Tropical hardwood material
An aesthetically pleasing and luxury choice, tropical hardwoods offer a rich, grainy appearance while also being hard and durable. This outdoor decking material has the added advantage of being naturally resistant to problems like rotting and insects and are therefore another popular choice.
You’ll have to shell out the cash for all these perks though, tropical wood doesn’t come cheap. It is also fairly dense, which makes it hard to drill holes into and can also make it resistant towards accepting stain or different finishes.
3. Concrete material
Among the most popular choices when it comes to decking materials, concrete decks are a practical, chic, and modern solution for creating the deck of your dreams. Offering exceptional versatility, they are also really easy to clean and last a long time.
The biggest drawbacks with this one include the fact that concrete tends to heat up quickly in the sun and that the final look won’t offer quite as much character as many of the other options.
4. Redwood material
Redwood is the best outdoor decking material if you want a beautiful, rustic looking deck. It has pretty natural tannins, a stunning colour and is lightweight while maintaining a strong finish.
Not as readily available as other types of wood, redwood will also require an annual power wash in addition to a fresh coat of finish every three to four years. Although it really doesn’t add up to all that much work, it is critical that you remember to do in order to protect and maintain your investment.
5. Composite material
Composed primarily of wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite decking materials are among the fastest-growing decking options available today. Although artificiality doesn’t appeal to everyone, these decks won’t warp, splinter, and you also don’t have to worry about rot or insects.
This outdoor decking material is relatively maintenance free. However, you do still have to worry about mold and mildew if your deck is often left damp. It is also important that you pick a reputable company, as cheaply built composites can quickly end up showing up signs of decay.
6. Bluestone material
An organic option that goes well with traditional architecture, bluestone is an outdoor decking material that provides a rich colour and notable warmth. It also doesn’t become too slippery when wet, making it a good choice for rainy parts of the country. The biggest downside here is that it can quickly get uncomfortable hot on a bright and sunny day.
7. Cedar material
Another popular option among the purists, cedar has a gorgeous natural hue that adds a lot of character to any backyard. It is also lightweight, yet strong, making it ideal for places with inclement weather conditions. Naturally resistant to rot and insects, you can also treat it with stain and sealer to prevent cracks or splinters.
The biggest deterrent for many prospective deck builders is the rather steep price tag. There are also different grades of cedar, the top four of which are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty. Keep in mind that the fancier you go, the higher the price will climb.
8. Aluminium material
Convenient thanks to the fact that they won’t rust, warp, splinter, rot, or crack, aluminum decks are also weather and mold resistant as well. This is the best outdoor decking material if you are looking for a practical and lightweight option.
Don’t forget though, you’re not getting the gorgeous color of hardwood here though, so be sure that you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of curb appeal for convenience.
