Today in our blog, we’re talking about the different options for the decking material of a deck. There are a lot of different components that are part of a deck, but the decking material itself is specifically the horizontal material of wood or similar wood-replicating synthetic / composite materials that are at the horizontal surface of the deck that you walk upon.
See the chart below that we have put together for comparing the different types of decking materials, including composite, pressure-treated pine, redwood/cedar, and exotic hardwoods:
When building or renovating an outdoor deck, selecting the specific decking material is a big step in the process and has a significant effect on the final outcome. Each wood or composite option has some unique advantages and tradeoffs, from durability and maintenance requirements to cost and environmental impact. In this comparison, we’ll look at the key features of the most popular decking materials which can help make an informed decision.
- Composite Decking: Composite decking has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its low-maintenance nature and long-lasting durability. Made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking offers several advantages:
- Minimal upkeep: Unlike natural wood, composite decking requires little to no staining or sealing, saving time and effort on maintenance.
- Resistance to moisture and insect damage: The plastic component makes composite decking resistant to rotting, warping, and insect infestations.
- Long lifespan: With proper installation and care, composite decking can last for decades, providing a reliable and durable outdoor living space.
- Variety of colors and textures: Manufacturers offer composite decking in a wide range of colors and wood-like textures, allowing for customization to suit various design preferences.
However, it’s important to note that composite decking can be significajtly more expensive than some natural wood options and may require specialized fasteners and installation techniques.
2.Pressure-Treated Pine: Pressure-treated pine, particularly Southern Yellow Pine, has been a popular and cost-effective choice for decking for many years. Here are some key points about this material:
- Affordability: Pressure-treated pine is generally less expensive than composite or exotic wood decking, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Availability: Readily available at most lumberyards and home improvement stores, making it convenient to source.
- Treatment process: The preservative treatment helps protect the wood from rot, insect damage, and moisture, extending its lifespan.
- Maintenance required: Regular staining, sealing, and cleaning are necessary to maintain the deck’s appearance and longevity.
While pressure-treated pine is a cost-effective option, it may require more maintenance over time and may not offer the same longevity as composite or some naturally rot-resistant wood species.
3.Redwood and Cedar: Redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant and beautiful wood species that have been used for decking for centuries. These materials offer several advantages:
- Durability: Both redwood and cedar are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, providing long-lasting performance. “Resistant”doesn’t mean indestructible, although these materials can withstand exposure to exterior environments better than untreated pine wood, they’re not indestructible and will also deteriorate, rot, and gray with exposure to ultraviolet rays over time. Redwoods and Cedars are actually quite soft compared to other types of wood and such as ipe or hardwoods.
- Aesthetic appeal: The warm, rich tones and distinctive wood grain patterns of these species add natural beauty to outdoor living spaces. Cedar wood can be quite beautiful especially where appropriate to be sealed with products like tung oils.
- Low maintenance: While periodic cleaning and sealing are recommended, redwood and cedar generally require less maintenance than pressure-treated pine.
- Sustainable sourcing: When sourced responsibly, redwood and cedar can be environmentally friendly options.
However, these materials can be more expensive than pressure-treated pine, and their availability may be limited in some regions.
4.Exotic Hardwoods: For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and durability, exotic hardwoods like ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”), cumaru, and tigerwood offer exceptional performance as decking materials. Here are some key points:
- Unmatched durability: These dense, rot-resistant hardwoods are incredibly durable and can last for decades with proper care.
- Striking beauty: Exotic hardwoods boast rich, distinctive colors and beautiful wood grain patterns, adding a luxurious and exotic touch to outdoor spaces.
- Low maintenance: Similar to redwood and cedar, these hardwoods require minimal maintenance beyond periodic cleaning and sealing.
- Sustainability concerns: While some exotic hardwoods can be sustainably sourced, there are potential environmental concerns due to overexploitation and deforestation in certain regions.
- High cost: Exotic hardwood decking is typically the most expensive option, often costing several times more than composite or pressure-treated pine.
When considering exotic hardwoods, depending on the values of the specific client, it might be recommended that the client research the sourcing practices and ensure that the materials are obtained from responsible and sustainable sources. Sadly, there may be companies that claim responsible practices, yet the reality may be that few to near none of the multinational big corporations responsible for the lion’s share of profiting from deforestation of rainforests, are actually led by holistic practices that prioritize the indigenous inhabitants and the environment of the earth and all inhabitants of the planet.
Ultimately, the choice of decking material will depend on factors such as budget, desired aesthetic, maintenance requirements, and environmental considerations. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, homeowners can make an informed decision that aligns with their priorities and creates a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor living space.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities . You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
