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5 Decking Materials Costs, Benefits, and Life-span
Some people need deck space to host big parties on the weekends or to dine al fresco with the family. Others just need a small area to lounge by the pool or yard. There are many different deck materials available in the current construction market.
Now is the perfect time to get your outdoor area ready before it gets too hot. If you’re looking to build a new deck or replace an old one, you probably have a lot of questions about where to start. Here’s a look at five deck types, along with their cost, appearance, longevity, and required maintenance.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Deck
When shopping for outdoor deck materials, it’s important to base your decision on your budget and personal taste. Each material has a different price range, appearance, and durability.
Before you start building your new deck, ask yourself these questions:
- What is the purpose of building the deck?
- How often and how many people will be on the deck?
- Will the deck be subject to extreme weather or extreme temperature changes?
- Is there a preferred style of deck design (wood grain, color, etc.)?
The answers to these four questions will help you choose the best material for your deck. Let me take a closer look at common deck trim materials.
Pressure-treated Wood
Most wood decks use pressure-treated (PT) lumber. This type of wood is easy to recognize because of its green color. This wood is typically Southern Yellow Pine, and the chemicals used in the treatment give it this color.
In the past, these chemicals were chromated copper arsenate, which is thought to cause cancer in humans. However, most pressurized wood is now treated with copper azole or copper alkali quaternary (ACQ). Non-metallic sealers can also be used to treat wood.
Maintenance of Pressure-treated Wood Decks
Pressure-treated wood can last for more than a decade if it is regularly maintained. Otherwise, the wood will warp or splinter. This type of wood deck should be thoroughly cleaned every two years and then treated with a stain or wood sealer to keep it in good condition.
Cost of Pressure-treated Wood Decking
Decks and posts made from pressure-treated wood usually come in a variety of sizes. Typically, the cost of pressure-treated wood decking is $10-$12 per square foot. The cost of maintaining this type of wood decking is approximately $450 per year.
Composite Decking
Made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers, composite decking is popular with many homeowners. Common brands of composite decking are made by companies such as Trex, TimberTech, and EVODEK.
Composite decking will not rot, crack, or warp, and does not require staining. To keep your deck clean, scrub it with warm soapy water. When cleaning the deck, take care to clean deck seams and hard-to-reach areas, which will prevent mold growth.
Maintenance of Composite Decking
Composite wood decking has a long life span and can last for about 30 years. However, if its color and luster fade, it cannot be restored to its original condition like stained wood decking. Maintaining composite decking is easier than maintaining wood decking. You don’t have to sand, scrape, paint, or seal it. To remove mildew, simply wash with warm soapy water and, if necessary, diluted bleach.
Cost of Composite Decking
Composite decking comes in a variety of sizes and lengths, and it is also available in a variety of colors and finishes. Most composite decks cost $12-$25 per square foot. That said, composite decks usually cost more to build than wood decks. But composite decks last longer and require little maintenance.
PVC Decking
You can also use a deck made of high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene. This PVC material comes from recycled milk and beverage bottles. This material has many advantages, such as requiring little maintenance and being easy to clean. But PVC decking has some of the same problems, once its color starts to fade, you can’t restore its appearance by painting it.
Maintenance of PVC Decking
Another advantage of PVC decking is that it won’t rust or rot. You can buy PVC decking in different colors, so you don’t have to paint or stain it. Deck cleaning can be done using an outdoor hose or mop. If there are stubborn stains on the surface of the deck, you can mix one part of bleach with ten parts of water and just do the regular cleaning.
Cost of PVC Decking
According to American Plastic Lumber, decking made from recycled plastic costs two to three times as much as regular lumber. In fact, it usually costs more upfront than lumber and composite decking materials.PVC decking typically costs $15-$30 per square foot.
In the long run, PVC decks don’t require constant maintenance, and they don’t rot. Many types of PVC decks are guaranteed for 50 years against splitting or splintering and are free from mold, termites, and fungal rot.
Redwood and Cedar Decks
Decks made from these two trees are usually resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. In addition, they are easier to work with than pressure-treated wood.
When you buy redwood or cedar, be careful to purchase wood from forests that have been treated in a way that does not harm the environment. Avoid buying wood from virgin forests that are hundreds of years old or older. To make sure that the boards are grown and cut in a way that does not cause too much harm to the environment, seek help from the Forest Stewardship Council.
Maintenance of Redwood and Cedar Decks
Every few years, you will need to treat these wood decks with a light or clear stain. They also need to be cleaned, maintained, and restored on a regular basis, which will prolong their life. The good thing about using wood decks is that you can use paint to change their appearance. Of course, this costs money in terms of extra time.
Cost of Redwood and Cedar Decks
On average, common redwood and cedar wood costs $15-$20 per square foot. This means that the price per board is higher than pressure-treated lumber, but lower than composite or PVC decking. However, redwood and cedar wood have excellent color and are naturally rot and insect-resistant.
Tropical Hardwood Decking
These tropical hardwoods come from South America, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Africa. They are known as Tigerwood, ipe, Merbau, and Abaco. they are very hard and will not rot. They are also not very common and are one of the strongest and most durable types of wood. Hardwood decks are very durable and can last for decades.
Maintenance of Hardwood Decks
There is a big problem with using hardwoods to build decks. In the past, these trees were cut down in jungles that are now in danger of disappearing. People often cut down these trees by “felling” large tracts of land, which is bad for the rainforest ecosystems and the animals that live there.
Cost of Hardwood Decking
Another bad thing about hardwood is that it is more expensive. It is the most expensive type of decking material and it is even more expensive than composite and PVC decking. Tropical hardwood costs $20-$35 per square foot.
The Forest Stewardship Council is working with local farmers to develop programs to help ensure that the cutting of tropical hardwoods does not harm the environment. Nonetheless, since there are many other decking materials available, it is usually better for the environment if a deck is built without tropical hardwood.
To Summarize
Building a deck can quickly increase the value of your home. It will also provide your property with more private gathering space, and entertaining areas, and make your house look better from the street. Consider using EVODEK’s boardwalk decking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of your deck.
Having a deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, utilize your backyard, and save on gardening costs. To make the space fit your needs, you must first consider the space or location, the features you want, and your budget. For a sleek and modern look, EVODEK’s composite wall panel can be an excellent addition to your outdoor living space. Additionally, incorporating EVODEK’s composite fencing can provide privacy and a cohesive design, making your deck area more enjoyable and functional. Then, you can choose the right deck materials for your outdoor living space.
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