Your Guide to All Types of Decks: How To Choose a Deck for Your Home

Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck This increases the carbon footprint and doesn’t necessarily translate to a higher-quality deck board. Below we compare the costs, durability and appearances of wood and composite decking. If neither option sounds right for you, there’s also synthetic PVC decking, which we discuss later in the guide. Pressure-treated wood is an essential material for outdoor construction projects, offering unparalleled durability and resistance to decay. Composite metal floor decks are strong and lightweight and can have deep or shallow profiles depending on the end requirement. The three common types of composite floor decks are 1.5-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch composite decks.

Best Pool Decking Options and Materials

Proper drainage solutions will also need to be implemented to prevent water damage and erosion. First, you’ll want to assess the slope of your yard and determine if any retaining walls or foundation options are necessary for stability. Not only do they provide an attractive visual addition to your home, but they also offer environmental benefits such as rainwater retention and insulation. Regularly inspecting for damage is a crucial aspect of maintaining any decking surface. Second, seal any cracks in the wood with caulk or putty to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.

The most common wood for decking includes cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated.While this may require more time and effort on your part, it can save thousands of dollars in labor costs.These decks are not directly attached to the home but instead built as a floating deck level accessible via a path or walkway.None of us wants to think the exotic hardwood used on our deck contributes to the warming of the planet.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Deck Type

If any concerns arise during an inspection or maintenance check, it’s recommended to seek professional consultation from a licensed contractor who can assess the situation further. Sealant application is another important step because it helps protect against moisture penetration by forming a barrier on the surface of your deck. Alternatively, you may want to consider applying a sealant or stain that contains waterproofing agents. Additionally, many home improvement stores offer financing options for purchasing materials, making it easier to spread out payments over time. Another way to cut costs is by choosing alternative materials such as Click here to find out more composite or PVC decking. Another consideration when choosing composite decking is the installation process. While some homeowners choose to tackle this project themselves, others opt for professional installation due to its complexity. Known for its natural beauty, cedar decks are resistant to bugs and offer excellent durability. However, being a softwood, cedar can be prone to damage if not properly maintained. Plastic and wood composite decking work well for some people, but there are also reasons why it doesn’t work for everyone. However, while this wood is inexpensive, it does require constant maintenance like coats of stain and sealer and pressure washing to keep it looking its best. Also, decks made from pressure-treated wood will require sanding to keep them splinter-free. Even so, these boards will crack, warp, and shrink over time and exposure to harsh weather.