Best Decking Materials for Your Home

A deck can be a beautiful focal point for your backyard, which not only offers an inviting place to relax but can also uplift the value of your home.

If it’s a home improvement that you’re planning, then it’s a good idea to understand the variety of decking materials available. In this article, we’ll help you discover the best decking material for your project to help you make it a success!

We’ll also reveal how the team at Plum ProExteriors can help make your dream deck into a reality…so keep reading to know more!

Why decking material matters

A deck is an investment in your home. And so it’s crucial to choose the right material that will serve its purpose and last for a long time. For example, if your deck is located in a sunny spot, you’ll need to find the best decking material for full sun that resists UV rays.

There are several material options out there, each their own unique properties. Understanding what each of these offers helps you find the best material for decking that suits your individual needs.

You’ll also need to find the best outdoor decking material to suit the aesthetic of your property. A deck is a stand-out feature so you should ensure that it looks attractive and is an inviting place to spend time.

Top 5 decking materials

If you’re new to the world of decking, then deciding which material is best can feel daunting. To help you, we’ve identified the top five decking materials, each of which offer a range of exciting benefits.

1. Pressure-treated wood

This material is one of the most affordable options out there, coming in at $15 to $25 per linear foot.

Pressure-treated wood gets its name from the process it undergoes: chemicals, which help protect it against rot, pests and decay, are applied to the wood under pressure. In this way, the solution is forced into the wood to offer long-lasting protection.

The downside of pressure-treated wood is that you still need to maintain it with regular sealing and staining and it will eventually break down by cracking, warping or rotting.

The best wood decking material is often easy-to-source and versatile pine, which looks good in any setting.

Pros

• Affordable if you’re on a budget
• Looks great, with a homely vibe
• Resistant to weather and pests

Cons

• Needs regular maintenance
• May cost more in the long-term
• Generally, needs replacing after 10 to 15 years

Best for: Anyone working to a tight budget who can commit to regular maintenance.

2. Composite decking

The next material on our list comes in at a slighter higher price point, between $25 to $35 per linear foot.

Composite is a mixture of wood fibers and plastic. The plastic may be recycled, which makes it a good choice if you’re into sustainability. This combination makes a long-lasting and low-maintenance material, which is ideal for decks. One of the best things about composite is that you don’t need to repaint or stain it.

However, if you choose composite you should be aware that it tends to absorb heat and can feel hot on sunny days.

Pros

• No need for regular sealing or staining
• Splinter-free
• Available in a variety of finishes
• Mid-priced – affordable for many

Cons

• Can get scratched more easily than wood
• Can feel hot in the sun

Best for: Homeowners who don’t have time for regular maintenance.

3. Cedar & redwood

Both cedar and redwood have a classic, rustic appeal.

Price-wise, they fall in the medium section of the cost spectrum, with redwood being the slightly more expensive option.

Cedar’s is a remarkably robust material. It’s naturally resistant to moisture and pests, and so it’s a great choice for your deck.

And you can’t beat redwood for its natural beauty. A little-known fact about redwood is that it resists heat better than many other types of wood, so feels cool underfoot even in hot weather.

Pros

• Beautiful, natural-looking appearance
• Resistant to weather and pests
• Tend not to warp or crack easily

Cons

• A slightly more costly choice
• Redwood is suited better to its native West Coast and can be harder to source from elsewhere
• Both varieties need regular maintenance

Best for: Anyone who wants to achieve a beautiful aesthetic finish and can commit to regular maintenance.

4. PVC decking

This material takes top spot for low-maintenance, since it contains no organic material that may affect its durability.

It’s an affordable choice for many homeowners, with a very reasonable initial outlay. The almost non-existent maintenance costs also mean that your costs will be low on an ongoing basis.

Pros

• Almost completely no-maintenance
• An affordable choice
• Durable
• Best waterproof decking material

Cons

• Not the most sustainable material – but recycled options are available
• Not quite as affordable as pressure-treated wood

Best for: Homeowners with a busy lifestyle who don’t have much time for maintenance.

5. Hardwood decking

This choice is the king of decking materials. While the price tag is the most costly at around $40 to $60 per linear foot, the pleasure you’ll get from a hardwood deck is worth every cent!

When you choose a decking material such as Brazilian ipe, you’re opting for a hardwearing wood that resists water, pests and rot. However, you will need to maintain your hardwood deck on a regular basis to ensure that its functionality and good looks last.

Pros

• Outstanding performance
• Beautiful, natural looks
• Available in various patterns and grains to suit your taste

Cons

• Costly to install but will last for years
• Needs regular maintenance

Best for: People who wish to make a focal point of their deck – this choice is exceptional in terms of looks and performance.

Not sure which decking material is best for you? The experts at Plum ProExteriors are here to help! We will be happy to give you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs. As one of the top home improvement companies in Massachusetts and New England, we’re in a great place to offer our advice and guidance – so give us a call today!

Key factors to consider when choosing deck material

Are you ready to choose your decking material? Weigh up the pros and cons above and take a look at the following factors to help you decide:

Cost

Be realistic about what you can afford for the project itself and for ongoing costs. If you’re on a tight budget, then pressure-treated wood is a good choice. Want to splash out? Opt for beautiful Brazilian ipe, a renowned hardwood with a stunning look.

Maintenance

Homeowners with a busy lifestyle won’t have time to constantly maintain their deck. If that sounds like you, PVC decking could be a sensible choice since upkeep will be minimal. Avoid wood options as they will need regular staining and sealing.

Durability

If you’re in your “forever home”, you’ll appreciate a material that will last for a long time. So, choose a material that’s known for its hardiness. Composite could be the choice for you – its robust nature makes it weather- and wear-resistant.

Sustainability

Is environmental impact important to you? If so, choose a more eco-friendly material like composite, which includes recycled material, or sustainable wood.

Aesthetic appeal

If looks are key, one of the cedar or redwood can make an excellent choice. Both options have a naturally beautiful appearance that can enhance any backyard.

Deck maintenance tips

Whichever material you choose, you’ll need to carry out some maintenance to keep your deck looking its best and to prolong its life. Find out how with our deck maintenance tips:

1. Clean your deck regularly

It’s a good idea to clean your deck on a weekly basis. Sweep away any debris then wash your deck down with a solution of detergent and warm water, using a soft brush to avoid damage. Rinse with clean water. This will help prevent the build-up of fungus and mold, which can make your deck slippery and cause it to rot.

2. Reseal and restain wood decking

If you’ve opted for one of the wood choices, you will need to reseal and restain your decking on a regular basis to protect it from damage and keep it looking good. On average, this should be done about once a year.

3. Inspect for damage periodically

It’s important to identify and remedy any damage as soon as possible to prevent the problem getting bigger and more expensive. Inspect your decking on at least a monthly basis and after extreme weather events like storms or snowfall.

4. Don’t allow water to pool

Letting water accumulate on your deck can weigh it down and lead to rotting or other damage. Even if you’ve chosen a moisture-resistant option like PVC, it’s important to sweep away water before it has the chance to pool.

5. Avoid using harsh chemicals

Don’t use harsh products like bleach to clean your deck – they can strip the color, cause warping and corrode the metal fastenings that keep the structure safe. Instead, opt for specially-formulated deck cleaner or a mild detergent and warm water solution.

Choosing the best decking

Planning a deck is an exciting time but with so many choices of materials, it’s good to have a little knowledge behind you to help you make those important decisions. That’s what we hope you’ve achieved by reaching the end of our informative article!

If you’d like any more guidance or to talk through material options, styles and prices, reach out to us here at Plum ProExteriors. The team are on hand to answer your queries and work with you on your ideas to transform your backyard with a beautiful deck.

We have many years of experience and excellent reviews from satisfied customers behind us – so take the next step to a stunning new deck by giving us a call!