What Is The Best Material For An Outdoor Deck?

A well-designed outdoor deck may be a wonderful addition to a house, giving a welcoming open-air atmosphere that is suitable for rest, relaxation, and recreational activities. The return on investment is quite high when compared to other types of house improvements, and they can be built on virtually any sort of terrain.

When building a deck, one of the most significant considerations is the type of material used to construct the deck itself. It is possible that using the inappropriate deck material in relation to the temperature or environment that the deck will be exposed to can result in a considerable increase in maintenance expenses or a reduction in the functioning of the deck.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Currently, pressure-treated wood is the most popular decking material in the United States, with pressure-treated wood being utilized in around 75% of new decks. Chemicals are used to cure it so that it would not decay or grow mold, and it is also incredibly economical, typically costing no more than $2.50 per square foot in most cases.

Decks constructed with pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, can be difficult to maintain due to the fact that they are prone to cracking and warping.

Concrete

While concrete is typically thought of as a material for roads, sidewalks, and patios, it is fast becoming a popular choice for decks as well.

Concrete decks are becoming increasingly popular. Concrete decks are extremely long-lasting and resistant to degradation caused by techniques such as rotting, termites, and mildew that are typical on wood-based decks. They are also far less difficult to clean than virtually all other types of decks.

If exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, the most significant downside of concrete decks is that they can get extremely hot, making them an unsuitable choice for hotter climes.

Tropical Hardwood

Tropical hardwood decks are a high-end option for homeowners, and they are typically associated with luxury and pleasure in general.

Tigerwood and ipe are examples of wood species that are naturally resistant to rot and termites, making them ideal for use in construction.

In addition to having a high price tag (up to $12 per square foot), these luxury decks do not react well to the majority of finishes and stains available on the market.

Composite

Composite decks, which are made of wood fibers and recycled polymers, are swiftly becoming one of the most popular decking materials among homes around the country.

Because of their composition, they are resistant to issues such as rot, mildew, termites, and warping, making them an excellent choice for folks seeking for a long-lasting decking alternative that requires no upkeep.

However, because they are primarily formed of wood fibers, they can still be affected by various wood-based degrading elements over time, especially if they are exposed to moisture. They may also be quite costly, with prices ranging up to $10 per square foot.

Cedar

Cedar is a fantastic choice for individuals who want a lovely color for their deck without having to add a finish or stain to it after installation.

Due to the fact that it is one of the few decking materials that is both lightweight and robust, it is an excellent choice for places that are subjected to high winds or storms.

The most notable disadvantage of cedar is its high cost per square foot, which may range from $5 to more than $10 per square foot depending on the grade of the cedar wood utilized.

Aluminum

Despite the fact that aluminum decks are quite rare, they are still a viable decking material option.

They are resistant to various wood-based breakdown elements, such as rot, termites, and mildew, and they will not warp or fracture with time, nor will they be affected by rust. They are also environmentally friendly.

Aluminum is the most costly decking material available, with an average cost of $11 per square foot. It is also the least durable.