A beautiful deck can raise your quality of life at home while improving your home's value. Choosing the right decking material is important. Decking materials have changed a lot in the last several years. Gone are the days of pressure-treated wood decks. Modern decks are built like works of art, sporting beautiful wood finishes and unusual deck designs.
If you're a Connecticut homeowner considering installing a wood deck on your home, there's a lot to know about the many options available. The deck materials you choose will affect your life and how you maintain your home for years to come, so it's important to make the right decision. If you're working with a good Connecticut contractor, they can help you choose a decking material that will last. Below, we've outlined some information to help make your decision.
Composite Decking
It used to be that wood was the most common - if not the only - option for your decking material. In the last several years, those options have changed. Today, most homeowners choose composite decking for their outdoor spaces. Composite decking is made from synthetic material and wood pulp, mixed together to take on the appearance and texture of real wood. Seen from a distance, composite decking looks just like real wood. Even up close, it's still an excellent approximation.
Composite decking is highly durable and long-lasting. A well-constructed composite deck can last for years or decades. Composite decking comes in a range of colors including a range of earthy browns and grays. The biggest selling point for most people is that composite decking never needs to be refinished or repainted. It can endure years of exposure to rain, snow, sleet - and all without requiring any extra protection from stain or paint.
Pros
- Low-maintenance: Composite decking needs to be cleaned periodically, but never needs to be refinished.
- Long-lasting: Experts aren't really sure how long today's composite decks will last because it's such a new material. If you choose high-quality composite decking, plan to have your composite deck for the next three to five decades.
Cons
- No color changes: Your composite decking never needs to be repainted, which means that you'll never pick a new color for your decking. Choose wisely.
- Higher up-front cost: High quality composite decking comes at a high cost. Keep in mind that you'll never need to spend money refinishing your deck, nor will you have to pay a professional to do this either. Although composite decking can be pricey when it's installed, it pays off over time.
Mahogany and Teak
If you're attached to the idea of installing a natural hardwood deck, mahogany and teak are the two most common options. Both woods are long-lasting, durable, and rot-resistant. Both are tropical hardwood trees that are prized for their endurance and natural beauty. All hardwoods need to be protected from the sun and rain. If left unprotected, your wood will turn a light silvery gray color over time. Periodic staining of your deck can protect the wood and improve its water resistance.
Eventually, wood decks can deteriorate and must be replaced, but if you continue to stain your deck and keep up to date with maintenance, it can last a very long time.
Pros
- Natural beauty: Composite decking may look similar to wood, but nothing compares to the actual beauty of real wood. If it's important to you to have the warmth and natural elegance of real wood decking, mahogany and teak will both deliver.
- Slightly lower cost: High quality wood and composite decking are similar in cost, but you'll likely spend less on natural wood.
Cons
- Maintenance: Maintaining a wooden deck is hard. Most wood decks need to be refinished every 3 to 5 years, depending on whether they're painted or stained. Some finishes last longer than others.
- Service life: If wood is not properly maintained, it will not last as long as composite decking. Although natural wood can last for decades, you'll need to take a serious position on maintaining your deck to ensure a long service life.
Tips for Choosing a Decking Material
Choosing the right decking material can be hard! Here are some tips for choosing the right material for your home.
Don't Skimp On Quality
The number one mistake that homeowners make when they're choosing a decking material is to choose a low-quality brand that won't last very long. Although we state above that composite decking is expensive, there are some low-quality options available to homeowners. These low-quality options may look good in a store, but don't last. Low-quality composite decking stains easily, warps over time, and may fade. If you choose a low-quality composite decking to save money, plan to redo your deck in about five to eight years.
See It In Person
Whether you're considering a natural hardwood or a composite decking material, it helps to see the options in person. Visit a supplier to help make your decision.
Be Realistic About Maintenance
There's something beautiful about installing a natural wood deck, but will you maintain it? If you're considering a wood deck, be honest with yourself about whether you can maintain it.
Wondering About Eco-Friendly Alternatives? What to Know
If you're looking for an alternative deck material for your home, eco-friendly options like recycled plastic and aluminum are available from some specialty deck material suppliers. Whatever you choose, don't skimp on quality for the sake of reducing the cost of your deck installation. Research the brand of your choice before choosing a material that works for your home and budget. Buying a low-cost, low-quality decking material never works.
Get Started With Your Deck Installation Today
If you're planning to install a deck in the coming year, get started selecting a contractor today. The best contractors book quickly! For more advice on selecting a residential Connecticut contractor, download our free guide to choosing a professional home remodeling contractor.
