Decking: How To Choose The Right Materials

Building a new deck, adding onto an existing deck, or rebuilding a deck is a huge decision. Arguably one of the most critical choices that must be made during the planning process is the selection of decking material.

The Most Popular Decking Materials

Below you can learn more about the pros and cons of the most popular decking materials to help you discover one that will fit your lifestyle and deck design. 

• It looks like natural wood but has none of the cons of wood boards. 
• Any deck design can be built using premium plastic lumber. 
• This decking material is easy to work with – you can saw, drill, shape, and screw the boards with traditional tools. 
• Plastic decking material will never split, warp, or splinter. 
• It doesn’t absorb water so it will never rot. 
• Staining on the deck boards will also never be an issue – never worry about grease or wine stains again!
• Insect damage is a thing of the past with plastic deck boards.
• There is virtually no maintenance required, only occasional cleaning with a power washer. 

This slip-resistant decking material comes with a limited lifetime warranty. 

The only “extra” consideration that needs to be taken into account is the slight expansion and contraction of the boards during weather extremes. To learn more about this, visit our expansion and contraction calculator on our engineering page. 

Decks made from premium plastic lumber can last a lifetime. 

If you have decided to use Premium Plastic Lumber for your new deck but are struggling to pick a color, be sure to read our post on how to pick the best color for your deck! 

Composite Decking Boards

Composite decking is made from both wood fibers and plastics. This type of decking is weather-resistant, stain-resistant, and does last longer than traditional wood. 

However, composite decking does have a few downsides. First, darker colors can become very hot to the touch in warm weather, making the decking uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. The wood fillers are not resistant to mold or mildew. Like wood, it will eventually show signs of age and decay. 

Not all composites are created equal. Be sure to review all of the manufacturer’s warranty information when shopping for composite lumber. 

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is a popular option among deck builders. This wood has been chemically treated to resist damage from insects, mold, and damage from the elements. 

Decks made from pressure treated wood are popular because it is typically the most affordable option – at least upfront. The ongoing maintenance and short lifespan of this material should be taken into account. The wood requires painting or staining on a yearly or every other year schedule. It is prone to splintering and cracking, not a very family-friendly option. It will also need to be cleaned and resealed every year. 

On average, pressure-treated wood decks need to be replaced every 10 years. 

Bring Your Decking Ideas To Life With Help From Plastic Lumber Yard 

Are you struggling to decide on a decking material or design? Contact our team with your ideas and sketches. We can help you determine which material is the best for your deck flooring. We can also assist with your deck railing needs.