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Sep
2020

Choosing A Decking Material

September 24th, 2020 | by Admin Deck Experts | in Custom Deck Building |    0   

A deck can provide ample outdoor space for fun during the warmer months. One important thing to consider is the decking material, because there are specific advantages and disadvantages to different decking materials.

Q: How do I choose the best Decking Material?

A: Talk to the experts. They can account for all the technical variables such as location, use, budget and others. But in the end, the decision is dependent on personal preference as much as specific needs.

Composite Decking

Composite decking , such as Trex, or TimberTech is made of a mixture of fibre, plastic, and binding materials. Composite decking mimics wood and is available in wood stains or a wide variety of colours. The benefit of composite decking is that it needs less attention than traditional lumber decking and does not need to be cleaned as often because it is more stain resistant. One popular brand of composite decking that you may have heard of is Trex, Inc.

Wood Decking

With traditional wood decking, the natural wood is subject to nature and can warp and stain over time. Boards can crack and come loose, and therefore will need attention. The traditional wooden boards will also need to be stained and sanded more often than a composite deck would need to be maintained. Cedar is a popular wood used for decking because it is a strong wood that is resistant to rot, decay, and insects.

Vinyl Decks

What are the Pros and Cons of Vinyl Decks?

With so many options available for decking material, choosing one can be a difficult choice to make. While each option carries some positives, they each also carry their negatives. One of the more popular options to go with is vinyl decking. Vinyl decks do have a number of pros, but also some cons. We will be looking at each of these.

Pro - Low Maintenance

Maintenance is definitely a pro for vinyl decking, especially when compared to other options. Vinyl decks are not maintenance-free, as they do require a small amount of maintenance in the form of cleaning. This is a fairly simple task, however, as special cleaners can be used to quickly clean and return the deck to looking brand new.

Pro - Lots of Options for Colours

When choosing to go with a vinyl deck, there are a number of choices and options available for different colours and styles. This gives the owner the freedom to choose a colour and style that works with his or her space, and match his or her personal preference.

Con - Appearance Can Not Be Changed

In contrast to the previous paragraph about colour options, one negative is that once this option is chosen, the owner is locked into it. Vinyl decking colour is permanent, and vinyl decking can not be painted or stained. If you choose to go with a grey vinyl, you are sticking with that grey colour for the life of the deck,

Con - Heat Reflection

Vinyl is more likely to reflect more heat, especially compared to wood. For the most part, this is not a concern, but on very hot summer days, this can make the deck feel a bit warmer than other options.

There are other factors to consider, such as vinyl decking being less likely to crack and split compared to wood. Cost can be a factor as well, but cost can vary as the price of wood changes. Your best bet to compare this is to contact Deck Experts to help you figure out what the best material for your deck will be.

Other Options

Other decking materials include plastic decking, which does not splinter and is fairly weather-resistant but does not resemble real wood as much as composite decking. Polystyrene decking is another option, and it resembles wood and is non-slip and easy to install. If you’re not building a raised deck, you can also use paving stones, natural stones, or concrete to create a level area in your backyard where you can easily use a barbecue. In addition, consider what type of railings will be best for your deck.

Talk to your professional decking experts at Deck Experts in Surrey to learn about your options and which will be best for you