What type of wood is best for a deck?

Overall, our experts at Patio Productions recommend Cedar or Redwood as the best wood choice for outdoor decks. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, pressure treated wood is your next best option.

What kind of decking material is best?

PVC decking is also the top choice for long-lasting, durable deck boards. Much of this owes to PVC’s water resistance. It’s moisture-absorption that causes most of wood decking’s durability issues: warping, splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, rot, and insect damage.

What is the most durable wood for decks?

Tropical hardwoods such as Philippine mahogany, red tauari, ipe, Cunard, and massaranduba, are rich-grained woods that are naturally resistant to insects and rot, as well as being hard and durable.

Are there different types of decking?

Three of the most common types of board materials available are treated timber, composite decking, and hardwood decking.

What type of deck lasts the longest?

Aluminum and Steel

Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.

What is the best low maintenance decking?

Low Maintenance Decking Options that Make Upkeep a Breeze
  • Solid Composite Decking Looks Just Like Real Wood. Solid composite decking is made from wood particles and plastic combined. …
  • Vinyl Decking Cleans with Just Water. …
  • Aluminum Decking Makes for a Fuss-Free Year-Round Decking. …
  • Turn to the Deck Pros for the Best Options.

What is the least expensive deck material?

Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-Treated Lumber Costs

It’s the most common and least expensive type of decking.

What is the best thickness for decking?

16” on center = Standard for residential decking applications. 12” on center is recommended for a sturdier underfoot feel, when using standard deck board thickness of 1”. 24” on center = Sometimes used for commercial applications such as docks and boardwalks; wider joist spacing requires greater deck board thickness.

What is the new deck material called?

Composite decking, from brands such as Trex and TimberTech, is made from a blend of recycled plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC) mixed with wood fibers (like wood chips or sawdust). Not only does the durable synthetic material resist warping, it also holds strong against rot and insect infestations.

Is composite or PVC decking better?

PVC is much harder and more scratch resistant than composite decking, which is good news if you have a large dog or heavy patio furniture. All these benefits don’t come cheap, however: PVC decking will cost you about $10 per sq. ft. Some companies offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Which is better for decking wood or composite?

While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn’t last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.

Which lasts longer cedar or pressure-treated wood?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

Is vinyl decking better than composite decking?

When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards. Plus, while any material left in the sun will show fading, vinyl is also better protected against color fading than composite.

How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?

If we assume a 20′ x 20′ deck, then a rough estimate for pressure treated wood would be around $3,000, whereas the same deck built with a high-quality composite material might cost around $5,6001. However, after just two to three years of routine maintenance, that cost difference is easily erased.

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Most composite decking is slippery compared to wood decking when wet. The polymer cap of the decking repelling the water, creating potential slipping hazards. There are some notable composite decking exceptions, that provide excellent traction both when wet and dry.

How many years should a wood deck last?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

Is Trex worth the money?

Trex decks are worth it because you get what you pay for. They cost more than a treated lumber one, making up for your extra outlay of cash at the onset, and will last for years longer than the average treated deck, letting you more than recoup your investment. Trex decks are also low maintenance.

How much does a 12×12 Trex deck cost?

Trex Decking Cost Per Square Foot

The materials cost for a Trex deck with substructure, decking and fasteners included, generally falls into the range of $9 to $16 per square foot.