What's the best decking material for you?
When you first start your deck installation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed . From choosing a contractor to nailing down a design, you’ve got a lot to think about. There are many options available to homeowners today, but what is the best decking material for you? What material will last the longest? Which will look best? Can I stay in budget without sacrificing quality? And just how do I decide what’s the best decking material for my home? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
If you’re stuck between choices, keep reading to check out the three best decking materials on the market – pressure treated lumber, hardwood, and composite. We’ll break down their features, benefits, and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Decking Material
For those of us on a budget, pressure treated lumber is a strong contender for the best decking material. It’s affordable yet durable, and it stands up to the test of time. Well maintained pressure treated lumber will last for years. It’s a good choice in areas with high precipitation, as it’s rot resistant and doesn’t splinter easily. Not to mention, it isn’t as pricey as natural woods like cedar. However, you absolutely have to stay on top of deck maintenance or it will start to fall apart.
Staining or painting pressure treated lumber decks gives you an almost limitless amount of possibilities for style. From a country-style deck to a vibrant modern one, the only limit is your imagination. Despite being one of the most popular types of decking, pressure treated lumber is the most inexpensive material on the market.
If you’re looking for a durable material on the less expensive side with a variety of finishes, then pressure treated lumber is a great option.
Best Natural Decking Material
Hardwood is one of the most gorgeous construction materials around. There’s nothing like the classic look of a cedar or redwood deck to bring out the natural beauty of your home.
For starters, hardwoods durability and resistance to pest infestation is an automatic plus. Its dense composition makes it resistant to rot, and it contains tannins that work similarly to the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber. Its color and grain provide a classic look, making it eye catching and stylish. Hardwood can even be stained or painted to suit your taste.
Best Decking Material Overall
In our humble opinion, composite is the best decking material for your home. There are several brands of composite decking on the market, but we prefer to work with Trex.
Trex is a environmentally friendly decking material because it is made from over 95% recycled materials. According to Trex, not one single tree has ever been felled to make their product! This is possible because of their innovative use of recycled consumer plastics mixed with repurposed wood material like saw dust.
The result is the best decking material around which comes in a dizzying array of colors to suit any style! Not only is it stylish and environmentally friendly, but Trex won’t rot or be subject to pest infestations! Plus, it’s virtually maintenance free. Say goodbye to sanding, staining, painting, and all the other hassles of natural wood!
Choosing the best decking material
The easiest way to choose the best decking material is by reaching out to an experienced deck contractor. They have the knowledge to help you make an informed decision that you’ll love for years to come.
At Clear Choice Contractors, our team of experts work hard to guide you through every step of your deck installation. From start to finish, you can feel confident you’re getting the best service and highest quality deck around. If you’re ready to get started, fill out this contact form and we’ll be in touch to make your dreams a reality.