Deciding to kit your outside area out with a deck is a rather big decision. From deciding on the style and finish, the materials used to create your deck is the most important. Whether you are DIYing your deck or getting a professional to install your deck – you have to take careful consideration of what material you want to use.  

A deck can be built with numerous materials. From natural wood planks and composite to pressure-treated –wood and ven plastic, there are many options for homeowners today. We will discuss these below in detail.  

Wood-Polymer Composite  

Composite decking has by far become the most popular material to use. Composite is weather-resistant and stain-resistant. It is also lightweight and cannot splinter or rot over time. This makes compost very low maintenance. Composite decking also gives homeowners many choices in style, as the composite can be heated up to create curves etc to compliment your home and garden. One can also choose from a wide variety of colours.   

Be sure to choose a good quality composite as some brands can be slippery and look cheap. Be careful of mould and mildew in shady areas. Composite can also sag and bend over time.  

Natural Wood  

Wood is the traditional decking material. We love natural options as it not only looks great but also adds warmth to your home. Some softwoods are also very inexpensive and a wond3rful option for larger decks.  

Natural wood can splinter over time and require regular maintenance to keep the wood in good condition.  

Pressure-Treated  

Pressure-treated wood is much less durable than composite or timber. The great thing is that it is a much cheaper option and is more available than wood in some cases and places. What we do not like about pressure-treated wood is that it is unnatural in colour and can warp and bend easily. This is not the best option, mainly for these reasons. Ultimately you want your decking to last, any, many years.   

Plastic  

Plastic, despite not sounding like the most sustainable product on the market, is. Plastic decking is made from recycled plastic and can also easily be recycled again Plastic decking is fully weather-resistant and does not need to be stained. This is great for households who do not have much time for general maintenance. Furthermore plastic is lightweight, making installation a breeze.   

On the downside, plastic decking requires more substructure than wood decking and the colour options do not always resemble wood. 

 Find a decking specialist with HOMEMAKERS.