What material should i use for a deck

However, modern composite wood has become nearly indistinguishable. Featuring beautiful wood patterns and rich believable color, composite wood can imitate nearly every type of wood you could want for a deck.

It holds up well to staining, bleaching, and other finishes. Environmentally Friendly- While it may come as a surprise, cedar is fairly environmentally friendly.

The growth, cultivation and production of cedar actually removes greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, it is biodegradable and renewable. Affordable- While cedar is not the least expensive material to build a deck with, it is surprisingly affordable given the benefits it offers. Pressure Treated Wood Pressure Treated Wood is one of the most popular choices for decking materials. Moisture Resistant- While natural wood is extremely susceptible to moisture, pressure-treated lumber is moisture resistant.

The process imbibes the wood with a chemical compound based on copper, to help protect it from fungus that causes decay. A professional interior designer makes drawings and visualization, develops stylistic solutions, communicates with clients, keeps up-to-date with the latest trends, products and materials, knows the. Hire the best general contractor in the Chicago area now!

Secure Your Project Now! Houzz Instagram Facebook Yelp Youtube. Contact Us. Get Free Estimate. June 4, Deck Materials 1. Pressured Treated Wood Pressured Treated Wood is the most common decking choice, wood is natural, strong, easy to install, and feels good under bare feet. Plastic decking material 3. Pros Cons Attractive May dent or scratch Easy to clean Reflects heat Long-lasting Saltwater corrodes it Aluminum decking material Steel decking material used to build a deck or staircase 5.

Concrete and Stone This is the most expensive while being the most durable decking material out of the 5 that we have discussed. The backyard and connects to the building Rooftop — privacy, and space Multi-level deck for 3-flat building Functionality Decks with built-in bench seating, outdoor bars, outdoor kitchens with BBQ areas, even fire-resistant areas designed for a fire-pit built into the deck are all options that families in Chicagoland enjoy. Budget Building a new deck is an exterior remodeling project that will increase property value and has a high ROI return on investment.

Built-in Fireplace area Deck bar with BBQ Large, spacious backyard deck Conclusion Installing a deck will instantly raise the value of your home while providing extra living space on your property for private gatherings, an area to entertain, and an area aesthetically pleasing way to raise the curb appeal of your home.

Composite decking is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including looks that mimic natural wood, none of which require sealing, sanding, or staining unless you absolutely want to change the color later on. On the flip side, dark-colored composite decking can get extremely hot in direct sunlight; mold and mildew can grow in shady, cool, or damp areas; and the surface can be quite slick when wet. The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride PVC , although there are also versions made from polyethylene.

Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop.

That said, plastic decking does have its disadvantages. The surface gets extremely hot in direct sunlight and susceptible to mold and mildew in shade.

And, while available in a wide variety of colors and styles, darker colors tend to fade over time and lighter colors sometimes develop a chalky coating. Often used near swimming pools and lakes, aluminum decking is a long-lasting and low-maintenance material. Most options feature a baked-on, powder-coated, or anodized finish that stands up to harsh weather conditions.

You can find color options for brown, gray, white, tan, or even patterns that mimic the grain of wood. Aesthetically, PVC provides a wider range of options than ordinary lumber.

Solid PVC decking has been manufactured for over 20 years and has improved in both formulation and aesthetics over that time. It is also lighter than many synthetic decking materials, making it easier to move around the jobsite. Some of the downsides of PVC decking are cost and recycled content. As with any longer-lasting building material, the increased cost of materials can be mitigated over time by the savings of reduced maintenance. There are many types of composite decking. Most commonly low-density polyethylene LDPE and wood are used together, but some products use rice hulls, high-density polyethylene and other combinations of various materials.

Composite also comes in a wide range of several colors, including many that approximate the appearance of wood. Composite has a reputation for being extremely scratch resistant, but that can vary quite a bit with different brands and price points within each brand. Composite decking is very low-maintenance and does not require sanding or refinishing. Washing your deck a few times per year is typically the extent of the required maintenance.