Types of Decks: Which Material Is Better?

Although preparing to build a new deck on your property is exciting, it can be overwhelming trying to sort through the many options that are available for your new construction. One of the first decisions you will have to make is what type of material will be best, and your local deck builder in Tyler, TX is here to help you better understand the differences between your options:

• Pressure treated lumber: Because of its favorable price point and long lasting durability, pressure treated lumber is used to finish upwards of 75 percent of all new deck constructions. Because the lumber is chemically treated, it has a high resistance to rot, fungus and pests. Pressure treated lumber is also easy to find, and is easily cut and built.
• Redwood and cedar: If you prefer a classic, natural wood look for your new deck, redwood and cedar are great options. These woods are rich in color and don’t contain the presence of chemicals, and are instead full of natural oils that strengthen their resistance to rot and decay. The beautiful colors that you can only get in these types of woods do require a bit more maintenance, though, as you will have to make sure to apply a stain to prevent these woods from weathering and turning gray after a few years.
• Tropical hardwoods: Tropical hardwoods are among the most durable and resistant materials that can be used for deck construction. Ipe, Tigerwood and Philippine mahogany are some of the more common hardwoods used, and they all provide an exotic, grained look for your deck. These hardwoods, too, will turn gray if not properly treated, though, so it is suggested that you either stain or apply a UV-blocking wood preservative every few years in order to sustain the high-quality look of the wood.
• Composites: Most composite decking is composed of wood fibers and recycled plastic, making this a great option for those that want to go green. This combination makes composite decking very low-maintenance, highly weather resistant and protected against splintering, warping, rotting and splitting. Composite decking also presents the opportunity for endless style choices, whether with a particular color or decorative trim.
• Aluminum: Compared to natural wood deck options, aluminum is much stronger, and is also three to four times lighter. Although you won’t be able to capture the classic look of a wood deck, you also won’t have to worry about many of the issues that are exclusive to wood products, such as insect invasions, splintering or molding. You can also create a gap-free, watertight deck because of the interlocking edges used with aluminum construction.

For help weighing all of your options so that you can pick the right material for your new deck build, contact the experts at Canfield Construction Management. Our team has years of experience in the industry, and we want to serve as your deck contractor in Tyler, TX so that your new construction is the envy of the entire neighborhood. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!

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