Choosing the Right Decking Material

Are you on the fence about what decking material to invest in for your home? For your outdoor deck, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including pressure-treated wood, plastic/wood composites, vinyl, and stone. How do you select the best one? Some factors to consider in your decision include style, cost, and the amount of upkeep you can manage.

 

Pressure-treated Wood Decking Material: If you're looking for a truly authentic look, pressure-treated wood is your best option. Pressure-treated pine is the most popular choice among wood deck materials, but other more expensive materials include cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods. Of all the available decking materials, wood requires the most maintenance. Deck stain should be applied every 1-3 years. Over time wood decking materials have a tendency to change color, crack and absorb moisture, which causes the deck boards to rot.

 

Plastic/Wood Composite Decking Material: If you want the look of wood, but the low maintenance of plastic, composite decking materials are the perfect solution. Generally, composite decking is made of plastic and wood fiber. Some composite decking products are manufactured with virgin sources while others feature recycled content. Composite decking materials are designed to not warp, shrink, or split the way pressure-treated wood can.

 

Vinyl Decking Material: For those that want an outdoor decking material that provides color durability and a thermally reflective surface that keeps you cool under foot, vinyl decking might be your best bet. Vinyl decking is made from a mix of two or more polyvinyl chloride solutions and has no wood fibers. Similar to vinyl siding, vinyl decking requires minimal maintenance. However, compared to many composite decking brands, vinyl decking often lacks the real wood appearance and can be more expensive.

 

Stone Decking Material: Looking for an extremely durable product for your outdoor deck? If so, stone decking may be a viable option. Made from a combination of natural slates, granites, and quartzite, stone decking materials are often made with a high strength composite backing and come in panels that form an interlocking matrix. Stone decking tends to be more expensive and requires more installation time when compared to wood, composite, and vinyl materials.

 

ModernView Decking is an eco-friendly composite decking material that features a natural wood grain, comes in four fade-resistant, earth tone colors, offers proven durability backed by a 25-year limited warranty, and requires very little to no maintenance. Of all the composite decking products available on the market, ModernView Decking is an economical choice. When it comes to your home and your investments, it's important to find the best value. Consider your material options; decide on ModernView Decking.