Building a deck is a great way to boost the value of your home. Decks give you a beautiful space to relax and enjoy the outdoors and they look great, too.
With the new year in full swing, it’s time to take a look at the best deck material for your home. There are many to choose from, so which one is the best for this modern age?
Listed down below are the three kinds of deck material that are sure to bring new life to your home.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Lumber is often seen as the best decking material, prized for its classic beauty and versatility.
A newer type of lumber joining the ranks is pressure treated lumber. It’s easy on the budget, easy to install, and it looks as good as traditional wood. Plus, the chemical treatment makes the lumber more resistant to common problems such as bug infestations and rot.
It’s possible to find this treated lumber in several different shades, but the most popular type uses yellow pine as the base.
The problem with this kind of material is that it requires the same maintenance as traditional wood. You’ll need to power wash it every year and give it a new coat of sealant and stain every couple of years.
Composite
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option but love the look of traditional wood decks, composite is the way to go. This material mixes recycled plastic with wood to produce a combined material that shows off the best parts of both.
It retains the classic look but has an added strength and resilience thanks to the plastic. You won’t need to do maintenance on the deck every year, though you’ll want to be careful of mold growth. A good cleaning every once in a while is enough to keep this kind of deck looking beautiful.
Composite decks tend to be slick when wet. They also get hot underfoot during the summer, with the potential of being brittle during the winter.
Aluminum
Many people say this is the best material of the modern age. It’s not often you see anyone with a full aluminum deck, but it’s only a matter of time before the benefits make it a frontrunner.
It never warps and remains impenetrable to bug infestations. It’s much lighter than lumber and composite, which makes installation a breeze.
Aluminum dissipates heat so it stays cool to the touch and it doesn’t become brittle in freezing temperatures. It even comes with a special texture coating to stop the surface from ever becoming too slick.
The main downside to this material is the cost. It’s one of the most expensive options around, but with so many benefits, many homeowners believe the cost is worth it. Though some find the industrial and metallic look to be displeasing.
The Best Deck Material Is Both Affordable and Reliable
All of the materials listed above make for beautiful decks. Each of them in their own right could earn the title of best deck material. Choosing between them all depends on matching your budget and stylistic preference against the downfalls of each.
With this list to help inspire you, you’ll have no trouble finding your perfect deck material match.
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