In this issue of "Doug Talks..."
Outdoor Decking Materials
Decking materials used to be simple because wood was the only choice available. Today, there are many other options; composite, plastic and even aluminum. The new alternatives offer many alluring benefits, including longevity and low maintenance.
Below are some popular options.
Wood Decking Material
The original and still most common decking option is wood: it’s natural, strong, easy to install and feels good under bare feet. But it also requires an annual cleaning and can rot, splinter, and warp. This is one of the most economical decking options. Even though all wood naturally weathers to a gray color, it should be cleaned and re-stained every two to three years to keep it looking its best.
Pressure Treated Wood lasts a bit longer (approx 15 years) and is made from Southern Yellow Pine, which is quick to splinter if not maintained.
Redwood and Cedar Woods are a step up from pressure-treated wood, but cost about three times more. They also contain natural defenses against rot, insects and decay, and can last up to 20 years. These woods needs to be power-washed, sanded and refinished almost every 3 years. A water repelling wood preservative can help prevent fine splits from occurring. An added benefit of Redwood is that it is the most fire-resistant wood on the market.
Tropical Hardwoods are another natural wood option and are extremely dense and durable, rich in color, and resistant to insects and decay, but last longer than most woods at about a 25 year life.
Composite Decking Material
Composites are made to look like real wood and come in a wide variety of natural-looking hues and grain patterns. Made by combining a blend of plastic and waste wood fibers, these boards won't splinter and don't need to be stained or painted, thanks to a built-in UV resistance.
Composites are more expensive and heavier than most woods and must be scrubbed regularly to prevent mildew, but if you factor in the maintenance costs for a wood deck, the amount you end up spending may turn out to be comparable.
When installing composite wood decking, be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to the letter. When screwing through the face, use the special fasteners designed to prevent bumps from erupting around screw heads.
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