Ready to transform your outdoor space into a family-friendly hub that is both functional and stylish? With so many options, it can be hard to know which type of decking material to choose. Our decking team at Guido Materials have broken down the basics to help you determine the decking material that best fits your needs, budget, style and space.

Wood

Pros:

Wood decking is the original material used for outdoor decking and is still the most common material choice. Wood decking is strong, easy to install and feels great under foot.

Cons:

As an all-natural material, wood decking needs regular maintenance as it reacts to the environment and weather conditions. Wood decking generally needs to be cleaned annually as it can rot, splinter and warp. To keep it looking its best, wood decking should be re-stained every couple of years.

Pressure Treated Wood

Pros:

Pressure-treated wood decking is renowned for being long lasting. It is mostly made from Southern yellow pine, which gives it a lustrous, natural feel. Pressure treated wood can last up to 15 years, making it a great value for your money. It is typically the least expensive decking material on the market.

Cons:

As with wood, pressure-treated decking can also splinter if not maintained. One word of warning though: the chemicals used to give it its weatherproof and anti-rot qualities can also be harmful. When maintaining it, always wear a mask and gloves.

Redwood and Cedar

Pros:

These magnificent woods make for great, durable decking and are a step up from pressure-treated wood. Both are durable and their natural properties repel rot and insects.

Cedar is the least expensive of the two options and is more eco-friendly because cedar forests are more abundant than redwood forests. Redwood, however, is the most water-resistant decking material on the market.

Cons:

Redwood and Cedar are soft woods and over time, they are prone to damage by excessive foot traffic. To keep them looking their best, they also require a fair amount of maintenance. You will need to power-wash, sand and refinish them every three years. A sun-blocking stain and a waterproof wood preservative may also be required to help with longevity.

Tropical Hardwoods

Pros:

Tropical hardwoods, such as Ipe, are the most durable. Tough, and naturally dense, it is resistant to insects, like termites, and any decay. Tropical hardwoods have an extremely long life span of 25 years or more. They are also available in many beautiful rich colors and long lengths. Ipe, in particular, has little to no warping and is given a Class A fire rating, the same as concrete and steel.

Cons:

Tropical hardwoods are just that, hard! In fact, they are so dense you will need to drill a hole before you can bang a nail into them. However, the biggest consideration is price. Tropical hardwood decking can be particularly expensive upfront but you can make up the cost in the long run with the longevity and durability of the product.

Composite

Pros:

Made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers so it looks like real wood, composite decking comes in a wide variety of natural-looking colors with different grain fittings.

The beauty of composite decking is that it will not splinter and does not need to be stained or painted. This incredible material also comes with built-in UV resistance.

We carry TimberTech Azek’s composite and PVC decking options, which use patented color-cascading technology to deliver natural wood looks and natural colors. The polymer material TimerTech Azek uses protects against the elements like mildew, moisture damage and mold.

Trex is another high quality, reputable composite decking brand we carry. With deep wood-grain patterns, Trex is made from 95% recycled composite board and uses its own three-side shell protection. Trex decking even comes with a 25-year residential fade and stain warranty!

Cons:

Composite decking is more pricey than wood decking. It can also be a little more slippery than wood decking when it gets wet. Although it is low maintenance, it is not completely maintenance free, as it is good to scrub occasionally to prevent dirt buildup and mildew.

PVC

Pros:

Even more durable than composite material, cellular PVC decking is often made from environmentally safe plastic. Since there is no wood in this type of decking, it is splinter-free and requires next to no maintenance.

Cons:

Because of the way the boards are fastened together, plastic decking can move as the temperature changes. It can also produce a squeaking sound when you walk across it. PVC decking is generally more expensive than composite.

Ready to get started on your project? Whatever your choice for decking materials, our team at Guido Materials can help you. Schedule an appointment with one of our decking experts to learn more.