Decks

 Natural wood decks

Pressure treated lumber decking is Americas number one deck material used today. It offers the lowest cost initially.   Higher grade heartwoods are more durable and correspondingly more expensive than soft woods. Some common wooden decking includes: Cedar, Redwood, Mahogany, South American hardwoods

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Beautiful if maintained properly
  • Lower cost than other materials.
  • May be refinished as needed.
  • Easy to paint or stain.
  • Sealing  every 1-2 years
  • Lower on initial cost; higher than composites over the long term.
  • Softer woods deteriorate quickly.
  • May split, crack, splinter or warp.
  • Some woods are not pest resistant.
Composite DecksThese are usually a blend of wood fiber and plastic resin with an embossed grain for a wood look.

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Durable & Low maintenance
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Some are paintable or stainable
  • Doesn’t splinter, split, or warp
  • Moisture, pest, and rot resistant
  • Works up pretty much like real wood
  • 2X the price of Treated Pine.
  • Not as strong.
  • Can’t be refinished.
  • Fades
To view of color and decks pictures please visit the  manufactures websitesTrexTimberTech

Plastics & Vinyl (PVC) Decks

With PVC, materials are made to withstand any condition are best known for durability and easy cleaning (simply run the hose over trouble areas).

Plastic lumber, like ForeverDeck , is made from 100 percent plastic (recycled and/or virgin); it contains no wood fibers. It, too, is highly resistant to staining and decay, and free of knots, cracks and splinters.

Advantages

                   Disadvantages                 
  • Very Durable
  • Easiest to clean
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Long Lasting.

 

Keep in mind, make sure you built on long lasting structure.

  • Lacks structural strength, so horizontal members may sag.
  • UV radiation may cause brittleness that can lead to breakage. Not so much a factor in shady areas.
  • Tends to expand at higher temperatures
  • 3X the price of Treated Pine