You’ll be grilling, lounging, and hosting parties on your backyard deck during the summer. But it hasn’t been built yet. While you’re in the planning stages of your new deck, the first big decision you need to make it what type of material you should use. The three main ones that you’ll see on the market include the following:
- Pressure-treated wood.
- Composite.
- PVC (which is sometimes called “vinyl”).
Wood is a more natural product, while composite and vinyl are artificial decking materials. The one you decide to use for your deck will depend on the type of look you want, your budget, and the maintenance requirements with which you feel comfortable.
The Pros and Cons of Wood Decking
Before vinyl and composite were invented, all decks were made of pressure-treated wood. So, it’s a timeless option that will give your deck a classic look. It’s also the cheapest option, which is one of the biggest reasons for its popularity. But wood decks are susceptible to rot, mold, insect damage, and splintering.
If you want to minimize these risks, you’ll need to repaint or re-stain your deck at least once a year. But based on their price points, wood can be the best decking material for homeowners on a budget. There is, however, one thing you need to take into consideration. Because of the extra maintenance requirements, wood decks will cost a lot more in the long run.
The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
Because it looks like traditional lumber, the wood vs. composite debate comes up often. But the similarities are just on the surface, because composite has a number of advantages that are specific to artificial deck materials. Composite decks don’t splinter, and they don’t need to be repainted or re-stained. The maintenance-free advantages make composite decks a popular choice for deck materials.
Despite their advantages, composite decking have their drawbacks. The boards are more prone to scratching, which can be the result of daily use and exposure to direct sunlight. With regard to price, the cost of composite decking is somewhere between the cost of wood and vinyl. But not all composites are created equal. If you want a composite board to last, it needs to have a good cap that will protect the recycled material in the core of the board from swelling and rotting (which can be the result of moisture).
The Pros and Cons of PVC Decking
PVC is one of the best decking materials on the market, because it has all the maintenance-free advantages of composite but with a luxurious look and feel. Vinyl decking comes in a number of colors and shades, which can include a beautiful wood-grain pattern for those who prefer a more rustic design.
Compared to other artificial deck materials, PVC comes out as one of the best choices because it’s less susceptible to scratches (which is a common problem for composite boards). While any material left in the sun for long periods of time will start to fade, vinyl is less susceptible to this problem than composite. But all of these benefits come with a price because vinyl is one of the most expensive deck materials on the market.
The Best Option for Your Deck
There are benefits and drawbacks for every type of deck material. But if you have to pay for it, you need to find a balance between the price you’ll have to pay upfront and the extra costs associated with long-term maintenance. You must also consider what type of outdoor decor you want for your deck.
All three of these options can be great choices (depending on your needs, budget, and preferences). While wood is a classic choice for many decks, PVC and composite can be made to look like natural wood. While they come with a higher upfront cost, they don’t require as much maintenance.
While wood decks are cheaper, they’re more prone to damage caused by weather and insects. Other things (such as dragging furniture, drippings from a grill, or lack of cleaning) can cause stains, mold, and splintering. If you want to maintain the beauty and health of a wood deck, you’ll need to clean it at least twice a year (during the spring and fall). You will also need to re-stain or repaint once every couple of years. What you save on the upfront installation price may be offset by the extra maintenance costs over the long term.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for deck installations in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Bayfront Roofing.
