Regardless of how you design the deck or how you enhance it with beautiful outdoor living decor, one of its main purposes is being a big, flat walking surface. This makes your choice of decking materials an important design decision. Oftentimes, the overall cost of one’s deck depends on the chosen materials. Today, property owners have access to a wide range of decking materials. This means that you can easily find a material that suits your budget. From natural woods to composite materials, below are some of the common options that you may consider:
Redwood
Redwood is a very popular natural wood decking material for over three decades. It is the material that many decks are built with
Cedar
This type of natural wood is used pretty often in the past due to its rot-resistant properties. Although its initial cost is considered high these days, cedar decks can often last up to 15 years if well-maintained.
Pressure Treated Lumber
LA Decks does not install pressure treated decking because it tends to shrink, crack, warp, or split. Our company, however, builds deck framing from pressure treated lumber. Alternatively, you may opt for TREX® steel framing.
Bamboo
Bamboo is considered the newer decking material on the market. It is easier to maintain than most wood decking and is pleasing to the eye. Additionally, bamboo decking is a Green Building Product, hence an environment-friendly natural wood decking material.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods are often resistant to decay and rot. Common examples include Jarrah, Tigerwood, Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry, Purple Heart, IPE, and mahogany. Oftentimes, these decking materials require more work and effort. Long-term exposure to the bright sun may cause splitting and cracking issues. With a steady maintenance schedule, however, hardwoods make for truly beautiful decks.
Plywood or Sheathing Boards
These are excellent roof decking materials that are made from thin layers of wood adhered together. They offer great dimensional stability and strength. Oftentimes, the layers are in odd numbers so that the grain of the outside layers run together.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
OSBs often feature cross-orientated layers of thin rectangular wooden strips. These strips are then bonded and compressed together with waterproof binders. To increase the overall stiffness and strength of the decking material (in the direction of the alignment), manufacturers ensure that the exterior layers are longitudinally arranged.
Wood Boards
Wooden decking materials are also another popular option. In addition to their beautiful, natural appearance, they are typically easy to work with and affordable. Furthermore, they can be built off the ground and suit irregularly shaped landscapes. Natural woods, however, require extra tender loving care, i.e., a lot more preventative maintenance.
Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is one of the most popular and affordable pool decking materials. The material can be either stamped or broom finished. The former has a standard concrete look. Stamped concrete decks, on the other hand, can be made to resemble brick, tile, or stone. Since cycles of freezing and thawing can crack concrete over time, you may wish to consider other alternatives if you live in colder climates.
Aluminum
This is a great waterproof decking material that are popular among many property owners. Because it has the ability to remain corrosion-free and water-resistant, they can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, aluminum decking materials are lightweight and super-easy to work with. Due to its reflective properties, this decking material tends to be cooler in the summer.
Composite Decking Materials
Trex® composite decking materials consist of recycled materials such as plastics and woods. If you are looking for decking materials and railings that do not split, fade, or rot (issues that have plagued the decking industry in the past), you can’t go wrong with Trex® decking and railing products.
Choose the Right Decking Materials with LA Decks’ Help!
In today’s world of decking, there are many types of materials to choose from. LA Decks is more than happy to help our customers understand the differences between the decking materials. Our team members will help you choose the right materials based on your application, budget, aesthetic, maintenance, and structural needs.