How To Pick The Right Decking Material For Your Home

Installing a new deck or replacing an existing structure can be a very large project. Kick off your decking project by spending adequate time considering your overall outdoor space so you can determine which type of decking material is the best solution for your yard. While drawing up your deck plans, you’ll choose between materials, textures and colors. Consider the space in which your deck will sit, its elevation and the architectural elements of your home and other property fixtures that you may want to match. But first comes the key question: should you use wood or composite materials?

Factors to Consider When Choosing Decking Materials

Several factors will influence your decision when choosing the best materials for decks. Each outdoor space is unique, so it’s important to evaluate these considerations carefully to find the right deck construction materials for your project.

• Climate and Weather Conditions: Your local climate plays a big role in selecting durable deck materials. If you live in an area with high humidity, frequent rain, or intense sun exposure, materials like composite decking or pressure-treated wood may hold up better over time compared to untreated natural wood.
• Budget: Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value: The price of deck building material options varies widely. Natural wood tends to cost less upfront, while composite decking and other low-maintenance options have a higher initial investment but save money on long-term upkeep.
• Maintenance Requirements: Some materials for decks require more care than others. Wood decking, while beautiful, requires regular staining, sealing, and repairs. In contrast, composite and PVC decks are designed to be low-maintenance, saving you time and effort year after year.
• Aesthetic Preferences and Style Compatibility: Consider how the deck materials will complement your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Whether you prefer the natural look of wood or the clean, consistent appearance of composite decking, the right choice will enhance your outdoor living space.
• Durability and Longevity: Top decking materials like composite and PVC resist rot, warping, and splintering better than most wood options, making them excellent choices for longevity. However, high-quality hardwoods, such as Ipe, can also be incredibly resilient if properly maintained.

Understanding Traditional Wood Decks

Wood continues to be the most widely used material for constructing outdoor projects and the preferred choice of many homeowners and contractors. Here is what you should know if you are considering traditional wood decking for your home:

The Advantages of a Wood Deck

• Cost – You can choose between a variety of soft and hard woods when designing your deck and many will prove to be less expensive than composite materials. This is a distinct advantage for your decking project if you have a very limited budget or if your deck design is so large that finding savings becomes important.
• Authentic Feel – Although engineered composite decking has evolved greatly to better mimic the look and feel of wood, nothing beats the authenticity of actual wood planks. Wood has a particular smell and echo and naturally retains warmth absorbed from the sun.
• Natural Material – Wood decking may look more natural and blend more easily with surrounding naturescapes. You can match the trees you have in your backyard with the type of lumber you choose for your wood deck.
• Choose Your Color – Another advantage of natural wood is the ability to paint and stain to achieve your perfect color.

Wood Decking Drawbacks

Whether you choose composite or wood decking, you’ll also have some drawbacks for each to consider. Some areas of concern for wood decks include:

• Sustainability – Deforestation is a very real issue around the world, especially as some regions are experiencing many more forests lost than planted. In the United States, reputable wood decking manufacturers have committed to sustainability and are now planting more trees than are taken down each year.
• Wear and tear – Wood planks must be carefully treated at the outset and then properly maintained to prevent against rot and structural issues like chipping and splitting.
• Availability of wood varieties – The type of wood planks you use can be dictated by what is grown locally. If you really want a particular variety that isn’t native to your geographical region, be prepared to spend much more money having it shipped in.

Understanding Composite Deck Materials

Touted as an alternative to wood decking that is more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain, composite decking has become a favored choice for many backyard projects. It has evolved greatly from materials that once more resembled plastic than wood. Today’s composite decking involves various blends of wood chips, recycled plastic, bamboo, and other raw materials. Trex composite materials involve at least 95 percent recycled materials engineered to the highest standards in design and performance.

Composite Decking Benefits

• Reduced long-term maintenance costs – While composite decking materials are usually more expensive than wood planks, you can save on long-term maintenance costs because you won’t have to restain or paint your deck in the future. The planks will withstand wear and tear over time and go through minimal visual changes.
• Resistant to rot and weather – Wood planks can fall prey to the weather and experience rotting, splinters and warping over time if not properly maintained. Composite decking, with the added element of recycled plastic to stabilize wood components, will never fall prey to the weather.
• Modernized final product that better mimics the advantages of wood – One of the largest complaints against composite decking is that it just doesn’t feel like wood. While that may be true of early-generation composite boards, today’s generation of composite decking is very hard to tell from the “real” deal. From the texture and look of wood grain being added to a wider color palette available to match various wood types, today’s composite boards are truly advanced.

Composite Decking Drawbacks

• Cost – Upfront cost for composite decking can be costlier compared to wood planks, and while maintenance costs are low.
• More visibly damaged – Sometimes, your furniture or other outdoor fixtures can create scratches and dings in your decking. With wood planks, those issues can be sanded down and refinished. With composite decks, you’ll likely have to replace the whole plank if you want it to look new again.
• Non-harsh cleaning chemicals required – Be careful with the chemicals you choose when cleaning your composite deck, as harsh formulations can lead to stains and fade marks on this type of material.

Wood vs. Composite Decking: Making the Right Choice

The decision between wood vs. composite decking often comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

• Choose wood decking if you want a budget-friendly, customizable material and are willing to invest in regular maintenance.
• Opt for composite decking if you prefer a low-maintenance, weather-resistant solution that looks great year after year.

No matter which deck materials you choose, both can provide a beautiful, functional outdoor space when installed and maintained properly.

How to Balance Cost and Longevity

Finding the right balance between cost and longevity is critical when selecting deck construction materials. Understanding how each option performs over time helps you make the best decision for your budget and needs.

• Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings: Wood decking has a lower initial cost, making it appealing for homeowners on a tight budget. However, ongoing maintenance like staining, sealing, and repairs can add up over the years, increasing its total cost. Composite decking can be more cost-effective over time.
• Maintenance Time and Effort: Wood decks require regular upkeep to prevent rot, splinters, and weather damage. Composite decking requires minimal effort, needing only occasional cleaning to stay in great shape, meaning you will have more time enjoying your deck than maintaining it.
• Lifespan of Materials: Softwoods typically last 10-15 years with consistent maintenance, while hardwoods and composite decking can last 25-30 years or more. Investing in durable deck materials reduces the likelihood of expensive replacements over the life of your deck.
• Real-Life Value: A high-quality deck built with durable materials improves the appearance and function of your outdoor space. Choosing long-lasting materials can also increase your home’s value, offering a solid return on investment.

Contact Our Team of Decking Experts

Choosing the right deck materials can feel overwhelming, but the professional deck builders at Prince William Home Improvement make the process simple. With years of experience, we can help you navigate the best decking material options by evaluating your budget, style preferences, and outdoor space needs.

With the full picture of the various advantages and disadvantages of wood and composite decking, you’re now better equipped to make the right decision for your yard. No matter which you choose, Prince William Home Improvement can enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Contact our team or give us a call at (800) 799-7944 to speak to an expert about picking the best decking material to fit your needs and transform your home!