subject: Hardwood Decking: What To Search For [print this page] Finding the right materials to use when it comes to hardwood decking can be confusing, to say the least. However, many are well aware of the added benefits that installing a deck can give to home such as added overall value of the house, as well as another wonderful space for the family to enjoy for years to come.
Knowing what type of material to use for decking, whether or not it's the right fit for your needs and the environment in which it will be used in can be difficult overall, but with a little research, you can better prepare yourself in finding the best fit for you. Some things to think about, however, are the long-lasting benefits of the material, durability, price, and also resistance to the elements of the environment in which you live in.
Yellow, pretreated pine is often the most often used type of decking, thanks to its durability, lifetime, and cost. The longevity of the wood is said to last up to fifteen years or more, should it be taken care of properly. Consumers can purchase factory-made pretreated wood; otherwise, the material will need to be treated against water every 2 years to keep it in tiptop shape. While price can vary, it can land anywhere from $2 to $3 per square foot, and cost up to $15 to install.
Redwood and cedar are two types of wood in which do not require any treatment chemically, since they have the natural ability to prevent rotting and insect infestation. Many find appeal in this since this means lower maintenance, however, cedar generally doesn't do very well in moist areas and both can be considered expensive, running around $5 per square foot.
Composite decking is a special blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, which may appeal to many green-goers and can be low maintenance. Composite wood is resistant toward bugs and UV damage, but can fade at times or appear somewhat plastic or fake-looking to some people. Average price is about $3 dollars per square foot, but installation can be a little bit more due to smaller joist spacing being required.
Tropical hardwood decking is often considered to be strong and more durable than cedar, often compared to the same strength and beauty as oak. It bears a natural resistance toward bug infestation, rotting, with a very long longevity of forty or more years with proper care. Due to holes needing to be pre-drilled, tropical hardwood can get expensive, but the overall results prove to last for the long haul and many consider it worth the cost.
Vinyl decking requires little to no treatment or sealing and comes with everything necessary for installation. It's low maintenance, but can at times grow brittle and week, as well as have potential problems in fading. It is considered on the more expensive side, so it may not fit everyone's price point, but many find the low maintenance to be well worth it.
It's always good to know what types of hardwood decking materials will fit your needs, financially and with how you plan to use it, as well as the environment around you. By asking local outfits who professionally install decks or that of home improvement stores, you can gain advice that can help you with weeding out what might be the most beneficial to you.
