Table of Contents
Best Deck Material Options for 2021 #1 Pressure-Treated Wood. Among the various types of wood decking, pressure-treated lumber is the most common. #2 Cedar Decking. Cedar is commonly regarded as a higher-quality material than pressure-treated lumber. #4 Composite Decking. #5 Hardwoods.
What is the most durable decking material?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
Is composite decking better than wood?
While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn’t last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.
Which is better PVC or composite decking?
PVC is Better Than Composite with no Organic Material. PVC made without organic material is more durable than composite. It has become less of a problem with capped composite decking, but in earlier uncapped versions, this was a challenge. The wood fibres in the composite decking growing mould.
What is the most durable wood for decks?
Cedar. Using Cedar for decks is one of the most popular options because of it’s durability and resistance to moisture. Although cedar is a soft wood, it resists rot and insect infestation better than most other wood.
Which is better azek or Trex?
When comparing Trex vs Azek, there are Pros and Cons to both materials. Azek is quite a bit more expensive due to how it’s made but it’s a great long term value that’s more durable than Trex. However, premium grade Trex isn’t cheap, it’s also very durable but has a more natural look and feel than Azek.
How much does Trex cost?
Trex Decking Cost Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation. Size is the biggest price factor, with 144 square feet ranging from $1,440 to $3,900 compared to $3,000 to $8,100 for 300 square feet.
Are Trex decks worth it?
Composite decking is worth the money. It costs more upfront, but thanks to minimal maintenance costs and long life, the annual cost for the life of the fence is significantly cheaper for composite materials. If what you have in mind are the Trex decks of 15 years ago, you’d be surprised to see how far they’ve come.
Which is better Trex or wood?
The Composite Difference Unlike treated wood, which is susceptible to warping, rotting, or splintering over time, Trex composite decking doesn’t fade, resists damage from the elements, and never needs sealing or painting. More clients are choosing composite over lumber as their decking material of choice.
Is Trex more expensive than wood?
An obstacle for Trex is that composites cost a lot more than natural wooden decking. By Trex’s estimates, for a 16- by 20-foot deck, the materials outlay for its Transcend line are $2,714, almost five times that of regular wood ($577).
What are the problems with composite decking?
Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. The cause of this isn’t exactly clear, but it’s suggested that the composite nature of the decking leads it to be much more sensitive to temperature and humidity swings as well as sun exposure.
What are the problems with PVC decking?
Certain PVC decking products are prone to peeling, staining, deteriorating, and mold accumulation after relatively short periods of time. Some of the PVC decking subject to these complaints is manufactured by AZEC, TimberTech, and Wolf Home Products.
Is PVC decking worth the cost?
Despite the fact that cellular PVC decking will usually cost more initially than its wood and composite counterparts, its low-maintenance and longevity make it the best value in the long run.
What wood should I use for a deck?
Wood Materials The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.
Which wood is best for outdoor use?
9 Wood Species Best for Outdoor Projects Acacia. Acacia is a thick, strong hardwood with high oil content. Black Locust. Black Locust is one of the strongest and stiffest domestic woods. Cedar. Cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with. Cypress. Douglas-Fir. Ipe. Redwood. Teak.
What is the longest lasting wood?
Cedar wood projects typically last more than 20 years without splitting, rotting, or warping. White oak and teak are also long lasting woods that are resistant to decay, twisting, cracking, or warping.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Trex decking?
Generally speaking, Trex and Fiberon offer the least expensive options while TimberTech and AZEK come in on the higher end. However, keep in mind that the higher-tiered grades of Trex are more expensive than the lower-tiered grades of Timbertech so it’s important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
What costs more Trex or TimberTech?
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the price of both materials. Timbertech is more expensive than Trex, but that doesn’t mean Trex isn’t a quality product, because it is. Lastly, Trex doesn’t scratch nearly as easy as Timbertech.
Does Trex get moldy?
Mold will not affect the structural performance of Trex decking. In order to form visible colonies, mold needs food, moisture, and temperatures between 40 and 90° F. Trex decking is not a food source for mold, but can collect food in the form of dirt and debris such as the overflow from flowerpots and gutters.
