Most Common Deck Materials to Consider

In the current time, there are so many decking options it is easy to get confused. Gone are the times when you only had one choice for your home deck: wood, that came in two or three species. Now, you can choose from a wide variety of materials, some that offer lavish aesthetics, and some that are easy on your wallet. Choosing the right kind of home deck, hence, is crucial — it must fit your needs and budget. So let’s take a look at them.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pressure-Treated Lumber (PT Lumber) is an economical option if you are on a tight budget. They are affordable and readily available throughout the country. Moreover, they are easier to install and work on since they are not as dense. Hence, this green-tinted wood is one of the most popular types of home decks in Edmonton.

Since this lumber is generally sourced from southern yellow pine and further treated with chemicals, they are quite capable at resisting rot, fungus, and wood-boring bugs. However, they do have a few downsides: they have a tendency to warp or form cracks and splits after a few years. Hence, to avoid these issues, you need to do routine maintenance like power washing at least once a year and applying a wood preservative every couple of years. But if well taken care of, this is the ideal yet affordable option for your home.

Composite and Plastic Lumber

Composite and plastic lumbers are also great budget-friendly options for your home deck. These types are now the fastest-growing decking materials in Alberta, and rightfully so. Although these two types are produced from different materials, they are quite identical in terms of cost and ease of maintenance.

The composite type of lumber is produced from a mix of wood fibres and recycled plastic, and the composite type is produced from 100% plastic, specifically, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. These two types offer a wide range of colours, so if you want to spice up the aesthetic of your house, then you should go with either of these.

In terms of life, both are extremely low maintenance, and they don’t require you to sand or stain them. Both materials are equally resistant to weather and stain, and they generally don’t develop splinter, warp, crack, or rot either. The only downside of these lumbers is that they are susceptible to develop mould and mildew, especially in the shady and damp areas of your home deck. This can be an issue during the winter months when it snows heavily in Edmonton.

Redwood and Cedar

However, if your wallet is deep, and you want something authentic, then composite or PT lumber will not cut it. Enter, redwood or cedar lumber. These two types are naturally superior and hence preferred by the purists such as yourself. These western softwoods are famous for their vibrant colour; and since they aren’t treated with harsh chemicals, they give a more natural look and feel.

Also, they contain a good amount of tannins and oils, they are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. But to preserve their finish and colour, you do need to power wash it once a year and recoat the finish every few years. Additionally, you also need to protect it with water-repellent wood preservatives. These lumbers are a great choice if you are willing to spend a little extra for the authentic and lavish finish, and if you are ready to put in the effort to maintain them.

Tropical Hardwood

Tropical hardwood, also known as exotic imports, are exotic, rich-grained woods sourced from tropical regions. They offer an exquisite feel and finish, and their price is also comparable to redwood and cedar lumbers. What makes them an ideal choice is that they are incredibly durable and hard, and naturally resistant to rot and insects.

However, they do have some downsides. Since they are so dense and hard, it is virtually impossible to drive a nail or screw without boring a pilot hole first. Hence, they are usually installed with hidden fasteners and clips. Another downside is that they are susceptible to lose their colour and develop a soft silvery colour over time if they are not stained. But to stain them well, you need particular types of stains that are rich in oils; otherwise, they won’t accept the stain.

Aluminum

Home decks made of aluminum are rare in Edmonton, and there is a high chance you might never come across one. Yet, it is the ideal material for home decks (only if you ignore the price tag). It is the costliest of all home deck materials. So what makes it perfect? Well, it does not rot, rust, crack, splinter, or warp, and it is weather-friendly with no risk of mould or mildew.

Moreover, its powdered coated finish lasts years and years without peeling or needing any refinishing. It also does not catch fire or bugs and does not get brittle in the cold. It is also lighter and more durable than other materials. These advantages, and virtually no downside, make this material the ideal choice if you are willing to invest a ton of money on your home deck.

These were the types of home deck materials you can choose from. Obviously, the right choice for you depends on a lot of things like the location of your house, your needs, your budget, and what you look for in terms of feel, finish, and appearance. However, if you are still not sure which is the right one for you, then call us at 780-460-2088. HML Construction specializes in home decks in Edmonton, and our experienced technicians will help you choose the right material for yourself that meets all your requirements and demands. Contact us now!