Material selection will have a major influence on the aesthetic, durability and maintenance of your deck. When making an informed choice, keep both personal needs and desired aesthetic aesthetic in mind.
Wood decking adds elegance and durability to your home, adding value. Choose from softwoods like pine and kDAT; temperate hardwoods like oak; or exotic tropical hardwoods like Ipe.
Wood
Wood has long been used for raised garden structures since Tudor gardens of the 15th and 16th centuries. Being natural, this versatile material comes in different finishes ranging from smooth to grooved or reeded (narrower grooves). Select one that best meets the end use that you and your landscaper envision for it.
Durability should always be top of mind when purchasing decking materials, especially in harsh environments or snow-prone regions. Look for something resistant to UV radiation, insects, rot and moisture for maximum longevity.
Solid wood’s natural beauty appeals to many homeowners. However, solid wood requires regular care and upkeep in order to remain looking its best.
Pressure-treated lumber is an economical and eco-friendly choice that’s naturally resistant to rot, making it an attractive addition to any room in any climate. Easy to paint or stain to match your style, it can even withstand wet environments if properly sealed regularly; but due to cracking and splitting it may require periodic sealant applications for optimal performance.
Tropical hardwoods such as ipe or mahogany offer a more expensive but longer-term investment, boasting beautiful grain patterns with natural resistance against insect damage and rot.
Milled post caps or finials offer a bright pop of color, proportioned to fit 4×4 and 6×6 posts and available in different configurations that complement any design scheme. Choose between fluted, corniced or chamfered designs depending on your individual taste!
If the environmental impact of your decking is of concern, select an environmentally sustainable species like FSC-certified wood. Be sure that the supplier can demonstrate responsible logging practices.
Considerations must also be given to the price point of decking materials. Initial expenses can have an immediate impact on your budget and it’s wise to set an acceptable spending limit before shopping around for optimal balance between price and performance.
Alternatively, steel framing may be better in wetter climates due to being stronger and less likely to warp or bow than wood. Steel’s durability also makes installation of deck boards much simpler; plus it saves labor costs!
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Wood has long been used as the material of choice for garden structures such as raised terraces and platforms, thanks to its versatility as an architectural material. Wood naturally resists weather conditions while when treated with certain chemicals it can even repel termites! Unfortunately, however, this material requires significant upfront investments as well as ongoing maintenance expenses compared to other options.
Pressure-treat wood choices to help extend their longevity for decks is becoming an increasingly popular method. This process forces wood fibers under high pressure to absorb liquid sealant that provides protection from insects and fungus infestation, sealing it around it to seal against insects and rot, as well as corrosion caused by soil and water exposure. Pressure treatment provides superior results than sealing alone when it comes to protecting wood against insects, rot and corrosion from soil or water sources.
Unfortunately, the same chemical treatment that makes pressure-treated wood durable also makes it vulnerable to warping when drying, creating a big problem on decks where boards are exposed to more intense sunlight and moisture than indoors. But there are ways you can help minimize warping with pressure-treated lumber; here are three effective steps.
At first, it’s essential that you select the proper type of PT lumber for your project. Each piece comes equipped with an end tag displaying essential information about its use category (UC4A or UC4B), preservative used (MCA-C at 0.15 pounds per cubic foot), retention level and treatment effectiveness; higher numbers represent increased resistance against biological damage.
As part of your deck planning process, make sure you use lumber that fits with the climate where you reside. For instance, if your location experiences hot and humid summers, hardwood decking that can withstand such an environment such as cedar is ideal. Cedar is especially strong if treated regularly with waterproof oil for extra durability.
Hardwoods may be more costly than softwoods, but they often provide a richer aesthetic and last longer. Common hardwoods used for decking include ipe, cumaru and mahogany.
All these materials have their own individual advantages and disadvantages, but you should find a decking material that suits your needs perfectly. When selecting a decking material that complements both your home’s architecture and budget, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. Once that is completed, consider your desired use for your garden deck and plan accordingly. It may require making some concessions on initial price in order to afford your dream deck. Remind yourself that any deck requires maintenance to look its best and function effectively, such as sweeping leaves off in autumn or regularly cleaning to remove algae build-up in shaded areas. In some instances, it may even be necessary to sand down and restain wood periodically.
