When Building a Deck, What Are My Building Material Options?

There are a variety of material options available for building a deck. Your choice of deck material may depend on a number of factors, including what your deck will be used for, who will use your deck, when you will enjoy your deck, and your overall deck vision. At UglyDeck, we offer material options for your deck that can provide you with a durable, long-lasting, attractive deck. With the right decking material, Twin Cities’ and Chicago homeowners can achieve the deck of their dreams.

Below we cover a few of the most common deck materials used in deck construction.

Hardwood or Pressure-Treated Wood Decking

Wood as a decking material includes many options. One of the most common options in this material category is pressure-treated wood, which is lumber injected with preservatives. The pressure treatment increasing the durability of the wood somewhat, but not as much as composite material options on the market.

If you want to maximize the service life of your deck and minimize the regular maintenance it requires, composite or PVC decking are your optimum choices.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is manufactured from a combination of natural wood fibers and durable synthetic material. The boards of composite decking look and feel like natural wood, without the regular maintenance requirements.

If wood decks are to be maintained properly, they require yearly staining and sealing. Composite decks do not require painting, staining, or sealing. They maintain their appearance well without discoloration or fading.

Composite deck boards today are made to look just like specific grain patterns that can mimic any type of wood. They are also available in an array of colors, with some reflecting the look of exotic hardwoods.

With composite decking material, Chicago and Twin Cities’ homeowners have a highly durable decking option that resists water damage such as mildew and mold, and will not splinter, crack, or warp as wood does. Often, composite decking is covered with a durable synthetic layer that prevents the deck from scratches while retaining its texture and color.

PVC Decking

While composite decking material is a combination of synthetic and natural materials, PVC decking is completely synthetic. Like composite decking, it is a low-maintenance and exceptionally durable material. It retains its appearance through all types of weather and has a long service life.

Since PVC decking does not contain organic material, it possesses greater water-resistance than composite decking, which means it affords exceptional resistance to mildew, mold, and damage from insects.

PVC decking also cools down somewhat faster than composite decking after exposure to direct sunlight. It is also lighter than composite decking material.

For information about the deck material options and services our team offers at UglyDeck, call us today at 952.736.3308 or reach us through our contact form to request a free quote.