How to Choose Decking Materials

Thinking of building a deck [1], but you’re confused by the variety of decking materials available to you?  Here’s a quick guide to understanding decking materials that’ll help you choose.

Pressure-Treated Wood.  Pressure-treated wood is lumber that’s saturated with chemicals that form a shield against rot [2], pests [3], and fungi.

PROS:

• Standard for structural elements in decks of all sorts.
• A hardy option for boards [4] and railings.

CONS:

• Be careful not to install it where it can come into direct contact with food or drinking water.
• New installations require an entire summer in the sun to air out before you can seal or finish [5] them.Alt=

Natural Wood.  Natural wood choices include cedar, redwood, and ipe, a beautiful and resilient exotic hardwood.

PROS:

• Natural beauty.
• Pest-resistant.

CONS:

• Requires periodic finishing and sealing to retain its beauty and fend off rot. 
• Natural wood requires the most ongoing maintenance [6].

Composite.  Composites [7] are easy-care blends of wood and recycled plastic, available in a range of colors and styles that imitate favorite wood varieties and grains.

PROS:

• Dimensionally stable -- will stand up to the elements for years.

CONS:

• Requires periodic cleaning [8] to prevent the formation of mildew [9] that can be attracted by the wood that’s in the mix.
• Decking boards are not as stiff as conventional lumber and therefore can look wavy.

With the right information about your decking options [10], you'll know which material to choose when building a deck [11] onto your home. Enjoy the outdoors!