How to Choose the Best Deck Material for Your House

Adding a deck to your home can increase the value of your house. In fact, if you resell your home, a deck can add $10,000 in value. However, you need to make sure you choose the right decking material to get your money's worth and to ensure that your deck will stay in good shape for years to come. 

Do you want to learn more about the different types of decking material? Keep reading this article to see each material's pros and cons and find the best Kansas City decking contractor to help with your home improvement project. 

Wood Decking

Wood decking is one of the most popular decking materials on the market. There are a few different types of wood decking that you can use, each with different pros and cons. 

1. Natural Wood

When you choose to use natural wood planks for your deck, it makes your deck look more like traditional decks. Depending on the type of wood that you choose for your deck, it can be an economical material to use! 

However, one huge downside is that wood decking requires a lot of maintenance. Especially if you are using wood on an outdoor deck, wood can weather very easily and may begin to splinter or even rot. This may mean that it needs to be sanded down or restained more often.

2. Pressure-Treated Wood

If you are worried about the durability of natural wood, other wood options will last much longer. For example, pressure-treated wood is treated with different types of preservatives. This will make them last longer and will prevent rotting, weathering, and more. 

This is an inexpensive option for wood, as it utilizes less expensive types of wood and makes them stronger with preservatives.

However, one drawback of this decking material is that it uses chemicals to preserve the wood and can be less environmentally friendly. The preservatives can also change the color of the wood, making it look less natural than traditional wood. If you want your deck to look natural, it is best to choose natural wood planks. 

Composite Decking

Composite decking is also known as a wood alternative. It is made from a combination of plastic and wood fiber and is a synthetic decking that is more environmentally friendly than other material options. 

Because this composite decking material has good qualities from plastic and wood, it is very weather and stain-resistant, and it is also quite durable. This means that you will not have to worry about your deck splintering or rotting with wet weather. It also means that it will not require as much maintenance as other types of decking material. 

This composite decking is also resistant to warping, as it is a synthetic material. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of using composite decking is that it can be more expensive than other materials. This is because it is a synthetic material and takes more time and money to create. However, if you are willing to make a bigger investment upfront on your material choice, you can save money on maintenance and repairs for your deck in the future.

Plastic Decking

Plastic decking is another common material. One of the biggest benefits of using this material for your deck is that it is weather-resistant. This means it is much more durable and isn't susceptible to rot, splintering, and other problems. 

This is also a great option because it doesn't need to be stained. You can get plastic decking in most colors, so you can find an option that matches your personal preferences.

It is also an environmentally friendly option, as it can be made from recycled plastic! Finally, it is super easy to clean and requires very little maintenances. 

However, there are a few drawbacks. First, plastic decking is not a natural-looking option for decking. While you can find options that look like wood, others will look like colored plastic. 

Another drawback is that the quality of plastic decking will depend on the manufacturer. This means you will have to compare a lot of different products. 

Aluminum Decking

Some people choose to use aluminum for their deck. There are a lot of benefits from using this type of metal for your deck. First, it is very durable and will not break easily. It is also recyclable and can be reused in other projects!

If you live in an area with regular fire hazards, aluminum decking is fireproof! Using this material will protect your investment in the event of a fire on your property. 

On the other hand, metal is an expensive material, so that it may have a higher upfront cost. It also can be susceptible to rust and other types of damage from wet weather, and it can heat up in the sun. 

Concrete

Finally, concrete is another option that you can use for deck materials. Because it is so strong and durable, it will require very little maintenance or upkeep throughout the years. 

It is also a great option if you are want to personalize your deck. There are many options that you can choose for concrete, including color, pattern, and more. You can even find stamped concrete options to make your deck look more modern. 

However, some people don't like the practical look of concrete and prefer a more traditional deck style. Concrete also heats up quickly in the sun, so it may not be a great option for a deck that doesn't have a source of shade. 

Find a Decking Contractor to Start Your Project Today

When choosing the right kind of decking material for your deck, there are several things you need to consider. Each material has pros and cons and varies in price, style, and more. By taking each of these factors into consideration, you will be able to find the type of decking material that will work best in your home. 

Are you looking for a deck builder to help you start your project? US Quality Construction can help! Contact our team today to learn more about our decking services and the materials we use. Or, check out our website to get a free estimate and consultation for your upcoming project!