House additions can be a bit daunting when looking at the big picture, from planning to finding a proper home additional remodeling team and picking out the materials; it’s most definitely stressful. Decks are no different. There are a multitude of options for materials that vary from metal and wood to composites. How can you wade through all this? Well, do some research on your own and work with your design-build team to figure out the best deck for your needs. In the meantime, here are some popular deck materials.
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: Generally seen as the most economic option, pressure-treated lumber is used on over half of new decks made and continues to be popular. Routine maintenance is required to avoid swelling and cracking.
- Hardwoods: Hardwoods are much more expensive than pressure-treated lumber but are seen as a much more visually appealing material. Generally darker and richer, hardwoods are also naturally resistant to moisture, making maintenance less of an issue.
- Aluminum: The advantages of metal over wood are pretty clear: no rotting, warping, splinters, or cracks. However, making a metal deck look good attached to your home comes with its own set of difficulties.
- Composites: Composed of fiber and recycled plastics, composites are a fast growing sector of the deck industry. Namely on account of its diversity and cheaper cost than regular wood.
