What type of material is best for a deck?
PVC decking is also the top choice for long-lasting, durable deck boards. Much of this owes to PVC’s water resistance. It’s moisture-absorption that causes most of wood decking’s durability issues: warping, splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, rot, and insect damage.
What is the fake wood for decks called?
composite
Also known as composite, wood alternatives, or synthetic decking, wood-polymer composite has become a popular decking material for residential use.
What is the most cost effective decking material?
The cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.
What boards are best for decking?
Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them.
What is the longest lasting deck material?
Aluminum and Steel
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What is the best low maintenance deck material?
3 Best Low-Maintenance Deck Materials
- Composite Decking. Composite decking combines wood fibers and recycled plastic to create a highly durable, weather- and stain-resistant decking material that won’t warp, split, or splinter.
- Pressure-Treated Wood Decking.
- Ipe Decking.
What is the downside of composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking
Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Composites aren’t natural. No matter how much effort goes into making composites look like wood, they’re not.
How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?
If we assume a 20′ x 20′ deck, then a rough estimate for pressure treated wood would be around $3,000, whereas the same deck built with a high-quality composite material might cost around $5,6001. However, after just two to three years of routine maintenance, that cost difference is easily erased.
What is the most maintenance free deck?
Modern, low-maintenance deck products like vinyl have become the material of choice for homeowners who don’t want to spend time and money maintaining a wood deck. Wood decks need to be sanded and either painted or stained every few years to keep the wood from deteriorating.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Most composite decking is slippery compared to wood decking when wet. The polymer cap of the decking repelling the water, creating potential slipping hazards. There are some notable composite decking exceptions, that provide excellent traction both when wet and dry.
Is Trex slippery when wet?
Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.
What is the best low-maintenance deck material?
What are the problems with composite decking?
Composite decking has a high rate of expansion and contraction due to temperature swings. It actually moves greater distances and more unexpectedly than traditional wood. When the boards expand and contract, they may split, delaminate, and peel. The movement can cause your decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend.
What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?
Trex deck problems and how to solve them
- Faded Color. Over time, composite decks can fade and lose their color.
- Insect Damage. Insects can also damage composite decks, causing them to warp or rot.
- Weather Damage.
- Mold and mildew on composite deck.
- Water damage on trex decking.
- Snow and ice removal.
- Handling static electricity.
What are the problems with Trex decking?
How much does it cost to build a 20×20 composite deck?
Composite Decking Cost Per Square Foot
| Composite Deck Quality | Cost Per Square Foot Installed | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Composite Deck | $20 | $5,821 |
| National Average Cost | $28 | $8,064 |
| Premium Composite Deck | $38 | $10,826 |
What is better PVC or composite decking?
Now, we’ve already mentioned that both PVC and composite are resistant to mold. But because composite still contains wood, PVC is the undisputed winner in this category. No organic content means that mold and mildew have nowhere to go. Finally, PVC is a more lightweight material.
Does Trex warp in sun?
Trex decking resists termites, won’t rot, warp, or splinter-and never needs staining or painting.
What are the problems with PVC decking?
Certain PVC decking products are prone to peeling, staining, deteriorating, and mold accumulation after relatively short periods of time. Some of the PVC decking subject to these complaints is manufactured by AZEC, TimberTech, and Wolf Home Products.