How To Select Deck Materials

How To Select Deck Materials

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Since composite and vinyl decks burst onto the scene several years ago, they've been touted as revolutionizing landscaping and home improvement projects. Billed as low-maintenance, attractive solutions for the yard, these products are marketed toward busy homeowners who would rather spend time enjoying their outdoor spaces than maintaining them. But before any homeowner goes out to have a deck installed - whether composite, vinyl or wood - it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages to these types of materials.

LONGEVITY

Composite and vinyl decks definitely take the award for the decking material with the longest life span. Manufacturers warranties typically range from 25 to 50 years. These decks are made of polypropylene, polyethylene, virgin vinyl or plastic, and/or wood pulp. Composite and vinyl decks are not nearly as susceptible to weather-related damage as wood decks. Composite and vinyl decks do not split, crack or splinter like most wood decks.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

There are supporters and detractors to wood, composite and vinyl decks in terms of environmental impact. It can be argued that wood decks go against the green movement because of the need for lumber and depletion of forests to that end. Composite and vinyl decks are often made from recyclable materials, which would seem eco-friendly. But these same decks take hundreds of years to breakdown in landfills once they are eventually disposed of.

MAINTENANCE

Wood decks require routine cleaning, staining, sealing and other maintenance. These factors are what turn many homeowners to composite or vinyl decks.

DURABILITY

Composite and vinyl decks are considered low-maintenance. Most composite decks can be cleaned with a pressure washer or a deck cleaning solution, while most vinyl decks can be cleaned with a water hose. There is no completely impervious decking product on the market. Wood, composite and vinyl decks can be dinged, scratched or stained. The one big advantage that vinyl decks have over wood and composite decks is that vinyl decking boards resist stains much, much better than wood or composites. In fact vinyl decks are actually very difficult to stain. And also remember these are outdoor products. Thinking you'll receive many years of perfection is an unreasonable expectation.

INITIAL INVESTMENT

Composite and vinyl decks are always a bigger initial investment than a wood deck, except maybe for an exotic wood like IPE. However, the extra upfront investment typically achieves a 4 to 5 year payback in reduced cleaning, staining, sealing and other maintenance expenses of wood. In addition, many homeowners replace their wood decking and railing (many times the wood framing can be reused) after 10 to 15 years because the typical wood deck looks like an eyesore by then the wood is split, cracked, splintered, weathered to a gray or even black, etc. As mentioned previously, most composite and vinyl decks are warranted for a minimum of 25 years.

AESTHETICS

Composite and vinyl decks are available in many colors and grain patterns. Many of the composite manufactures also offer decking boards that have multiple colors and unique grain patterns so no two boards are identical, which is a great look. In addition, many composite and vinyl decking boards can now be installed with hidden fasteners for an even better finished look.


In conclusion the material that is right for you is the one that has the best overall package of features that are important to you.

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