Settling on having decking in your residential backyard or commercial land isn’t the most difficult of decisions to make. There’s an extensive list of benefits that come hand in hand with having decks in any outdoor space. Decking creates a clean and aesthetically pleasing outdoor area that is safe and easily accessible. You will, however, have to spend a little more time mulling over what type of decking is best for you and your personal or professional needs. All decks are not created equal and there are various different factors that will play into how good your decking looks and how well it stands up to the test of time.
One factor to consider is the material you use for your decking. Choosing the right material can be a little more complex than you’d initially imagine. There’s no one-size-fits-all or natural superior when it comes to decking materials. The ideal decking for you will depend entirely on your personal needs and preferences. But not to worry! Here’s everything you need to know about different decking materials in order to come to a conclusion regarding what type of decking you should invest in.
Pressure Treated Decking
If you’re looking for a low-cost addition to your backyard design that will last for a long time, the logical option to go for tends to be pressure treated decking. This is the perfect type of deck for your garden if you have a budget, but don’t want to compromise on quality. It’s not all too surprising that this is the best selling type of decking nowadays. It’s affordable, it’s easy to cut and it’s easy to fasten with screws or nails. It is most often milled from Southern yellow pine and is often chemically treated to resist rot, fungus, and wood-boring insects. Just bear in mind that routine maintenance is necessary to prolong its life and maintain its appearance.
Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar is the material choice of deck purists. This wood is renowned for its beautiful color and rich tones. It is also more natural, as it doesn’t have to be treated or preserved to last. This type of wood has its own tannins and oils, making it naturally resistant to rot, decay, and bugs. The clearer the cedar, the more expensive the decking will be. The knottier it is, the cheaper it will be. However, either would be a perfect addition to your garden design.
Capped Composite
Capped composite is becoming increasingly popular. Composites are a combination of natural wood fibers and recycled plastic. It is extremely weather-resistant and also staves off stains well. It is also adverse to splitting, splintering, and warping.
Cellular PVC
Cellular PVC is a form of plastic decking, but it can often be made to have the appearance of wood decking. Not to worry though – the colour is resistant to fading. This type of decking is also immune to any wood-related problems (as there is no wood present).
If you’re interested in any of these types of decking, reach out to The Deck Shop. We supply all types and have expert knowledge on each. A short consultation will help us to recommend which is best for your individual needs!