So, you are planning to build a deck, where you can party, chill and relax with your friends and family. You shared the idea with your family and they loved it too!
Getting the thumbs up from your family has excited you and now you are looking to build the best deck that complements your house. But, there’s one small problem, you are not able to decide which decking material you should choose?
Well, if you are also facing a situation like this, then you are at the right blog! We are going to mention the top materials available for decking in 2021.
There are 3 main decking materials that you can choose from:
- Treated wood deck.
- Composite.
- Vinyl (also referred as PVC).
Out of these three, wood is a natural product, whereas the composite and vinyl decking materials are man-made artificial materials. You can choose the one based on choice of style, maintenance, and durability.
In the further section, we are going to guide you through the process to choose the best decking material.
Understanding the Decking materials: Choose the one as per your preference.
As explained earlier there are three main types of decking materials available: Wood, Composite and Vinyl. You need to understand the differences and advantages of all these to make the right choice. Here are some advantages/disadvantages of these decking materials:
Wood Decking: All time classic
Wooden decks are the all-time classics, and these are built on pressure-treated wood. It was only a choice for decades, as vinyl and composite were not invented then. It is the cheapest and the most popular option to choose among decking materials. The low cost is the reason why most people still prefer to use wood for decking.
Keep in mind that wooden decks are prone to rot, mould, splintering and damage from insects. If you want to keep the wooden deck in the best of condition, then you should consider repainting/re-staining the wooden deck every summer.
People consider going for a wooden deck, when they are low on budget. But when you consider the cost of maintenance then it costs higher than both the Vinyl and composite decks.
Advantages:
- You can paint/stain it to any colour.
- Most affordable material for decking.
Disadvantages
- Requires frequent maintenance every year.
- Less durable than the Composite and Vinyl decking.
- Prone to splintering.
Composite Decking: More durable than Wooden Decking
The composite decking is similar to the traditional wooden deck in appearance. Also, the most common comparison here is of the wood vs composite decking material. But, the similarity is only in terms of looks because the composite decks come with a lot of advantages that make it easier to own. For example, the composite decks do not require to be repainted or restrained again to protect against rot and mould. Also, the composite decks never splinter and these low maintenance advantages make it the best decking material.
But, the composite decks are prone to getting more scratches upon daily use and they fade in prolonged exposure to the sun. Coming to the cost, the composite gets their place between the wood and vinyl deck. But, if you want your composite board to last, then you need to take care against the swelling/rotting(due to moisture).
You can also refer to our guide for Choosing the Decking material for your house!
Advantages:
- Looks like real wood.
- Does not require frequent repainting/staining.
- Lasts longer than the wooden decks.
- Less prone to rooting/moulds.
Disadvantages:
- Composite decks are more prone to scratches and accidental chipping.
- The colour fades away in contact with sunlight.
Vinyl Decking Material: Most Expensive and Highly Durable
Vinyl is the most expensive and the best decking material around the world. It is the best as it comes with maintenance-free advantages of a composite deck providing a luxury look & feel.
Vinyl decking is available in multiple colour shades, it comes in wood-grain patterns to rustic patterns. It is less prone to the damage of scratches like the composite boards. Also, other materials fade out in contact with the sun, whereas the vinyl comes with protection against the sun. Along with all these advantages, vinyl comes with the highest cost for decking materials on the market.
Advantages:
- Aesthetically pleasing and premium looks.
- No frequent repainting staining is required.
- Lasts longer(come with a lifelong warranty)
- Does not rot and grow mould.
- Highest resistance against colour fading.
- 100% water-resistant.
Cons:
- Cost is very high.
Wood vs Composite vs Vinyl Decking
The above mentioned are the advantages and disadvantages of the decking materials. While buying you should consider your budget, and the maintenance required every year and select the one that goes well with your house’s look.
You won’t make a bad decision if you select any of these materials as per budget, requirements, choice of style, etc. But, we recommend that if you can afford the vinyl decking then you should definitely go for it! Homeowners who do not want to get into the hassles of maintenance should prefer the vinyl decking, as they do not need to repaint or restrain their decks. Also, Vinyl decks last for the longest period of time which covers up the high upfront cost involved. It will give you the peace of mind to enjoy barbeque/parties on your deck for the longest period of time. The vinyl/composite decks come with the best warranty packages to back their durability.
Looking to build your dream Deck? Contact JVK & Sons Today!
We at JVK and Sons Construction look forward to helping our clients. We care and value your time and investment. We serve across the suburbs of Brisbane, chapel hill, Fairfield, Wavell heights, Carindale, and the neighbourhoods of Donnybrook Moggill.
Our decking experts are ready to work, and we provide services for:
- Timber Decking
- Composite Decking
- Merbau Decking
In case if you have any inquiries then you can get in touch with us and get a free assessment today.
Start building your dream deck today!
