Decking Material Types: Natural Wood, Composite Decking, and Others

The deck in your home is a place where you get to spend your leisure time. Doesn’t matter how you deck up your house, your deck is always going to be a key feature in your home.

It makes sense to do a lot of thinking before buying the material that ultimately becomes a deck. To make your deck look the way you want it to be, you need to pick the material that suits your needs.

But there is a multitude of materials in this industry. In this article, we will try to give you enough pointers, so you can pick the best material for your deck.

So just keep on reading.

Different Types Decking Materials

If you are looking into investing in an outdoor living space you have to think about your porch deck. You will spend a lot of time with your family here. 

Different materials come with various pros and cons. In this article, we are going to discuss different kinds of materials that can be considered for your decking.

Composite Decking

When it comes to non-wood decking, Futurewood Composite Decking has gained some hype in recent times. It is a robust alternative to natural wood that is more durable.

The composite material is a synthetic substitute. And many people are picking this material for decking over others.

It is a unique mixture of natural wood fibers, different bonding agents, and plastic. This material is good in a way that it does not depreciate much over time. They can last quite a bit of wear and tear and look more polished as well.

As they are not natural wood, they are safe to use and do not get infested by bugs or insects. That means there’s no cost of maintenance. So even though they’re costlier than most decking materials they do not have any added expenses.

Pros

• Very durable and lightweight
• Impervious to bugs and insects
• Have almost no maintenance cost
• Polished and easy to install

Cons

• More expensive than other materials
• Doesn’t have a natural wood finish

Natural Wood

Natural wood has globally been the most coveted material for outdoor decking. An outdoor porch decked with beautiful natural wood is a great way of improving your house environment.

Natural wood has been in demand for the top dollar for a long time and looks like it’s going to be this way for a long time to come. So if you want to stay on-trend and deck your house in a way that doesn’t look outdated in three years, you might as well go for natural wood.

The two most common types of wood used for decking are Cedar and Redwood.

Cedar

For people who are fans of natural decking, cedar is a surefire option to have. Cedar has the nostalgic look of an old porch, and it would aesthetically bring change to your house.

If you are someone who is very much into the looks and décor of your household, cedar looks like a great option for you. Cedar is widely available too. And is much cheaper than composite decking.

Even though they’re cheap, they are prone to insect infestation and bug attacks. You can keep the bugs away by using sealants and stains. But that also means Cedarwood needs good maintenance.

The maintenance cost is something to keep in mind too. Because over the years, the costs can add up a lot.

Pros

• More affordable than Redwood
• Gives a rustic, cozy look to your house
• Easily available in many areas
• Easy to install

Cons

• Bug infestation
• Recurring maintenance costs

Redwood

Redwood is very similar to Cedarwood in many ways. It gives a natural rustic finish to your house. Many homeowners have said that this wood has given their house a different look altogether. It is however pricier than most natural decking materials.

Considering its similarities to cedar, many people just opt for cedarwood. But if you live on the west coast it might be easier for you to get your hands on Redwood and upgrade your home with it.

Redwood also gets infested with bugs. Stains and sealers work pretty well to keep the bugs away. But again, that makes the maintenance of the deck more hectic on your part.

Pros

• Gives your house a different, more rustic look
• Easy to install and has great usability
• Easy to keep clean

Cons

• Not widely available
• Pricier than similar materials
• Has a big maintenance cost

Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is a great in-between option for those who want a natural look but also do not want to spend as much as Redwood or Cedar.

It has a middle ground in terms of prices and availability. It is available almost everywhere in the country. You can easily get some treated wood and get started in building your beautiful deck.

Treated woodwork is a large log that gets pressurized, and many waterborne chemicals are pushed into the log to make it more durable and long-lasting. It is not easily infested with bugs either.

It can be a great pick if you are worried about the maintenance and protection of your deck in the winter.

Pros

• More affordable than natural wood and composites
• Requires less maintenance
• Very widely available

Cons

• Doesn’t look as good as the other options

Others

Apart from the ones mentioned here, there are a few more choices such as tropical wood and aluminum. However, those options are not as popular or convenient.

But you can still look into wood materials like IPE if you are looking for a luxury option.

Conclusion

Your deck is going to be the place your family will gather. It will be the place that holds precious memories for all of you. That’s why you should research before making the final decision.

About The Author: Zara Baker: Zara is a flagbearer of organic eating. She’s a fitness freak and highly passionate about beauty, design, and most importantly interior decorations. Her obsession with all things related to home décor pushes her to be a successful interior decorator one day.

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash