Decking is not just meant to be a flat walking surface, it is an amazing upgrade for your garden. It not only allows you to have awesome parties with your loved ones but also it gives you a place for reflection right in your front or backyard. It saves youthe trouble of mowing your lawn as well.
So whether you want a deck installed in your garden to host cocktail parties or simply to enjoy a quiet afternoon coffee in the outdoor living space, a well-built deck can prove to be the most enjoyable area of your home. And the best thing is that you can generally recover almost 75% of your decking installation cost by reselling it.
There are many options available in the market when it comes to decking materials. There was a time when wood was the go-to option, but nowadays you have a variety of materials to choose from. With so many options at hand, it can be confusing to choose the right type of decking material for your garden. Following are some of the most popular types of decking.
This is a traditional decking material that comes from fast-growing trees. It is the most affordable decking type out there. On top of being economical, it is also pretty easy to install andcan be obtained pretty much everywhere so there are no availability issues.
The softwood makes up about 75% of all the decks being used right now. It is pressure-treated under certain conditions for durability. With chemical treatment, it is made already to resist mold, insects, and rot. Because it is so readily available and easy to work with, you can get the boards replaced or change the finishing and color conveniently.
There are some cons involved with this type of decking though. Softwood requires regular and vigilant maintenance. To get the most out of it, you will have to regularly clean it and get it treated with oils. Cutting off trees can never be good for the environment, so you will be contributing to deforestation. Furthermore, the chemicals used in the treatment of softwood boards are harmful to the environment.
Hardwood comes from tropical trees that grow at a slower pace. Oak, Ipe, and Tigerwood are some of the most commonly used hardwood decking materials. This can be called a luxury choice because it is the most expensive type of wooden decking.
Tropical hardwood looks great with its bright and warm colors. It is durable, hard, and naturally resistant to rotting, wrapping, and insects.
Tropical hardwood can be a little difficult to install because of the high density that makes it difficult to cut and drill holes in it. Just like softwood regular maintenance is also needed with hardwood boards. This option also comes with the trouble of deforestation.
This decking type is gaining popularity rapidly because of its unique features. It is made from a mixture of plastic and wood. Recycled plastic and flour of wood are mixed together to produce composite decking.
There are many benefits that come with composite decking. Composites are available as both decking boards and tiles. There is a lot of room for customization, so much so that you can get composite decking tiles with built-in LED lights. They are easy to install and easy to maintain. Composites are highly resistant to mold and insects. These deckings are incredibly durable and have a lifespan of about 50 years.
Composite decking is a highly expensive option. You cannot recycle the material. Their color is permanent and once you have made your decision, you cannot go back.
Aluminum is also a relatively newer decking material that has proved to be quite long-lasting. It gives a great modern look in contemporary style homes. A lot of problems that come with wooden materials can be avoided by simply using an aluminum deck.
Unlike wood, aluminum doesn’t crack, splinter, warp, or mold easily. And you will never have to worry about insects. It is a lightweight material with extraordinary strength and can be installed effortlessly. This type of decking is weatherproof and comes with a slip-resistant coating. The best thing about aluminum decking is that it is practically maintenance-free.
Having aluminum decking installed on a property near the beach can be a little tricky because saltwater can corrode it. It can also be prone to denting. Cost-wise, aluminum is an expensive decking material.
Another completely synthetic material that is somewhat similar in characteristics to composite decking. The only difference is that there is no wood involved, it is all plastic.
PVC plastic boards are completely weatherproof. Unlike wood, you don’t have to worry about splitting or warping. This type of deck is extremely low maintenance and lasts for ages. It is a lightweight material that is easy to carry and easy to install. You can also get a return on investment when you decide to recycle it.
All good things come at a price, so does the PVC plastic decking. It is one of the most expensive options in the market. One of the major drawbacks of using PVC material is that it can look artificial.
What is the Best Decking Type for Your Garden?
The answer to this question totally depends on your requirements. You can go through the characteristics of different decking types with respect to affordability, durability, aesthetics, installation, and maintenance before making up your mind. Following are some of the key takeaways to keep in mind while making a decision.
