When you first look into adding a deck to your home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with your options. At Custom Deck Builders, our goal is to alleviate the stress you are feeling and help you get the deck of your dreams. Our knowledgeable Pennsylvania deck contractors will work closely with you to design the perfect deck for your home, and will help you decide what decking material is right for your project.
What Are My Options?
There are different types of decking materials available today, including pressure-treated lumber, exotic woods and composite materials. If budget is a major factor in your project, pressure-treated lumber is the way to go. It’s economical, readily available and easy to work with. If you are looking for a more dense, durable wood, exotic hardwoods may be a better option, although they tend to be on the higher end of the scale in terms of cost.
One option that has quickly been growing in popularity is composite decking. Composite decks last significantly longer than wood decks because they don’t fade, splinter or rot over time. However, composite decking is on its own a wide category that encompasses several different materials, including wood-plastic composite, capped composite and plastic lumber. Our staff at Custom Deck Builders is happy to help you understand the difference and guide you toward the right choice.
Wood-Plastic Composite
Decks made from a wood-plastic composite provide the homeowner with a low-maintenance and long-lasting option that won’t break the bank. Wood-plastic composites are made of a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic. You may be familiar with companies like Trex, Timbertech and Veranda, all of which offer wood-plastic composite decking.
Another quality of wood-composite decking that makes it so popular is the fact that it looks very much like real wood. Homeowners who choose this option can enjoy the classic appearance of real wood, while reaping the benefits of a composite material, such as longevity and durability.
Capped Composite
Capped composite is very similar to a wood-plastic composite, but is coated with a polymer shell that helps protect it from the elements even more than a standard wood-plastic composite. This option is slightly more expensive, but will extend the life of your deck.
Plastic-Lumber
Plastic-lumber, unlike wood-composite decking, is 100% plastic. This product is often made with recycled plastic, making it an environmentally friendly option. Plastic lumber can be made to look like wood with wood grain molded into it, or left smooth without it. While plastic-lumber costs more than traditional wood and other composite decking, it is nearly maintenance free and extremely weather resistant and durable. Companies like Aztek Deck and Leisure Decking have become well known for their plastic-lumber products.
Composite decks are a fantastic option for any homeowner. While these decks cost more than a traditional wooden deck, the maintenance benefits and longevity of the deck far outweigh the cost. If you’ve decided a composite deck is the best option for your home, Custom Deck Builders can help you determine which type of composite will work best for your deck design, budget, and maintenance preferences.
Contact us today for a free consultation or stop by our Shrewsbury, PA decking showroom to see all the different decking samples up close.
