Deck Materials Articles
| Article Category: |
|
Congratulations! You’ve decided you want to build a deck! This is a worthwhile investment that will give you even more opportunities to enjoy your backyard, entertain friends and family, as well as enhance more value and curb appeal to your home. One of the first steps toward building a deck is deciding on which deck building materials you’ll use. From wood decking material to composite decking like Trex, to vinyl and aluminum deck boards, there are quite a few different types of deck materials to choose from -- each with their own unique features and considerations.
Two of the most popular types of deck materials are wood and composite. From pressure treated lumber to more exotic hardwoods, wood decking gives you a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on your location and availability of certain woods, the cost of wood decking can vary. Another popular option that affords homeowners an array of colors and styles to choose from is durable composite decking. Composite decking is made from a combination of wood pulp and synthetic materials covered with a synthetic shell. It closely resembles the natural beauty of wood, but requires less maintenance and is built to resist rot, mildew, and insect infestation.
The best outdoor decking material is one that is durable, attractive, and the choice that you’re comfortable with making in terms of upkeep and cost. To help make your decision easier and better understand outdoor deck flooring materials, check out our collection of articles. You’ll learn more about the materials needed to build a deck, view deck materials comparisons to weigh the pros and cons of each material and how it may meet your needs, as well as get a better idea of deck material costs and how to plan your budget.
Composite Decking
Eco Friendly Composite & Wood Decking Options
Composite Decking
Differences Between PVC & Composite Decking
Both PVC and composite materials can be a great alternative to traditional wood decking. Learn the pros and cons of each material with our full comparison.
Deck Hardware
Aluminum vs Composite Decking
Both Aluminum and Composite are great alternatives for traditional wood decking. Learn which material will best suit your home with our full comparison.
Aluminum Materials
Aluminum Decking Reviews, Pros & Cons, and Costs
Everything you need to know about aluminum decking including pricing information, top brands, and the types of aluminum decking. Get started with Decks.com.
Deck Hardware
Waterproof Decking Materials & Options
Did you know you can ensure the space under your deck stays dry, or even waterproof your decking boards? Explore all waterproof decking options at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Best Deck Material Options for 2021
Homeowners can choose between several deck material options nowadays, but which one is right for your home? Compare types of deck materials at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Why Today's Wood Needs Protection
What can you do when you are building a deck with reclaimed wood to ensure it lasts? Protect it from water damage and rot.
Composite Decking
Comparing Composite vs Wood Decking
Composite and wood decking differ in terms of maintenance, costs, labor, and lifetime value. Compare composite vs wood decking at Decks.com.
Composite Decking
Capped Composite Decking: What Is It?
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Decking Reviews
Veranda Decking Reviews
Veranda composite decking is manufactured by Louisiana Pacific Corp. in Franklin, TN for Home Depot.
Decking Reviews
VEKAdeck Decking Reviews
VEKAdeck PVC decking is manufactured by VEKA Inc. in Fombell, PA.
Decking Reviews
Ultra Shield Decking Reviews
Ultra Shield is a capsulated wood plastic composite material manufactured by the New Group Asia in Humble, TX.
Decking Reviews
UltraDeck Decking Reviews
UltraDeck encapsulated composite decking is manufactured by Midwest Manufacturing Extrusion in Eau Claire, WI.
Decking Reviews
TUF-board decking Reviews
TUF-board low maintenance decking is manufactured by INTEPLAST Group in Livingston, NJ.
Decking Reviews
Trex Composite Decking Reviews 2021
Trex’s low maintenance composite decking resists fading and does not rot or warp. Read our review for the Trex Transcend, Enhance and Select boards.
Decking Reviews
TimberTech Decking Reviews
TimberTech Decking is manufactured by Timbertech Limited in Wilmington, OH.
Decking Reviews
TanDeck Decking Reviews
TanDeck low maintenance decking system is manufactured by Tangent Technologies, LLC in Aurora, IL.
Decking Reviews
Tamko Envision PVC Decking Reviews
Tamko Envision PVC deck board is manufactured by Tamko Bldg. Products, Inc. in Joplin, MO.
Decking Reviews
Rhino Decking Reviews
Rhino composite decking is manufactured by Master Mark Plastics in Paynesville, MN.
Decking Reviews
Nexwood Decking Reviews
Nexwood composite decking is manufactured by Nexwood Industries Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Deck Hardware
MoistureShield Decking
Moisture Shield is a composite decking material manufactured by Advanced Environmental Recycling.
Decking Reviews
Millennium Lumber Reviews
Millenium Lumber is a composite decking material manufactured by Millennium Decking, Inc.in Niska, Alberta, Canada.
Decking Reviews
Latitudes Decking Reviews
Latitudes composite decking and railing materials are manufactured by UFP Ventures II, Inc. in Prairie Du Chein, WI.
Decking Reviews
Harmony Select Decking System Reviews
Harmony Select Decking System is manufactured by Royal Mouldings Woodbridge in Ontario Canada
Decking Reviews
Guarddeck Elite Decking Reviews
Guarddeck Elite is a Cellular PVC decking manufactured by INTEPLAST Group in Livingston, NJ.
Decking Reviews
Gorilla Deck Decking Reviews
Gorilla Deck Vinyl Decking is manufactured by Homeland Vinyl Products in Birmingham, AL.
Decking Reviews
Genovations Vinyl Decking Reviews
Genovations Vinyl Decking is manufactured by Genova Products, Inc. in Davison, MI.
Decking Reviews
Fiberon Decking Reviews
Fiberon low maintenance decking is manufactured by Fiber Composites, LLC in New London, NC
Decking Reviews
EVOLVE Lumber Plastic Decking Reviews
EVOLOVE plastic decking is manufactured by RENEW Plastics in Luxemburg, WI.
Decking Reviews
Evergrain Decking Reviews
Evergrain composite decking is manufactured by Epoch Composite Products in Lamar, MO.
Decking Reviews
Eon Decking Reviews
Eon decking is manufactured by CPI Plastics Group in Ontario, Canada.
Decking Reviews
Endeck Decking Reviews
Endeck PVC decking is manufactured by Enduris Extrusions in Jacksonville, FL.
Decking Reviews
Dream Deck Decking Reviews
Dream Deck vinyl decking is manufactured by Thermal Industries in Pittsburgh, PA.
Decking Reviews
Deck Lok Decking Reviews
Deck Lok Decking is manufactured by Royal Crown Limited in Milford, IN.
Decking Reviews
Cross Timbers Decking Reviews
Cross Timbers composite decking material is manufactured by Elk Corp. in Dallas, TX.
Decking Reviews
CorrectDeck Decking Reviews
CorrectDeck composite decking is manufactured by Correct Bldg. Products in Biddleford, ME
Decking Reviews
Choicedek Decking Reviews
Choicedek composite decking is manufactured by Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc.
Decking Reviews
CertainTeed PVC Decking Reviews
Evernew LT Cellular PV decking is manufactured by the Certainteed Corp. in Valley Forge, PA.
Decking Reviews
Carefree Decking System Reviews
Carefree Decking is manufactured by U.S. Plastic Lumber Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Decking Reviews
Brock Decking Reviews
Brock Deck is manufactured by Royal Crown Ltd. in Milford, IN.
Decking Reviews
Brite Composite Decking Reviews
Brite Composite Decking is manufactured by Brite Manufacturing, Inc. based in Bolton, Ontario, Canada.
Decking Reviews
Bear Board Decking Reviews
Bear Board is manufactured from recycled plastic by EPS Plastic Lumber in Cary, IL.
Decking Reviews
Aztec Plastic Decking Reviews
Aztec Plastic Lumber is manufactured by Amazing Recycled Products in Denver, CO.
Decking Reviews
AZEK Decking Reviews
AZEK Decking is manufactured by AZEK Building Products in Scranton, PA.
Wood Materials
Introduction to Thermally Modified Wood
Wood can be thermally modified or heat treated to improve dimensional stability and decay resistance without the use of chemicals.
Composite Decking
Composite Decking Price Comparison
Composite decking ranges in price from $1.49 to $5.30 per linear foot. Compare brands and costs with our composite decking pricing chart at Decks.com.
Aluminum Materials
Lockdry Aluminum Decking
Lockdry aluminum decking uses a continuous locking seal to create a watertight maintenance free seamless floor surface.
Deck Hardware
Post Base Connectors
Post base connectors are hardware items designed to attach the deck' support posts to the top of the concrete footing pier learn more at Decks.com
Deck Hardware
Hurricane Ties: Uses and Installation
Hurricane ties provide your deck with additional stability against high winds and rain. Learn how to utilize and install hurricane ties on Decks.com.
Deck Hardware
Best Deck Fastener Hardware to Fight Corrosion
It's important to choose the right hardware for your deck to prevent corrosion and visible damage, learn which hardware is right for your project at Decks.com
Wood Materials
Bark Side Up vs. Best Side Up
Unsure which way to lay your decking boards? Check out our guide to learn if your deck boards should lay bark side up or bark side down at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Plain Sawn vs. Quarter Sawn Wood
When using lumber, it is important to know the difference between plain sawn and quarter-sawn wood, Find the best type of wood for your project at Decks.com
Wood Materials
How to Read Lumber Grade Stamping
Any lumber you purchase should have a grade stamp, which provides info about the characteristics of the wood. Learn how to read lumber stamps at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood
Wet wood shrinks as it dries out and becomes less stable, which can cause it to check and warp. Learn how to dry out and treat wet wood at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Common Wood Defects: Types & Causes of Lumber Issues
There are many common types of defects when it comes to wood decking, such as dead knots, shakes, twists and wanes. Learn about lumber defects at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Redwood Decking: Cost, Maintenace & Types of Redwood
Redwood is a popular wood decking material option with a fragrant, earthy reddish brown color. Learn about the types of redwood decking at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Cedar Decking: Prices, Different Types, Maintenance & More
Cedar decking is an option if you want to build your deck from wood. Learn about the types, costs, and maintenance required for cedar decking at Decks.com.
Wood Materials
Pressure Treated Wood: Types, Grading Standards & More
Wondering if pressure treated wood is right for your project? Learn more about the different types of pressure treated lumber as well as how long they last at Decks.com.
Deck Hardware
Different Types of Joist Hangers
You can use joist hangers to strengthen your deck. Learn more about the different types of joist hangers for you to use on your decking project at Decks.com
Deck Hardware
Stainless Steel Deck Hardware
We have all heard the adage that a chain is as strong as its weakest link. Most often the reason for deck failure is poor hardware. Saving money on fasteners is the wrong idea. Quality hardware is important for the longevity of your deck as well as safety.
Composite Decking
Best Composite Decking Materials & Options in 2021
Low maintenance composite decking materials are a great option when thinking long-term. Discover the best composite decking material options for your home.
Wood Materials
Types of Wood Decking Materials
There are many options for choosing the best wood for your deck, like pressure treated pine, cedar, redwood or mahogany. Compare types of wood at Decks.com.
Deck Hardware
Best Pool Decking Options and Materials
When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more. Find the best material for your pool deck with Decks.com.