Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck

Best Decking Material Options 2024 Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, but it’s also potentially toxic from the chemicals used to treat it. With a deck added to your property, you can start enjoying the outdoors more. You could serve meals, entertain, cook, or relax with a good book. Louvered roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This comprehensive evaluation will help you narrow down the material that best suits your project’s specific requirements. For homeowners with spacious backyards, a detached deck can be an excellent choice. These decks are not directly attached to the home but instead built as a floating deck level accessible via a path or walkway. Various deck materials include natural wood, treated lumber, and composite lumber. Here’s everything you need to know about the types of decks available. There are many different types of decks, and they can be attached, detached, multi-level, or custom-built for your property and needs.

These are built on top of your home and can give you a panoramic view of your property.When choosing decking, the three factors I consider first are appearance, durability and cost, and any other builder likely does the same.Metal decking, or steel decking as it is sometimes called, is a broad term used to refer to corrugated metal sheeting used as a structural roof or floor deck.With this trend in outdoor living increasing, many landscape architecture firms are specialized in the design, construction and maintenance of these spaces.If you choose to resurface your deck, know exactly how much material you’ll need with our deck resurfacing project calculator.

Within the broad category of wood decking, there are many options to consider. Proponents of composite decking tout it as a much-needed development, as it helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However, composite decking contains harmful chemicals, cannot be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. Composite decking has gained popularity in the past decade as a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, composite decking offers the look of wood without the upkeep. It’s more expensive than regular wood, and it’s also heavier, so there are several cons.

What Is Pressure-Treated Wood Treated With?

Cedar also contains natural tannins, which make it resistant to decay, infestation, and rot. Uncapped composite decking isn't usually recommended since it's more susceptible to damage from the elements and likely to fade unevenly and stain over time. In addition, it's prone to mold, mildew, and fungus growth in humid climates, and it can be scratched and damaged easily. It lacks a plastic layer to protect the core, so it’s not as resilient as capped decking. Selecting the right pressure-treated wood means considering the type of structure, environmental conditions, and budget. It’s important to do a little homework (or call us at Decks & Docks!) before buying any pressure-treated wood.

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As winter fades away, it’s time to start thinking about the maintenance of your deck. Repairing and replacing decking boards can be a daunting task, but with some guidance, you’ll have a gorgeous outdoor space in no time. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly options available for those looking to build a deck without breaking the bank. One option for saving money on your decking project is to opt for DIY installation instead of hiring professionals. While this may require more time and effort on your part, it can save thousands of dollars in labor costs. One advantage of metal decking is that it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which decreases the material handling cost. It’s perfect for multi-story buildings as it significantly brings down the weight of the entire project, allowing for smaller foundational sizes. It also eliminates the need for or reduces the number of support props required for slab casting. Redwood is a popular wood decking material option with a fragrant, earthy reddish brown color. If you’re planning a new deck or upgrading an old one, choosing the right type of decking is the most critical decision you'll make. And it's not easy because there's a wide range of decking material options and price ranges. You’ll want to be careful in hot or sunny climates as it can get very hot. A side deck sits on the side of your home, rather than the front or the back. This deck type tends to be smaller than other types, and it’s typically used You can find out more for grilling, lounging, or gardening. One major benefit is that side decks also offer seclusion, perfect for a hot tub, sauna, or private reading area. When building an entryway deck, it's important to match the style and structure of your home. Ideally, the front of your house should have a cohesive appearance and not look as if the deck was an afterthought. Some popular types of deck lighting include post cap lights, rail lights, and stair lights. These fixtures not only provide necessary illumination but also add an element of style to your deck design. Now that you’ve learned about some of the ways to incorporate built-in features into your deck design, it’s time to think about choosing the right railing system. The railing system not only adds safety measures but also plays a key role in defining the overall style of your deck. The installation process for aluminum decking can also be more complex than with other materials, as special clips or fasteners are often required during assembly. But once installed, homeowners have access to a wide range of design options thanks to the versatility of the material.