Real Estate One-Ortonville
Gary Hintz, Real Estate One-OrtonvillePhone: (248) 535-6184
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Outdoor deck materials: 4 Popular options

by Gary Hintz 05/01/2022

If you’re considering adding an outdoor deck to your renovation to-do list, one of the first steps is to choose your building materials. With so many options available, making the best choice for your outdoor living space might seem like a daunting task.

Here is a basic guide of the most popular deck materials to help you get started:

Cedar

Cedar is commonly regarded as one of the most high-quality building materials for outdoor decks. It’s an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts interested in building their own deck, as it’s lightweight and easy to work with.

While it does require regular refinishing, this dense and weather-resistant wood is naturally impervious to pests and decay.

Hardwoods

Other natural wood options include exotic hardwoods like Ipe. Similarly to cedar, these decking options have natural defense against pests like termites and damage from rot.

The density of hardwood makes it extremely long-lasting, though it is heavier and more expensive than other materials.

Pressure-treated wood

Pressure-treated wood, or PT wood, is the most common outdoor deck material. Pressure-treated lumber is infused with chemicals that improve its resistance to pests and rot. These chemicals help preserve the natural aspect and durability while keeping the cost down.

PT wood is widely available, affordable and can be easily stained to match your specific color preferences.

Composite wood decking

Composite decking is made of multiple materials combined to form an affordable and easy-care decking material. While it’s not technically wood, most composite materials mimic the appearance of real wood decking to achieve the same natural aesthetic.

Composite material has some great advantages, such as being weather-resistant and long-lasting. With practically no maintenance, some composite wooden decks can last up to 25 years or more.

However, quality and appearance can vary from one brand to the next. Price can also vary depending on manufacturer. So, it’s important to research your options and make sure you’re getting the best deck for your buck.

The best choice for your outdoor space

These are the most commonly used outdoor decking materials. While each has their advantages and disadvantages, the choice of what to use for your deck design depends on your personal preference.

No matter what materials you choose, you can add in features like built-in seating, a hot tub, swimming pool, fire pit and potted plants. Whether you want your deck to be an outdoor dining area, a cozy gathering space for guests or a personal outdoor oasis, knowing the material options will help you make the best decision.

About the Author
Author

Gary Hintz

Rebuilding the Economy One Home Sale at a Time  

Gary has been in the Real Estate Business since 2005 and can be considered a seasoned Realtor.  He has seen the down periods in the economy and the upward trends that we are experiencing recently.  Through it all there has always been one unchanging need in our society: families want to purchase homes.  And when they are ready to buy they need assistance to search through today's over-saturation of information released by our industry.  In order to find that perfect home it can become a journey that requires perseverance and patience.  And a seasoned Realtor can be the guide to assure a successful transaction from start to finish.