Choosing the Right Material For Your New Deck
Before you build a new deck, it’s important to consider the cost, look, durability, and maintenance of different decking materials.
We all want a deck that will weather well throughout Edmonton’s cold, snowy winters and scorching, sun-filled summers–all while looking and feeling great.
In this blog post, we’ve listed a few of our favourite deck materials so that you can build the right deck for you!
Composite Decking
Although it’s one of the priciest options, composite decking is becoming a popular option for deck building due to its incredible durability.
Made from a mix of natural wood fibres and resin, composite decking is extremely long-lasting and resistant to weather and insect damage.
One of the main draws of composite decking is that it looks and feels like real wood but requires no staining or painting. It will also never splinter, rot, or warp.
Composite decking requires periodic light cleaning with soap and water to wash off any dirt or debris that can collect on the surface.
Cedar Decking
Cedar wood is well known for its beautiful grain, smooth texture, and rich colouring, making it a fan-favourite when building aesthetically pleasing decks and fences.
Cedar decking is priced mid-range and is much lighter, which makes it easier to work with and install.
One great thing about cedar decking is that cedar wood has a natural oil preservative that makes it resistant to both weather and insect decay.
To maintain a finished cedar deck, you’ll have to gently wash it with detergent and water once a year.
Pressure Treated Decking
Pressure treated lumber is one of the most common deck materials used because of its low cost and durability.
Unlike regular untreated wood, pressure treated wood is better protected against decay and insect damage, which is why it is such a popular option for building decks, gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor wooden structures.
Another great thing about pressure treated decking is that it can be stained or painted in any finish you want.
Decks built with pressure treated decking do require regular maintenance, though. To keep your pressure treated decking in top shape and to protect against moisture damage, your deck must be refinished with a water repellent and re-stained every one to three years.