If there is a more challenging working part of a home’s outdoor space than a deck, we haven’t found it. A deck can be many things depending on the occasion, kitchen, dining room, living room, or sometimes all of these at once. And a space that will get so much use better be able to stand up to it. And that is not even mentioning the rigors of exposure to the elements 365 days a year a deck experiences. So, what are the best decking materials for harsh environments and bad weather?
Homeowners considering a deck in harsh elements should focus construction on durable components such as composite materials and metal. In some instances, wood decks and a mixture of materials may be most suitable. Be sure to consult local deck-building professionals to get insight into what your local conditions require.
Are you ready to build a deck of your own, but you still aren’t sure which materials might suit your conditions? Then, stick around, as we will detail all the advantages and disadvantages of all the most popular decking materials below. With a little more knowledge, you’ll enjoy your private patio in no time.
Do Your Homework Ahead of Time
The type of deck material most suitable for your needs will be primarily influenced by the kind of weather your deck is likely to experience in a given year. For example, a deck that bakes in the hot desert sun of Phoenix, Arizona, will face many different conditions than one residing in Reading, Pennsylvania. That is why it is so important to find professionals familiar with your local requirements. Again, take the previous example; if you’re in Reading, it is crucial to find deck builders in Berks County, PA, who will know precisely what materials stand up to the challenging Pennsylvania winters.
Wood Decks
Wood gets a bad rap when it comes to its durability. Still, wood can be just as durable a material as any on this list when adequately maintained. The key is to preserve the organic material by keeping up with staining, washing, and other routine care.
Wood decks have many advantages. They generally can be less expensive to build, and many homeowners prefer the look that using natural wood can provide a deck. However, if there is one glaring disadvantage of using wood, it is less durable, primarily if not correctly maintained. For example, homeowners may have to re-stain a wood deck annually depending on the stain being used. (Some colors need to be applied less often, typically every two to three years.) So, if you’re looking for a “build it and forget it” type of deck, wood may not be the material for you.
Composite Materials
Not sure about a wood deck's maintenance, but options can help reinforce and strengthen it. The composite materials used in decking are typically a mix of wood and plastic that has been pressure treated for added durability. The most popular wood composite is MDF (medium-density fiberboard and wood-cement composites).
The advantages of using composite materials are the added durability and general lack of maintenance that they require. The main disadvantage of using composite materials is that (although significant advances have been made) they generally still cannot provide a perfect facsimile of the natural wood look.
Metal Decks
If you want a deck that can last a lifetime, metal may be the way to go. Because of their durability, metal decks are often mixed with other materials.
The only time a metal deck may not be ideal is if your deck area will be exposed to the high heat of the sun. Think of burning yourself on a metal slide as a kid. This happens because metal will absorb and retain heat. The result is a deck that can burn skin on a hot summer’s day. However, there are ways that aprofessional deck builder can help minimize this risk during construction. Another way to make a metal deck more manageable is to mix it with other materials like tile or concrete.
Deck Tiles
Deck tiles are modular systems that can easily be placed on an existing deck to spruce up its looks. They are less expensive than building an entire deck from scratch and can help homeowners switch materials, like covering concrete with composite wood. And they can often be done in an afternoon.
Mixture of Materials
Finally, if one material doesn’t grab you, feel free to mix and match for a unique look that will make your deck stand out. Homeowners should feel free to mix concrete with wood, composite materials with metals, and porcelain with plywood. When it comes to building a hardy deck, the choices for materials are nearly endless.
When creating your dream deck, just remember to use materials that suit your location. Doing so is crucial to the long-term durability of any deck. As long as you keep the extremes of winter and summer in mind, you’ll be well on your way. If you can get the deck construction right, you’re sure to have an outdoor oasis that your family will enjoy for years to come!
