When you envision a deck, you likely think of a beautifully stained wood structure with meticulously placed planks. While wood is the most conventional material, deck construction is evolving. Now, there are other materials that offer homeowners a more budget-friendly option for deck installation. Additionally, a new deck in a different material can add exciting visual appeal to your home design.

Learn about the different types of deck-building materials to help you find the perfect match for your new home improvement project.

Concrete

Concrete is a durable and affordable deck material that can last longer and withstand more water exposure than wood. Concrete only gets stronger over time, making it a permanent option with minimal maintenance requirements.

You can still stain and customize concrete decks with a wide range of colors and finishes. But they are more affordable to install, require less maintenance and work in a variety of versatile designs.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC decks are wood-free. Made from recycled polymers, PVC deck boards can look like real wood, but they are much more lightweight and moisture-resistant. A PVC deck can last up to 50 years without experiencing any major issues. You won’t have to worry about the material rotting, and it’s naturally impervious to weather conditions.

One downside of PVC decks is that they are sensitive to sun exposure. Over time, they may experience UV damage that leads to cracks. For this reason, it’s advisable to build a PVC deck with adequate shade, either through trees surrounding the deck or umbrellas or pergolas.

Composite

A composite deck material combines plastic and wood fibers to create a durable, low-maintenance solution. Uncapped composite decks are made from 50% plastic and 50% wood fibers; capped composite decks also have a protective capping made from polymers that offer additional protection against water and the sun.

Composite decks help strengthen the boards against the elements, but uncapped composite has a higher chance of being damaged by water.

Since composite decks still contain wood, they aren’t maintenance-free, but their unique plastic blend makes them less sensitive to water and sun damage than 100% wood boards.

Are Real Wood Decks the Best Choice?

You have to consider factors like your budget and maintenance preferences when deciding on decking material. In many cases, a wood deck can be a wonderful home investment that lasts up to 30 years with proper care. You should also consider the return on investment you’ll receive through increased property value; real wood decks are more expensive and valuable than non-wood ones.

That being said, be sure to consider the annual maintenance costs of different types of wood. Exotic woods are more costly and require additional care. So, it’s better to go with a more common wood that’s more affordable to install, easier to treat and capable of withstanding the elements.

Build an Outdoor Oasis

Homeowners looking to expand their property with a deck or patio can contact the pros at SH Renovations in Norman, OK, for professional design and installation services.