Expert Decking Installers Serving Central Pennsylvania Homeowners

Additionally, pressure-treated wood is generally very easy to work with and install. Also, this wood is versatile in the sense that if you don’t like the natural hue of it, you can stain it and make it more visually appealing to suit your own tastes. Pressure-treated wood does require regular maintenance but with persistent care you can extend the lifespan of your deck. This wood is also quite affordable, generally available around $3-$6 per square foot. It’s important to note that there are different grades of treated wood available at different prices which can impact your decision. However, if longevity is your goal, then go with a higher grade for your pressure-treated deck. It may be a bit more expensive but inexpensive wood is often full of moisture and as a result will shrink unevenly when it dries. It’s recommended that you consider “choice”, “premium”, or “select” treated boards. You’ll pay more for these higher-grade choices but you’ll get 40% more per linear foot and these pressure-treated woods have less tendency to warp.

Composite Deck

Composite decks are made up of a combination of different materials. That being said, there are many different types of composite decking. Most composite decks are a combination of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood, but some products use rice hulls, high-density polyethylene, and other various materials. Composite decks are actually incredibly environmentally friendly as many manufacturers use recycled materials to create these decks.

Some brands even use up to 95% recycled materials that have no impact on the performance of the deck. When it comes to these decks, you’ll find that they have many benefits including how well they can stand up to environmental conditions. Composite also comes in a wide range of colors and is known for being extremely scratch resistant.

The cost of composite decking varies widely – as much as $5 to $13 per square foot. You’ve probably noted that composite materials are more expensive than pressure-treated wood. However, unlike pressure-treated decks, composite decks are very low-maintenance and don’t require much care. In the long-run, pressure-treated decks take more effort and expense to preserve it. Composite decks need only a periodic wash and yet are still one of the most durable decking materials.

Given that composite decks are made of a wide variety of materials, it’s debatable as to what the best type of composite decking is. Still, one of the most popular choices for decking boards are capped composite boards. Capped composite decking boards have a combination of wood and plastic comprising their core. These boards are then “capped” or coated with a sturdy polymer. This protective shell protects the wood inside the composite from elements such as mold, mildew, and rot. Because of this, capped composite decking is especially renowned for its durability.