When it comes to deck construction, the material you choose can make a huge difference. Upfront costs are important, but homeowners also need to consider maintenance expenses year-after-year.
From the modern durability of composite and PVC to the authentic beauty of natural wood, Shur-way Building Center has a variety of options for every style.
Pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated wood is the most popular and economical option for long-lasting decks. It’s treated with chemicals that make it resistant to rot, fungal decay, and insects. It is also stronger and more durable than untreated wood, making it less likely to splinter or be damaged by weather elements. Its durability makes it a good choice for areas with heavy foot traffic, or for decks that will be used for grilling or outdoor dining.
The chemical treatment of this type of lumber also makes it more water-resistant, which is ideal for outdoor environments. This is why it’s used for fencing, utility poles, and other outdoor structures that require resistance to moisture or soil. It’s a top choice for constructing decks and other outdoor spaces, especially in regions with harsh climate conditions like Utah.
While a wood deck is a great way to add value and comfort to your home, it’s important to understand that a long-lasting structure depends on proper maintenance. Regular cleaning, sealing, and inspections help you avoid major repairs and extend the lifespan of your deck. It is recommended that you hire a professional deck contractor to ensure your project is built to last and constructed using high-quality materials.
The best way to determine which construction material will suit your needs is to speak with a qualified deck builder and get samples and pictures of the materials you’re considering. They can evaluate your location, usage requirements, and budget to help you find a solution that will be the best fit for you.
Although they can be more expensive than pressure-treated wood, cedar and redwood are a better choice in terms of longevity. These types of wood are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, but they do need to be regularly sealed or stained to protect them from moisture and soil. If you’re looking for a maintenance-free alternative, metal is another option that is growing in popularity. It’s virtually indestructible and comes in a range of colors to match your aesthetic preferences. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor spaces that will be frequently exposed to sunlight, heat, and wind.
Cedar
The right deck material is crucial to the durability and appearance of your outdoor space. It impacts how much upkeep you’re willing to do, and it also affects how well your deck holds up to weather conditions like rain and seasonal temperature changes. Wood options like cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant, while composite materials hold up well to moisture and resist insect damage.
A cedar deck will retain its natural beauty for decades, providing an attractive aesthetic that complements a variety of architectural styles and landscapes. Its rich tones and fine grain are visually appealing, and it can be stained or painted to suit your preferences. Cedar has natural oils that protect it from rot and insect damage without chemical treatment, making it one of the longest-lasting wood decking choices.
However, it is important to note that cedar can develop mildew and mold if not properly sealed. Additionally, it can age unevenly, with shaded areas graying faster than sun-exposed spots. For these reasons, it is often best to stain cedar every 1-2 years to maintain its appearance.
In addition to its attractive aesthetic, a cedar deck has natural sound-dampening properties. This can make your backyard more enjoyable, especially if you live near a busy road or noisy neighbors. In addition, cedar has a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the overall ambiance of your backyard.
Unlike some other wood decking materials, cedar is biodegradable at the end of its life cycle. This can be beneficial for Oregon homeowners who want to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Many cedar suppliers follow responsible forestry practices to ensure the sustainability of the forest ecosystems from which they harvest their timber. Additionally, sourcing locally-produced cedar can reduce the carbon footprint of your project by minimizing transport costs.
Redwood
Redwood is a beautiful and natural option for decks, offering an elegant look that enhances any outdoor space. The wood is also naturally resistant to moisture and insects, making it an ideal choice for a long-lasting deck that requires minimal upkeep. It is sourced from forests with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which helps protect the environment and support local communities.
Unlike other materials, which require chemical treatments to protect them from the elements, Redwood is naturally durable and can last up to 2 or 3 times longer than traditional wood options. This makes it a wise investment for homeowners who want to add value to their home by building a deck or adding other hardscape features to their property.
When compared to pressure-treated wood, which can be damaged by termites and rot, Redwood is a much more resilient material. It’s also lighter in weight and easier to work with during deck construction, and carpenters can easily create intricate designs and details when working with this wood. In addition, the enduring strength of redwood means that it can be used to build structures with significant loads, such as pergolas or backyard playsets.
Like Cedar, redwood is a popular decking material in the Pacific Northwest because of its beauty and durability. It has a warm color and rich scent, and it is also resistant to rot and insect infestations. However, it does need periodic staining and sealing to maintain its appearance.
While wood decks aren’t for everyone, many people love the tactile warmth of real lumber and the satisfaction of a surface that can be sanded and refinished to match changing tastes. Fortunately, modern decking manufacturers have come a long way in the past few decades, and now offer many attractive wood-like alternatives that are low-maintenance and last just as long.
Whether you are looking to build a new deck or update an existing one, Shur-way Building Center can help you find the right material for your project. We offer a wide range of hardwoods and other premium decking products to suit your needs and budget. We also offer a variety of finishing options that can bring the ultimate elegance to any space. Contact us today to discuss your options and schedule a consultation with an expert.
PVC
Decks aren’t just for socializing or entertaining; they are essential features of your home that require regular maintenance to protect them from moisture, insects, and rot. Shur-way Building Center offers high-quality, durable materials that will keep your deck looking new for years to come. We also offer a wide range of accessories and structural hardware designed to keep your deck safe and secure.
Structural deck components like posts are built to support the frame of your deck and prevent it from sinking into the ground or heaving up from frost and thaw cycles. Posts can be made from weather and insect-resistant woods such as cedar and redwood or from pressure-treated lumber that has been treated with chemicals to prevent rot, mold, and mildew. Some decks use a post-and-beam construction, while others are constructed using a cantilever design where the joists extend past the beam. Decks that are built on a cantilever system must be supported by a strong beam, usually made from metal or concrete.
The lifespan of a deck depends on the type of material it is built from. Composite and PVC decking have one of the longest lifespans among available materials, offering homeowners a durable outdoor space that requires minimal maintenance. This type of decking resists moisture, rot, and insects, and it’s available in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any aesthetic.
Manufacturers now offer advanced embossing techniques that reproduce authentic wood grain patterns in remarkable detail, giving homeowners limitless options to create their ideal deck aesthetic. PVC planks are also lighter and more resistant to UV exposure than wood and other natural materials, so they won’t fade from sunlight.
While composite and PVC are a great choice for longevity, their upfront cost is higher than traditional wood options. However, over time the extra expense may be worth it to you if you value an attractive deck that will provide years of functional enjoyment for your family. A well-maintained deck is also an asset to your home’s resale value, so it’s important to choose the best materials to keep it beautiful and dependable for years to come.