7 Types of Decking

A Guide to the Most Common Types of Decks It’s also easy to find, cut, and work with, although precautions, such as a mask, must be taken while sawing or drilling to avoid inhalation of chemicals. In addition, scraps should not be burned to avoid releasing chemical vapors. Also called vinyldecking, PVC decking boards are a popular synthetic choice for busy spaces where pets and kids spend time. Unlike composite decking, vinyl decking is entirely synthetic and doesn’t include any wood material. With proper planning and construction, decks can transform a property into an inviting and functional oasis. Did you know you can ensure the space under your deck stays dry, or even waterproof your decking boards? There are many common types of defects when it comes to wood decking, such as dead knots, shakes, twists and wanes. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking is the new kid on the block and rapidly gaining favor as a material that is as close to maintenance-free as decking will ever be. Premium varieties have a cellular core wrapped with an exterior layer of solid PVC and come with a 25-year warranty. Rooftop decks aren’t only for city apartments and hotels anymore.

Jump into this comprehensive guide to discover the best composite decking profiles.Often made from southern pine, a wood variety known for its load-bearing strength and durability, pressure treated materials can be the best wood for decking in high-traffic spaces.Redwood is a tight-grained wood that’s red to dark red in color.A deck not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also provides an ideal place for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.Proper drainage solutions will also need to be implemented to prevent water damage and erosion.

Redwood and Cedar

It closely resembles the natural beauty of wood, but requires less maintenance and is built to resist rot, mildew, and insect infestation. Decks vary in placement and location, as well as building code requirements, which can influence a deck's size, height, and features. The easiest way to classify decks is by the material used in the construction. The material determines the deck's durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. Composite decking looks a lot like naturalwood and comes in a wide variety of colors. Choose from our in-stock or custom composite decking boards, which both come with extended warranties against cracking, splitting, fading and more. If you prefer a natural look, cedar is one of the best decking materials on the market. It adjusts to moisture in the air around it, making it less likely to warp or crack during colder temperatures. A composite deck is a thin, profiled steel sheet designed to provide extra strength for flooring systems without adding too much weight. There are various types of metal floor decks, each with different uses. Metal decking combined with a concrete slab and a steel frame forms a lightweight, cost-effective floor construction that doesn’t require props. As a general understanding, metal decking has nothing to do with your backyard deck.

Concrete

There are so many varieties of decking material that it’s difficult to know which one is best. No matter what kind of composite decking you choose, pay close attention to the warranty details and the installation instructions. These details make a big difference in the longevity and quality of your deck. A deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground is required to have a guard around the perimeter to keep people from falling from the deck.

Pros and Cons of Composite Decking

These dense woods can last up to 25 years and are naturally resistant to insects and decay. Using high-quality, pressure-treated wood can also reduce the occurrence. To extend the usability of your deck into cooler seasons, consider outdoor heaters or a fire pit. Soon, the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available. Cellular PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, containing no wood fibers. This material offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and UV rays. The deck construction process involves careful planning, site preparation, framing, decking installation, and finishing touches. It’s essential to engage experienced professionals or consult with experts to ensure the proper execution of each step. Both PVC and composite materials can be a great alternative to traditional wood decking. Learn the pros and cons of each material with our full comparison. The wood is structurally stable and available in grades from select — which means no knots or blemishes — to knotty. Lumber expert Josh Kou recommends heartwood common (con heart), a grade midway between select and knotty. A built-in grill or outdoor kitchen can turn your deck into the perfect space for entertaining. In addition to getting your deck checked regularly, you should also clean your deck annually and apply a water-repellent sealer every two to three years. Composite and PVC decks may require less frequent https://files.fm/f/ar6fjp5ah6 cleaning overall.