Know Your Deck, Porch, Patio Cover Materials  

Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood is the most common wood decking material because it is cheapest and it last for about 15 years. This economical wooden decking is typically made from pine and is easy to find at your local lumber yard. The chemicals used to treat this wood make it resistant to fungus, decay, rot and termites. The wood can splinter if it is not maintained. It is recommended that stainless steel deck fasteners be used because the chemicals used to treat the wood are highly corrosive. Because this treated wood contains such toxic chemicals, contractors should use gloves and a mask when they are cutting and installing this material and the remnants should never be burned. Pressure treated pine has a greenish tinge that goes to a yellow-brown before weathering to gray. This decking can be painted or stained and sealed.

Cedar and Redwood Decking

Redwood and cedar decking are natural defenders against insects and rot. Sun fades untreated cedar and redwood to a silver gray. To prevent the wood from fading the decking needs to be stained and sealed, or just sealed with a sun blocking finish. This durable decking should last up to twenty years if it is well cared for.

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Mahogany and Ipé Decking

Mahogany and Ipé are expensive hardwoods that have a strong resistance to insects and rot. Untreated these dark brown and amber to dark brown woods will also weather to gray. Sealing the wood is recommended to preserve its color and natural beauty. These hardwoods are more difficult to install as pre-drilling is required. These woods are graded according to their strength and appearance.

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Composite Decking

Composite decking is comprised of plastic and wood fibers. Polyethylene plastic and wood fiber deck boards are made up of half wood fibers, like sawdust, and half recycled polyethylene plastic. Polypropylene plastic and wood fiber decking is composed of small particles of wood, almost like a flour and hard plastic. This decking is low decking and slip resistant. Decks with composite decking can even be installed in a rounded or curved pattern, which adds many design possibilities to a deck. Composite deck boards are generally pressed with a pattern or a wood grain and come in a wide range of shades and colors.

There are a great number of manufactures of composite decking that have a number of lines to choose from. These manufactures have made advances in their technology to minimize fading and molding. Talk to a skilled deck contractor that uses composite decking so you will know what to expect from this product.

Plastic Lumber

High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic lumber is made primarily from recycled materials. This wood free product promises not to stain or fade and is waterproof. It is also splinter-free and low maintenance, needing only to be cleaned periodically. The complex fastening systems are best installed by a skilled deck builder. The look and feel of plastic lumber is not like wood. Additionally, plastic lumber decks tend to squeak when they are walked on. This product is substantially more expensive than wood. There are structurally rated plastic lumber products such as joists, posts and beams that are available for deck construction.
Reinforced plastic lumber has plastic mixed with glass fiber.

Vinyl Decking

Vinyl decking is a solid surface decking made from synthetic materials. A professionally installed vinyl deck is waterproof and its membrane system can last for up to 20 years when it is properly cared for.

Choosing a Deck Material

When you are selecting a deck material from your home think about how much maintenance will be required and whether or not that would suit you. Consider which decking would best match your home's design and architecture. Think too about how long the decking will last and how it will look as it weathers. Make sure you buy decking that is ADA approved.

When deciding on a deck color take into consideration what would match or harmonize with the current color scheme for your home's exterior. Keep in mind as well that dark colors can get very hot underfoot and white tends to create a glare. Of course, there are always flip flops and sun glasses.

If your need to have some deck repair or deck remodeling done it is best to get the same product that was originally installed on your deck, or something very similar. Texas Construction Remodeling Decks can repair your deck , patio, arbor, gazebo, pergola, patio or porch cover.

Hire Professional Deck Builders

Besides maintenance and the quality of materials, decks must be properly installed for safety and longevity. Our pro deck builders can help you with your new deck project, whether you are replacing an old deck or installing a brand new deck!  Let the professionals build your dream deck, covered patio, or outdoor living space.  Texas Construction-Remodeling-Decks provides peace of mind and results you will enjoy for many years.  Our Expert staff will provide creative deck or patio designs and plans, and our project management team will work to plan and schedule every step of your project smoothly on time.

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