A deck undoubtedly is an important component of your property's exterior, which ultimately helps you enjoy outdoor activities at the fullest. In the era of endless choices, homeowners are left to make a decision about what materials to choose, with options from a variety of solid woods, plastic or composite decks. We will provide information about the benefits and drawbacks of these materials which homeowners need to take into consideration before going forward with deck construction for your home.

SOLID WOOD DECKS

A quick rundown on the distinctive characteristics

A deck made up of solid wood boards is constructed using a wide variety of timber options such as teak, Brazilian teak, Mahogany, Ipe, redwood, cedar, and other kinds of hardwoods. Going for recycled planks is also a popular choice for recycling-conscious buyers. It is an undeniable fact that a solid wood deck offers the most authentic presentation of grains and colours compared to that of plastic deck and composite deck. This characteristic of solid wood has authenticity and aesthetic appeal that is long-lasting, and also adds substantial value to your home.

How can it benefit me?

Besides the distinction of being the most natural material among the three, solid wood deck boards can be laid in attractive angles, adding character to your decking surface. In climates with considerably intense summers, using solid wood for your deck is highly recommended by professionals because of their heat resistance, which is superior compared to that of plastic deck and composite deck. Solid wood decking remains relatively comfortable underfoot, while most composites and plastics can get so hot you can't walk on them barefoot on a hot day. Another consideration is the color of the decking materials. Solid woods with lighter colours hold less heat than darker colors, such as teak or tiger teak.

Depending on your visual preference, you can leave your solid wood deck finished or unfinished. Mold spots may develop, and it's easier to treat them on solid wood decks, as opposed to composite and plastic decking. Choosing solid wood over artificial materials also means you can sand and refinish the decking repeatedly throughout its lifetime, depending on the type of woods you choose.

In general, wood costs less than composites, making it an economical choice that comes in an attractive and natural appearance. On the other hand, multiple variables will make up of your expense list, such as the size of your deck, hiring high-end professional contractors, your location, the type of wood used, and so on.

One can argue that having wood decking boards will add up the number of trees cut down. However, for the sake of environmental protection and best growth rates in the forestry field, recently there is an increase in man-made forests which have emerged and these use responsible and sustainable practices governing growth and harvesting, making wood decks eco-friendly for homeowners.

More specifically, let's look at teak, as it epitomizes the beauty and advantages of solid hardwood decking. Matured teak wood contains a signature component called teak heartwood, the colour of which is dark golden yellow and turns to a darker brown upon exposure. Teak has this amazing natural oil content that works as a safeguard to humid conditions, which translates into a limited susceptibility to expansion and shrinkage. A teak deck will be worry-free as it is proven to be rot resistant because of this natural oil content. With proper maintenance throughout its lifetime, a teak deck can last for generations. Depending on your color preference, you can choose to stain your teak decking boards. On the other hand, if you are fond of the natural presentation of teak wood, you can leave it as is or apply a clear finish. The exceptional traits of this tropical wood also makes it a popular choice as teak flooring.

What are the drawbacks I should be aware of?

When it comes to care and maintenance, a solid wood deck requires greater devotion from homeowners compared to synthetic decks. To maintain its appeal, periodic sealing and staining every few years will work to prevent rot, discolouration, and fading.

PLASTIC DECKS

A quick rundown on the distinctive characteristics

While wood remains the king of traditional decking, current architectural options include plastic decking, aka polyvinylchloride (PVC). A plastic deck is often made of 100% recycled materials (some is made from new plastic as well), and doesn't contain wood fibers or fillers.

Both PVC and composite decking are developed to mimic the aesthetic appearance of wood decking. However, a plastic deck tends to have a uniform, more synthetic appearance in comparison to the presentation of composite decking which is manufactured to have more realistic wood-grains and natural colours. Then again, both are mere imitations of traditional solid wood decks, which surpass all synthetics in terms of authenticity and inherent worth.

How can it benefit me?

PVC decks are well-known for their uniform colour and exceptional moisture resistance. There is no need for finishing, and it's rare that problems regarding splintering or cracking will come up on your list.

Because it is mostly produced from recycled plastic, this type of decking offers more sizes than other decking options. Environmentally-concerned homeowners go for plastic decks as a way to support recycling and a responsible way to make good use of this material. A plastic deck is also reported to have a better fade resistance than a composite deck.

What are the drawbacks I should be aware of?

A plastic deck requires a strict installation plan adhering to manufacturer's instructions. The reason is that plastic boards don't have much flexibility and they require special tools to bend them into place.

Despite its reported stain and fade resistance, plastic boards for your deck are not recommended if you live in tropical climate with hot summers. As mentioned earlier, composite decks perform poorly when it comes to resisting heat. Compared to solid wood decking, a plastic deck will more likely expand and contract in certain climates. Plastic decks' joints are likely to loosen up over time which leads to an unstable deck structure.

Plastic decks can be significantly more expensive than solid wood decks due to the facts that the materials cost more, and the process of building up the structure is more involved and extensive compared to that of solid wood decks.

The idea of using recycled plastic for apparent environmental causes that benefit our lifestyle and its recyclable qualities is appealing, however, the components of plastic decking inherently pose a problem.

COMPOSITE DECKS

A quick rundown on the distinctive characteristics

The nature of composite decks is similar to that of plastic decks as they are both recycled materials. The difference is that this material is often a composite of recycled plastic, such as polyethylene and/or polyvinyl chloride, and bamboo fibers, woodchips or sawdust, making the material an apparent environmentally conscious option.

The visual presentation of composite decks more closely resemble woods than plastic decks. Composite boards are better at displaying the realistic look of wood, so manufacturers can add imitation grains and coloring to the molds in which the planks are formed.

Composite decks come in a multitude of wood-like, natural-looking colors and thicknesses that will add character to your outdoor décor. The boards might be hollow or solid. Keep in mind that solid composite boards are usually more expensive than hollow composite boards. On the other hand, hollow boards are not as susceptible to expansion and contraction as solid boards, however they do shift.

How can it benefit me?

Composite deck requires the least amount of maintenance, so if this is the ideal material if you like to save time on home maintenance work. Maintenance is generally limited to spraying the deck with a hose once in a while to remove most dirt and grime. You can add soap if needed.

Newer technology delivers composite boards in desired colours all the way through the material, instead of a surface coating, which means scratches are not noticeable. Composite decks are reported to be resistant to stains and perform well against mold.

What are the drawbacks I should be aware of?

Despite several environmental claims that the manufacturing of composite decking has made, its environmentally-friendly characteristic, the fact remains that composite decks are not sustainable on installation and end-of-life aspect. Because of its combination of compostable biological component (wood) and recyclable industrial material (plastic), you end up with a material that is neither compostable nor recyclable.

In other words, the plastic lumber dust is not biodegradable. Moreover, the sawdust generated during construction is nearly impossible to collect, and this dust can harm your respiratory system.

The intricate technology behind composite decks makes the materials considerably more expensive than solid wood decks. When damaged, the composite planks need to be replaced. Sanding and refinishing available for wood decking is not an option for the composite decking.

WHAT'S NEXT IN BUILDING YOUR DECK?

When choosing a decking material, keep in mind of the variables of climate in your area, your budget, how your deck would acclimatize with the surrounding area, how much time and resources you will have for maintenance, your aesthetic tastes, among the most important.

If spending on a smaller budget for an authentic look, smell and feel of real wood, with flexible refinishing and sanding is your preference, stick to traditional solid wood decking. If you don't mind spending extra money for a low maintenance, relatively eco-friendly wood-imitation product, go for plastic or composite decks.

Do your homework on the contractor first so that you can hire an experienced and trustworthy professional, who has the capabilities to construct an outside space for your long-term quality investment and enjoyment.