Summer, autumn or winter, the deck can be a wonderful place to find some “me-time”, and, hold fun gatherings. Add some lighting to your deck, and it can be one of the best places to hold night parties, or that romantic rendezvous. In your excitement, do not forget about the major aspects of deck building! You need to decide on the design and the material.
Companies offer various options, like decking timber in Auckland and other cities. Whether you are re-building or installing a new one, you need the expertise and experience of deck builders to build you a strong and breath-taking deck.
- What are the Usual Decking Materials Used for Deck Building?
You need to understand that it is essential, to decide on the type of material to be used. How do you decide on the material, there are many? The basic categories are wood and composite, but in wood you have many options. Here are the pros and cons of each material, to help you decide:
Redwood & Cedar:
These are one of the most popular options for decks, when owners opt for timber and wood. The pros and cons are:
Pros:
The natural beauty is truly alluring and attractive.
It has a rich colour, which is inherent of this kind of wood.
The wood is resistant to all kinds of decay and rot.
The natural oils and tannins help form a protective layer (from insects and bugs) over the wood surface.
Cons:
The natural beauty does not come at low price, right? It is a bit more costly than other decking materials.
Under strenuous conditions, it is prone to cracking and/or splitting.
Pressure Treated Lumber (PT Lumber):
This kind of lumber is created with chemical treatment of southern yellow pine trees. Nowadays, it is a common decking material. Here are, its pros and cons:
Pros:
Pressure and chemical treatment saves it from rot, fungus and attack of insects.
It is quite cost-effective, in comparison to most decking materials.
Cons:
This material does not look as good as other decking materials and hence, does not add to the aesthetics of the property.
It is also prone to cracking, splitting and warping.
Post drying, the wood might shrink unevenly and twist.
This kind of wood has a high maintenance cost.
Tropical Hardwoods:
The woods that are used under this category include tigerwood, cumaru, massaranduba, ipe, garapa, and cambara to name some. The pros and cons of using this kind of wood, includes:
Pros:
The colour offers this kind of wood a rich and unique look. The best part, it is all natural!
Similar to all kinds of natural wood, it is resistant to rot and insect attack.
To top it all off, the wood is hard and durable.
Cons:
Highly dense type of wood and hence, cutting into planks is a difficult job.
The prices are a bit more in comparison to PT lumber.
This kind of wood does not take on stains too well. You need to use an oil-based penetrating stain to ensure a uniform and beautiful look
Composites:
This kind of wood is created with wood fibres and recycled plastic (a greener option). The pros and cons include:
Pros:
Content of recycled plastic, makes it resistant to weather, cracks, splitting, stains and rotting.
A large variety of colours is available for this kind of wood, as it is man-made.
Handrails and other decorative pieces can be carved from this kind of wood to match your deck.
The best part is that there will be no wastage! You can use every inch of the wood for some job.
Cons:
It is perhaps the most expensive, among the lot of decking materials, but the maintenance is low. This makes up for the initial high cost.
Now, you are equipped with all the information! Have a chat with the deck builders, and find out, which is the best option for your dream deck. If, you have researched all the builders, then you must have found a reputed dealer, which ensures that you will get the best advice. Start building your deck, and enjoy the sounds and views of all the seasons from this paradise within your home!
