Discover the pros and cons of the most common deck materials.

For many homeowners, a deck is a must-have extension of their living space. Whether it’s a simple place to relax and enjoy the outdoors or an elaborate design with extras like fireplaces, pergolas and privacy fences, a key component of every deck is the choice of building materials. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of the most common decking materials.

Pressure-treated lumber

Pressure-treated pine lumber is one of the most popular deck materials for several reasons. It won’t break your budget, it’s easy to stain any color you like and it’s durable when properly maintained.

The biggest drawback of this product is that it’s not as stable as other materials. Exposure to sunlight, water and cold may result in decking boards that warp, swell or shrink. In practice, this means you may have to replace some pressure-treated boards over the life of the deck as they experience problems.

If you choose pressure-treated lumber, plan on staining or applying wood preservative every other year.

Cedar

A cedar deck will cost a bit more than one built with pine, but it comes with some advantages. For starters, it’s more stable—cedar expands very little when exposed to the elements and won’t crack or twist. It’s also more resistant to rot and insects.

Some folks don’t prefer cedar for the same reason they don’t prefer pressure-treated pine lumber: ongoing maintenance. To prolong the life of the deck, you will need to seal it every few years.

Redwood

To see redwood is to love it for its natural variations in color. Over time, redwood takes on a deeper warmth that many people desire. Additionally, its tannins make it resistant to threats such as fire and insects. If that’s not enough to make redwood an attractive option, consider that it’s environmentally friendly when harvested from new growth trees in sustainably managed forests.

Redwood is a durable option that will cost more than pine or cedar decking but less than composite materials. Despite its natural ability to resist insects and rot, it requires periodic cleaning and sealing.

Tropical hardwoods

For a deck of distinction and longevity, consider a tropical hardwood. One variety, ipe, is harder than teak and its natural properties deter insects and rot. Tigerwood, massaranduba, also known as Brazilian Redwood, and cumaru sometimes called Brazilian Teak and Tonka, are other varieties that are also ideal for decks.

You can let tropical hardwoods age to a natural gray patina or oil it to enhance the color and grain.

The beauty of tropical hardwoods comes at a price–typically twice the price of pressure-treated lumber. Also, the hardness of these woods make them more difficult to cut than softer woods. If you DIY your deck, keep in mind that you may need carbide tipped drill bits and saw blades.

Vinyl decking

With vinyl decking, you avoid problems that arise with wood products, specifically, insects and rot.

Vinyl deck materials also come in many colors and patterns that mimic the look of wood and the only maintenance needed is cleaning. Additionally, vinyl is easy to work with and has a long life span.

Some folks don’t like vinyl because it can oxidize and leave the deck with a chalky look. However, specialty cleaners are available to revitalize a chalky vinyl deck.

Also, some localities or HOAs don’t allow vinyl decks, so be sure to check local rules before you opt for a vinyl deck.

Composite deck materials

Composites provide a long-lived, stable deck surface without the hassle of staining or replacing boards that have split or warped. They come in many colors making it easy to create a deck that complements your home.

Many homeowners choose composite decking because of its durability, resistance to scratches and mold and overall low maintenance, Once installed, it only requires cleaning as needed.

Composites aren’t as budget friendly as pressure-treated lumber and can cost up to 20% more than pine. Another challenge to selecting a composite is that there are multiple manufacturers, each with their composite and warranties on fading and staining.

Final tips

When selecting a deck material, evaluate the up-front costs of the materials as well as the ongoing maintenance costs and the expected life of the material.

If you plan to stay in your home a long time, it may be worthwhile to invest in a custom deck that adds more living space and meets your family’s specific needs.

According to the Remodeling Calculator, the average construction cost of a new deck is $4,270. Typically when selling, homeowners can regain up to 70% of the overall cost of the new deck.

A common way to finance a deck is with a home equity loan or a personal loan. At Consumers we offer both!

Consumers helps thousands of members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800.991.2221.

*All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions.