How To Choose Deck Materials

Investigate different materials. Wood is still the most common deck material, but all types have their pros and cons.

• Wood. While still the popular choice, wood does require annual maintenance and is susceptible to rot, warping, and splintering. There are several different types of wood to choose from, each with its own aesthetic quality.
• Composite deck materials are a combination of plastic and waste wood products. They will not rot or splinter and need not be stained or painted. They do require regular cleaning to prevent mildew and expand and contract more than wood due to changes in weather. It is important to install composite materials according to manufacturer instructions. Composite decking is fashioned to have several different textures that look like wood.
• Plastic. Plastic decking requires almost no maintenance. It does not have any of the weaknesses of wood and, to a lesser degree, composite materials. These decks have rather complex fastening systems so that material can move with the weather. You also lose the look and feel of wood. Plastic decks tend to squeak when walked on.

Analyze your budget. With the many choices in deck materials comes a wide range of prices. The classic choice, pressure-treated lumber, will likely be the cheapest. Other woods, such as cedar and redwood, are inherently resistant to rot, but also higher in price. Composite and plastic materials will be more expensive, ranging in price from two to three dollars per linear foot.

The size of your deck is an important consideration here. On the plus side, you probably have a good idea of how much you'd like to spend and, with the many choices available, it shouldn't be hard to find a material in your range. 

Think long term. Perhaps your budget decided for you, but the odds are you will still have several choices in your price range. Now you should consider your lifestyle, abilities, needs, and wants. Wood decks will likely have the lower price tag but require more regular maintenance. Composite and plastic decks have a higher average cost but need much less maintenance. Are you likely to keep up on maintenance? Do you have to? It is important to think long term when choosing your deck material. A wood deck might be cheaper now, but if it gets to rotting, serious repairs and even replacement may be necessary later on and you could end up spending a lot more in the long run than you could have spent now on a composite or plastic deck.