Ready for a new deck? Not sure about the best decking material to use? Whether you want to replace your old one or build a new one, this guide will help you choose the right material. We’ll help you find the best deck materials to use that will resist the lengthy rain season that we have in the Pacific Northwest.
What do you need to consider when choosing deck materials?
When choosing materials for your deck, you have four things to consider: aesthetics, maintenance, climate, and cost. If you’re planning to DIY, then you’ll also want to consider how easy it is to install.
1. Aesthetics
Paver patios & decks are often the most aesthetically pleasing. Natural wood is better than composite as long as it is stained or sealed every 3-5 years.
2. Maintenance
For a low-maintenance solution, pavers are the best choice. They are easy to care for and have a longer life. They will not rot and you won’t get splinters when handling them.
Also note that if you have large pets, their claws may scratch your wooden deck.
3. Climate
With our long rainy season here in Maple Valley, you’ll need a water resistant deck to survive our wet weather.
Depending on the material, there are different solutions to handle this. For wood decking, you’ll need a sealer or oil stain to repel water. For composite decking, you’ll want a fully capped solution. And you can’t go wrong with pavers.
4. Cost
When considering pavers, wood, composite, or PVC decks, upfront costs is only half of the cost calculation. You also have to consider lifespan (replacement cost) and ongoing maintenance costs.
Fully Capped Composite: the inner core is also made with recycled wood and plastics that provides provides good resistance to the rain. It also protects against stains, fading, scratching, and warping better than non-capped materials.
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What are the different materials for decks?
Paving Stones
Patio pavers are typically made from durable materials such as concrete, brick, or natural stone, making them able to withstand heavy foot traffic, weather elements, and other outdoor conditions.
Paving Stones
Pros
- Long lasting
- Easy to repair if a single stone is damaged
- Typically textured for better grip than wood
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Typically more expensive than wood decks
Need help installing your deck?
Wood Decks
Wood decks appeal to many homeowners for their natural beauty. Moreover, they are easier to install and the cost of wood decks can be less expensive upfront. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of each.
Pressure-treated wood
Pros
- Most popular
- Chemically treated to withstand rot, mold, and insects
- Low price point
- Available everywhere
- Easy to fasten
Cons
- Lower grade pressure-treated wood are susceptible to cracks and warps
Cedar
Pros
- Beautiful color
- Widely available in US
- Lightweight and strong
- Contains natural tannins, resistant to rot and insects
Cons
- Can be costly depending on the grade
Redwood
Pros
- Natural tannins, resistant to rot and insects
- Lightweight and strong
- Stunning color
Cons
- Not easily available
- Costs more
- Needs power washing each year
- Needs coat finish every 3-4 years
Tropical hardwood (ipe / ironwood)
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Grainy, hard and durable
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects
Cons
- Costly and not easily renewable
- May not accept stains or finishes well
- Needs UV blocking clear wood preservative every 3-4 years
Looking for a contractor to install your deck?
Alternatives to Wood Decks
For a solution that is more durable and easy to maintain, consider composite, vinyl and concrete decking.
Composite decking
Pro
- Made primarily from wood fibers and recycled plastics so it won’t warp or splinter
- Durable
- Resistant to rot and insects
Cons
- Mold and mildew can grow on damp spaces
- May decay
- Can be pricey
Vinyl ( a.k.a “PVC” / polyvinylchloride)
Pros
- Fully recyclable
- Resistant to insect and rot
Cons
- Can get hot in the sun
- Expansion/contraction may loosen fasteners
Concrete
Pros
- Versatile and practical
- Chic and modern
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May provide less character
- Can get hot in the sun
Don’t forget about maintenance!
- Sweep away water, leaves and other debris regularly
- Clean the deck thoroughly once a year
- Use a deck cleaning solution that’s appropriate for your deck to kill mold and bacteria
- Sand and seal your wood decks every one or two years
For Landscape Maintenance
When should you hire a deck contractor?
If you don’t have the time or skills to build a deck, it’s best to leave it to an expert. Some other reasons why you might want to hire a deck contractor include:
- You have a tricky site
- You want to build or repair large structures
- You want a professional to help you navigate the permit process
- You want your landscape redesigned at the same time
Contact Valley Property Services for a quote for professional deck building. Call us at (425) 221-8685 today!
FAQ
Do landscapers install decks?
How much does it cost to repair or build a deck?
Conclusion
When looking for the best deck for you, think about what you want from your deck. Is natural beauty or low maintenance more important?
You may want to make this a DIY project but if the project is complex and you don’t have the skills or time, hire an expert! Valley Property Services has over 25 years of experience in commercial and residential landscapes. We can help you design and build your new deck!
Call us today at (425) 221-8685 or contact us using the form below.
Areas We Serve
- King County
- Pierce County
- and surrounding areas!
