The Ultimate Guide to Decking Material

Are you looking for the ultimate decking material comparison for your East Tennessee wood deck? Are you having difficulty narrowing in on the best real wood decking material to choose?

At Green Home Installations we know that making the correct material selection for your deck project can be difficult. This is why we have created the ultimate deck material comparison for you.

If you have spent any time researching deck materials, you have probably asked yourself the following questions:

• Do you spend more money on composite decking material and reduce your yearly maintenance costs?
• Do you save money during the initial build with pressure treated wood knowing you will have annual maintenance?
• What is the best material for the humid climate that we live in?
• Which material will give me the best bang for the buck over time?

Whatever decking materials you choose for your deck, make sure to do your research and talk to a professional before making a final decision. The wrong decision can be extremely expensive, but the right choice can bring you years of joy.

Luckily, Green Home Installations can help you choose the best decking materials for your deck. With decades of combined experience, we have the knowledge to guide you in your decision and the experience to be one of the best deck builders in East Tennessee.

If you are looking for a top-notch contractor to nail your next project give us a call. We can install your deck properly, the first time and on time, so you can enjoy your new outdoor living space for years to come.

What should you consider when choosing decking material in East Tennessee?

When researching the best decking materials, there are a few things questions you should ask yourself:

How will the weather in East Tennessee affect a deck?

East Tennessee experiences four distinct seasons, and each season brings its own set of weather conditions that can affect deck materials. In the spring and summer, the weather is warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms.

This can cause wood decking materials to warp, swell, or crack. In the fall and winter, the weather is cooler and dryer, but there can still be freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. This can also damage deck materials, causing them to become brittle and break.

As a result, it is important to choose deck materials that are suitable for the climate in East Tennessee. Materials such as composite decking, or pressure treated lumber, are a good choice for this climate, as they are less likely to be damaged by the weather.

What is the amount of maintenance you should be willing to do on a deck?

When choosing a deck material, you need to consider how much maintenance you're willing to do. Some deck materials are very low-maintenance, while others require more work.

For example, composite decking is very low-maintenance, as it doesn't require staining or sealing. However, it is more expensive than wood decking.

Wood decking needs to be stained and sealed every few years, and it will eventually need to be replaced. Therefore, you need to decide whether you want a deck that requires less up-front cost but more ongoing maintenance, or a deck that requires more up-front cost but less ongoing maintenance.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you are aware of the maintenance requirements before making your final decision.

What sort of budget do you have for the outdoor living space of your dreams?

When choosing a wood decking material you must consider your budget for the outdoor living space of your dreams. The cost of the deck material will depend on the square foot of the deck, the type of decking material, the difficulty of installation, and the decking contractor you hire. The maintenance cost of your deck will also depend on the type of decking material you choose.

Composite decking material is low-maintenance and does not require annual sealing and staining as wood decking does. However, composite decking is more expensive than wood decking. If you are working with a limited budget, you may want to consider using pressure treated wood for your deck.

Pressure treated wood is less expensive than composite decking boards and requires only annual cleaning and staining. When choosing wood decking material, it is important to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term maintenance costs.

Once you've considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your options. Talk to friends and family who have built wood decks in East Tennessee, and ask them which decking materials they chose and why.

The benefits of wood decks made with pressure treated wood

When it comes to decking materials, pressure treated lumber is one of the best options available. This type of lumber is treated with a chemical that helps protect it from rot and decay, making it an ideal choice for decks that will be exposed to the elements.

Pressure Treated wood is the most affordable option when build your deck

One of the biggest benefits of pressure treated wood is its affordability. It is less expensive than many of the other types of decking materials available, which makes it a popular choice for budget-minded homeowners.

When compared to composite decking, or exotic hardwoods, pressure treated lumber is the least expensive option when you initially build your deck. Over time, however, pressure treated lumber may require more maintenance than other types of decking material, which can end up costing more in the long run. Nevertheless, pressure-treated lumber remains an attractive option for those looking to build a new deck on a budget.

Another benefit of pressure-treated lumber is its durability. This type of lumber can withstand years of exposure to the elements, making it a good choice for decks that will be used frequently. It also holds up well against traffic and wear and tear, making it a good choice for decks that will be used by children and pets.

Overall, pressure-treated lumber is a good option for homeowners who are looking for an affordable, durable decking material that can stand up to the elements.

Pressure treated wood is durable and can withstand severe weather

Pressure-treated lumber is a popular choice for both commercial and residential applications due to its durability. The lumber is treated with a pressure process that forces chemicals deep into the wood, resulting in a material that is resistant to rot, insect damage, and fungal decay.

Additionally, due to the pressure-treating process, this type of lumber is more dimensionally stable than untreated lumber. This results in lumber that is less likely to warp or shrink over time which is a leading contributor to decking replacement.

For the above reasons, pressure-treated lumber can be used in a variety of climates and exposure conditions, making it an ideal choice for decks, fences, and other outdoor projects.

While pressure-treated lumber is more expensive than untreated lumber, its durability makes it a wise investment for any home or business owner.

The 3 major types of treatment options for pressure-treated lumber are:

• CCA (chromated copper arsenate) - The most common preservative used in a treating process.
• ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) is a newer type of pressure-treated lumber that does not contain arsenic.
• CA (copper azole) pressure-treated lumber is another arsenic-free option that has a slightly different chemical composition than ACQ.

Both ACQ and CA pressure-treated lumber are more expensive than CCA pressure-treated lumber but they are safer to work with since they don't contain arsenic.

The benefits of composite decking

Composite deck boards are a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a durable, low-maintenance decking material that can match any theme of deck. Composite deck boards are made of a combination of wood and plastic, which gives it a variety of benefits over other types of decking materials.

Some benefits of composite decking material include:

Composite decking is resistant to moisture and decay.

One of the biggest benefits of composite decks is their resistance to moisture and decay. Composite decking does not absorb water like wood does, which makes it a good choice for decks that will be exposed to the elements. It also does not decay or rot like wood can, making it a good choice for decks that will be used frequently.

Composite boards do not require painting or staining.

Another benefit of composite decking is its lack of maintenance requirements. Composite decking does not need to be painted or stained as wood does, which makes it a low-maintenance option for homeowners. It is also resistant to scratches and dents, which makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas.

It is available in a variety of colors and styles.

Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners who want color-rich deck boards without the headache of yearly staining and refinishing. Additionally, these materials come in different colors and authentic wood-like appearances to match your home's exterior and personal taste. This is perfect for when you want that one-of-a-kind outdoor living space that you can be proud of.

Overall, composite decking is a good option for homeowners who are looking for a durable, low-maintenance decking material that can stand up to the elements.

What you should know about of cedar decking

Cedar decking is a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a durable, low-maintenance decking material that has a natural look and feel. Cedar decking is made of cedar wood, which is a type of softwood that is known for its durability and resistance to decay.

Unlike untreated lumber, Cedar does not absorb water, which makes it a good choice for decks that will be exposed to the elements. It also does not decay or rot like other types of wood can, making it a good choice for decks that will be used frequently.

Another benefit of cedar deck boards is its lack of maintenance requirements. Cedar decking does not need to be painted or stained like other types of wood, which makes it a low-maintenance option for homeowners.

Below is a list of the top reasons to choose cedar for your next deck build:

1. Cedar is a naturally rot and decay-resistant wood, which makes it a durable choice for deck boards.
2. Cedar is a lightweight wood, making it easy to work with during construction.
3. Cedar decking is available in a variety of colors, allowing homeowners to create a unique look for their outdoor living space.
4. Cedar is an affordable decking option when compared to other types of wood.
5. Cedar has a natural resistance to pests and insects, making it a good choice for decks located in areas where these pests are common.

What are the benefits of using redwood decking for your project

When it comes to decking, redwood is often the material of choice for those who want a custom look. Redwood is a durable material that resists rot and insects, and can withstand normal wear and tear. Although redwood is more expensive than some other decking materials, its beauty and durability make it worth the investment. For those who are looking for a high-quality decking material that will last for many years, redwood is the ideal choice.

Redwood decking does not absorb water like other types of wood, which makes it a good choice for decks that will be exposed to the elements. It also does not decay or rot like other types of wood can, making it a good choice for decks that will be used frequently.

Another benefit of redwood is its lack of maintenance requirements. Redwood does not need to be painted or stained like other types of wood, which makes it a low-maintenance option for homeowners.

Below is a list of the top reasons to choose redwood for your next deck build:

Beauty:

Redwood is perhaps one of the most beautiful deck materials due to its deep red color and intricate grain patterns.

Strength:

Redwood is one of the strongest deck board material available, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Durability:

Redwood decks are resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making them a long-lasting investment.

Low Maintenance:

Once your redwood deck is installed, you’ll only need to seal it once or twice a year to keep it looking beautiful.

Eco-Friendly:

Redwood is a sustainable building material that comes from well-managed forests

Exotic wood options for East Tennessee Decks

When it comes to choosing the best material for your deck, exotic natural wood can be a great option. Exotic woods are harder and more durable than most types of wood, so they can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. Additionally, they can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your deck that not many other people have.

There are many different types of exotic wood available, so you can find one that will perfectly match your home and style. Some of the most popular options are:

Teak

If you are looking for the best deck material, then teak is a great option. Teak is a durable wood that is resistant to weathering and pests. It also has a natural oil that helps protect it from the elements. This makes teak a great choice for deck boards that will be exposed to the sun, rain, and other outdoor elements.

Ipe Decking

If you're looking for the best material to build your deck with, you can't go wrong with ipe decking. Ipe is a hardwood that is native to South America, and it is known for its durability and resistance to decay and pests.

In fact, ipe decking is so resistant to these things that it doesn't even need to be treated with a sealant or stain - it will maintain its color and beauty for years without any extra care making it a wonderful material for East Tennessee decks.

Mahogany

Another option is mahogany deck boards, which is made from the mahogany tree. Mahogany is a type of hardwood that is known for its beauty and durability. Like ipe decking, mahogany does not absorb water and is resistant to pests and insects.

If you’re looking for an exotic wood option that is both beautiful and durable, teak, ipe, or mahogany may be the perfect choice for your next deck build.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best material for your deck, there are a variety of options to choose from. Each type of material has its own unique benefits that may make it the perfect choice for your next deck build.

No matter what type of material you choose for your deck, you can be sure that it will add beauty and value to your home. If you take the time to research the different options, you are sure to find the perfect material for your next deck build.