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Decks and Porches

Choosing the Best Material for Your Deck or Patio


Adding an extended living space to your home can be one of the best projects you can do to improve your house’s value and comfort, since the space can be used for many outdoor activities with your family and friends. 

While it is an exciting idea, you have to consider a few things first, such as the material you’ll use. Do you know if you want a concrete patio, or a wooden deck? If you haven’t decided yet, take a look at the best (and most popular) materials used for deck or patio construction! 

Wood

Nothing beats a wood deck for a traditionalist and for good reason. I mean, what’s not to like? 

The most common and best decking wood material is pressure-treated wood which isn’t only popular but also very cheap. Plus, it’ll help to keep insects at bay and it doesn’t suffer from a buildup of moisture which is great for maintenance. 

There are several different ways to customize your wood decking, from staining it to painting it a unique color that coincides with your own style. However, you will need to reseal and refinish it every year to ensure that it stays the same. 

For those operating outside of a budget, consider natural hardwoods and tropical hardwoods, which are pricier but definitely worth it. Not only are they sturdy and durable but they are known to be bug-resistant granted you treat them properly. 

Composite

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option instead, consider composite wood instead. It’s not exactly wood because it’s manufactured from a combination of wood fiber and recycled plastics so it’s more eco-friendly and durable. 

This is also the reason why it’s so cheap compared to other options on this list. The good thing about composite wood is that it doesn’t require much in the way of upkeep and the best part is that it looks just like natural wood. 

Concrete

Concrete is one of the best outdoor materials because it’s super easy to clean with a pressure wash once a year and it’s made to last. You can also paint or stain a concrete deck to give it a unique look. Just keep in mind that it’s not immune to wear and tear. 

In fact, concrete has been known to form cracks over time due to the passage of time which means that you might need to repair it every few years to keep it looking good. 

Steel Grading Deck

This is a very modern option for your home. Source: Yandex
This is a very modern option for your home. Source: Yandex

Metal materials such as aluminum or steel are also cost-effective and durable. Metal is obviously known for its ability to handle different weather conditions and you don’t have to do much to keep it happy so maintenance is kept to a minimum. 

You also don’t have to worry about stuff like mold, rot, and splintering which are common side effects of using wood. However, all of this comes at a price because metal decking is often more expensive than other options. 

Cobblestone

A traditional look that still looks amazing. Source: Boredart
A traditional look that still looks amazing. Source: Boredart

Nothing beats a cobblestone deck when it comes to style. But, it takes time to install it and you definitely need a professional to help you with it because of the skills required to put it in. 

Have you decided to do a wood deck installation or go for another material? Then contact a local pro and request a free quote for your project! 

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