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Perhaps you want to create an outdoor space where you can easily host impromptu dinner parties or watch the sun set with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine after a long week at work. Decks are a great place in your home for recreation, reflection, and relaxation whether you have a balcony extension at the front or back of your home or a large deck surrounding a swimming pool – it’s up to you. But when deciding on the design of your decking, the options that are available can be overwhelming. Do you go for grass or fiberglass? Concrete or wood decking?
There are so many factors to consider when deciding on the best decking material, from budget to aftercare. In the past, wood was pretty much the only choice that most homeowners had when it came to choosing decking but today, there is a huge array of options available. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each one to determine the best choice for your home.
Tropical Hardwood
There are many benefits of choosing a tropical hardwood for your decking material. They are everywhere, including Tigerwood, Ipe, and Cumaru, to name a few of the most popular. They are an ideal choice for decking since they are luxurious, hard, durable and grainy, and naturally resistant to some of the most common issues such as insects and rot. However, on the downside, tropical hardwood comes with a very high price tag. They are also fairly dense, which can make drilling holes into them difficult, and are not very receptive to stains or finishes, so you’ll need to choose one that has been specially formulated for use with tropical hardwood.
Pressure Treated Wood
This is one of the most popular options available and used on around 75% of all decks. This wood has been treated to withstand mould, insects, rot and other issues, making it a natural top choice for many homeowners. And, it’s also one of the most affordable options available. However, there are always some cons to consider, and in the case of pressure treated wood, the biggest one is maintenance. Since it has a tendency to easily warp or crack over time, it’s important to ensure that this wood is well-maintained and kept in good condition.
Composites
What is the difference between wood & composite decking? You can find out more about composite decking, which is primarily made from wood fibres and recycled plastics, at Ecoscape UK. Ecoscape UK offers a huge range of composite decking materials that are designed to be durable, stain-resistant, and eco-friendly in a huge range of colour options. Composites are some of the fastest-growing decking materials available and are popular because they do not splinter or warp. They are also resistant to insects and rot, making them a very durable option that does not require a lot of maintenance. However, since they are partially made from wood, some composites can eventually show some signs of decay, which is why it’s important to choose composite decking from a reputable and high-quality company.
Redwood
Redwood is a great option to choose if you want to go for a more natural look. It shares many different characteristics with cedar wood including a stunning colour, lightweight finish, and natural tannins. However, redwood often comes with a high price tag for decking since it is not as readily available compared to the other decking materials on the market. It is also more high maintenance than many of the other alternatives since it needs power washing annually and a fresh coat finish every three to four years to ensure that it stays in top condition.
Concrete
Concrete is making strides as an increasingly popular choice of decking material. While it might not be the first type of decking that you think of, concrete is surprisingly chic and modern when well designed, easy to customise, practical and versatile. And, it’s becoming more and more popular with homeowners since it is one of the easiest options to clean and maintain. On the downside, however, it might not have as much character as some of the other options available and can get very hot in warm weather.
Cedar
Cedar wood is a top choice thanks to its rich and gorgeous colour. It has a stunning, natural shade and is extremely lightweight yet durable and strong. Since it contains naturally occurring oils and tannins, it is resistant to rot and insects. It can also be easily treated using stains and sealants to keep it in good condition for longer and prevent splinters and cracks over time. You will need to keep up with regular use of protectants on a cedar wood decking to ensure that the colour is maintained.
Grass
If you’re looking for a more natural style, consider turning your deck into a grassy lawn. You can do this using turf or even artificial grass if you want to minimise the amount of maintenance and care that your decking will need. Grass is peaceful, colourful, contemporary and goes with pretty much anything – plus, it’s easy to install and cheap to get hold of grass seeds. However, bear in mind that if you go for real grass, it will need sun exposure to thrive, and regular mowing and trimming for maintenance. On the other hand, artificial grass will only require cleaning every so often, which might be a better option for shady decking areas or homeowners who don’t have a lot of time for outdoor maintenance.
Bluestone
Organic and rich in colour, bluestone is a popular choice for homes that feature traditional architecture. It offers a nonslip surface when it is wet, making it a top choice for homes in wet climates or gardens that feature swimming pools. However, it can get uncomfortably hot in the warm weather; if you are looking for an alternative that is cooler to touch in the summer, consider travertine.
If you want to upgrade your decking area, there are many different options to choose from. Consider your preferences for appearance, maintenance, and cost before choosing the right type for you.