Material Options
We specialize in three main types of deck building. The cost, durability, and maintenance are the three main factors to consider when choosing the right decking material.
Pressure-treated wood
Plastic (PVC, Polystyrene)
Composite Decking
Pressure Treated
Pressure treated wood is Southern Yellow Pine (abbreviation 'SYP') that has been chemically treated to increase rot resistance and prevent damage from insects. Generally, pressure treated (aka 'PT') wood is used in the construction of decks, pergolas, and sheds.
Cost-Effective: In comparison to cedar and composite material, PT wood is the most cost-effective option. In most cases, PT wood is now ground contact approved that can use for the fascia, joists, beams, and decking.
Stain can make the natural hue more aesthetically pleasing to suit your tastes. The most crucial disadvantage is that conventional lumber tends to split, warp, or crack. However, with proper care (including re-treating with a clear sealer or stain every two years), pressure-treated wood can last for decades.
Plastic (PVC, Polystyrene)
PVC decking is decking made from polyvinyl chloride (a type of plastic), with no organic material such as wood flour. Because there’s no organic material, PVC is engineered to avoid some of the pitfalls of organic decking — such as moisture invasion — which leads to mold, mildew, and rot.
PVC decking Gives you all the beauty of natural wood — including realistic grain patterns — without the drawbacks. .
The long-term benefits of choosing PVC decking outweighs the cheaper upfront cost of a traditional wood deck. At first, the cost of a capped polymer deck can be higher than a wood deck. However, once you factor in the costs for maintenance, re-coloring, re-staining, and repair on a wood deck, a capped polymer deck can offer more in long-term savings.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is a synthetic outdoor flooring option made from a composite of recycled wood/bamboo, plastic, and glue. This combination makes composite decking eco-friendly, durable, and easy to maintain. For these reasons, it has become a popular alternative to real wood decking
This composition comes with a lot of benefits including water-resistance, sustainability, and durability. However, one downside to this material is that plastic gets hot in the sun. To combat the heat, you can choose a lighter color for your decking, and make sure there’s plenty of shade
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PVC and composite decking are two engineered decking options for your outdoor project. PVC decking is a type of polymer deck board that contains no organic material whatsoever. Composite decking features cores made of a mix of wood and plastic fibers.
Additionally, both composite and PVC deck boards have the option of a protective cap that resists moisture for increased durability against the elements. Giving you a greater variety of options when searching for the right decking material for your home build.
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Whether or not you’ll need a permit depends on your specific location, and you should always check with your local municipality first before moving forward with a project.
That said, in our experience, permits aren’t typically required when refinishing a deck. New deck projects, on the other hand, always require a building permit.
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In general, wood decking will last roughly 15 years. Yet, with great maintenance, wood decking can easily last 20+ years. Still, there are many factors that affect how long your wood deck will last, including mold, rot, discoloration, and splintering.
Composite decking is slightly longer-lasting, reaching at least 25 years. It’s also possible that your composite deck can last between 30 and 50 years. This is because its production process molds real wood and synthetic fibers into boards and caps them with a vinyl shield.