Choosing the right decking material ensures longevity and aesthetic appeal for your outdoor space. Each material has advantages and considerations, ranging from maintenance requirements to durability.
This guide will explore some of the most common and affordable decking materials in the Australian market, along with their pros and cons.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Choosing the right decking material depends on budget, maintenance, and durability. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable but requires regular upkeep. Cedar and redwood offer natural beauty but also need maintenance.
Composite decking is low-maintenance but can be pricier, while tropical hardwoods are durable but costly and challenging to work with. Aluminium is durable and low-maintenance but lacks the aesthetic of wood. Each material has pros and cons, so select based on your preferences and long-term needs.
Different Kinds Of Woods For Decks
1. Treated Wood: A Cost-Effective Choice
Treated wood is one of the most affordable options for decking. This type of wood is readily available in most home improvement stores. However, it is essential to carefully select the best boards, as the quality can vary.
Advantages:
- Affordability: Treated wood is a budget-friendly option, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution.
- Availability: It is widely available, ensuring easy access regardless of location.
Disadvantages:
- Durability Issues: While treated wood is resistant to fungi and insects, it can develop cracks, warp, and turn grey over time, especially if not regularly maintained.
- Maintenance Requirements: Regular staining and sealing are necessary to prolong the lifespan and maintain the deck’s appearance.
2. Cedar And Redwood: Popular Natural Wood Choices
Cedar and redwood are popular natural wood choices for decking. These materials are especially abundant in some regions, and their natural beauty adds a timeless appeal to any outdoor space.
Advantages:
- Natural Beauty: Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to decay and insects, offering a long-lasting, visually appealing option for decking.
- Low Density: These woods are lightweight and easy to handle, making installation simpler.
Disadvantages:
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to prevent the wood from greying and deteriorating. Staining and sealing are recommended every few years.
- Availability: Redwood, in particular, may be harder to find in some areas, which can limit your choices depending on your location.
3. Composite And Vinyl Decking: A Modern Solution
Composite and vinyl decking are gaining popularity due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. These materials offer a sleek, modern appearance in various colours and finishes.
Advantages:
- Low Maintenance: Composite materials resist warping, rotting, and insect damage. Compared to natural wood, they require minimal upkeep.
- Variety of Colours and Styles: Composite decking comes in various colours and finishes, allowing for greater design flexibility.
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic Limitations: While composite materials offer many benefits, they may not replicate the natural look of wood as closely as some homeowners desire.
- Specialised Installation: Some composite decking systems require specific fasteners and installation techniques, which can complicate the project.
4. Tropical Hardwoods: High-End, Long-Lasting Materials
Tropical hardwoods, such as Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood, are premium decking materials known for their durability and luxurious appearance. These materials are ideal for those looking for a long-lasting solution.
Advantages:
- Exceptional Durability: Tropical hardwoods are incredibly strong and naturally resistant to insects and rot, making them an excellent choice for outdoor environments.
- Luxurious Appearance: Tropical hardwoods’ rich texture and unique grain patterns make them ideal for high-end decks.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to Work With: Tropical hardwoods can be challenging to cut and drill due to their density. Specialised tools and techniques are often required.
- Maintenance: Like other woods, tropical hardwoods need regular maintenance to maintain their appearance. Without proper care, they can turn grey over time.
5. Aluminium: Lightweight And Durable
Aluminium decking is an unconventional yet highly durable option. It is resistant to rust, insects, and decay, making it a practical choice for long-term use.
Advantages:
- Durability: Aluminium is resistant to the elements, making it a low-maintenance option that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Lightweight: Although incredibly strong, aluminium is lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic Appeal: While highly practical, aluminium may provide a natural look different from what decking offers.
- Specialised Installation: Aluminium decking often requires specific fasteners to secure the boards to the substructure.
6. Grass Decking: A Natural Option
Grass decking is a unique option that offers your outdoor space a natural, tranquil feel. However, it requires regular upkeep and is better suited for specific environments.
Advantages:
- Natural Aesthetic: Grass provides a fresh, natural look that can be calming and visually appealing.
- Eco-Friendly: Grass decking is an environmentally friendly option, especially compared to synthetic materials.
Disadvantages:
- High Maintenance: Grass requires regular mowing, watering, and fertilisation to stay healthy and vibrant.
- Limited Durability: Grass is not ideal for high-traffic areas or around pools, as it can wear out or develop brown patches from exposure to saltwater.
7. Bluestone: A Sophisticated Stone Option
Bluestone is a popular choice for decks and patios, particularly because of its rich colour and ability to blend seamlessly into traditional architectural styles. It also offers excellent slip resistance, making it ideal for wet areas.
Advantages:
- Slip Resistance: Bluestone provides a safe, non-slip surface, especially useful around pools or wet climates.
- Durability: This stone is long-lasting and can withstand weather conditions without significant wear.
Disadvantages:
- Heat Retention: Bluestone can become quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight, which can be uncomfortable in warmer regions.
- Limited Colour Choices: While bluestone is beautiful, its colour options are limited compared to other materials.
8. Pressure-Treated Wood: A Common Choice
Pressure-treated wood remains one of the most widely used decking materials due to its affordability and durability. It is treated with chemicals to resist fungi and insects, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Advantages:
- Affordability: Pressure-treated wood is one of the most cost-effective decking materials available, making it accessible to many homeowners.
- Durability: The chemical treatment helps protect the wood from decay and insects, extending its lifespan.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for Cracking: Pressure-treated wood can crack or warp over time, especially in areas exposed to extreme weather conditions.
- Maintenance: Regular staining and sealing are required to keep the wood in good condition and prevent it from greying or splitting.
9. Redwood: A Traditional Option
Redwood has long been a favourite for natural wood decking. It is particularly popular in western regions, where it is more readily available. Redwood decking provides a warm, rich colour and natural resistance to rot and insects.
Advantages:
- Natural Resistance: Redwood’s tannins help protect it from rot and insect damage, making it a reliable option for outdoor use.
- Beautiful Appearance: Redwood’s natural reddish hue adds warmth and elegance to any deck design.
Disadvantages:
- Maintenance: Like cedar, redwood requires regular upkeep, including staining and sealing, to prevent it from weathering and fading to grey over time.
- Regional Availability: Redwood may be harder to source in some areas, limiting its availability and increasing its cost.
10. Composite Decking: A Low-Maintenance Alternative
Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance option. Made from recycled wood fibres and plastics, it offers durability without frequent upkeep.
Advantages:
- Eco-Friendly: Many composite decking materials are made from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
- Minimal Maintenance: Composite decking does not require staining or sealing and is resistant to insects, moisture, and mould.
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic Limitations: While composite materials come in various colours and finishes, they may have a different natural look than real wood.
- Potential Fading: Some composite decking may fade, especially when exposed to constant sunlight.
Conclusion
Selecting the right decking material for your home balances cost, appearance, and long-term maintenance. Pressure-treated wood remains a budget-friendly option, while natural woods like cedar and redwood offer timeless beauty at the expense of more frequent upkeep.
Composite decking provides a low-maintenance solution, and tropical hardwoods deliver premium durability and luxury. Ultimately, the best material for your deck depends on your preferences, climate, and how much time you’re willing to invest in maintenance.
FAQs About Building Decks
What Is The Best Material To Use For Decks?
Composite and PVC decking are popular because they’re virtually maintenance-free. Both types are extremely weather-resistant and easy to clean, and neither will ever splinter, warp, cup, or rot. They also don’t require sanding or staining.
What Is The Longest Lasting Deck Material?
Aluminium decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest, lasting 30+ years. Steel decking can last 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
Is Composite Decking Worth The Money?
There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain, making it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.
Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood?
If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure-treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $25 versus $30 installation, respectively.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Deck?
Traditional wood decks typically last 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of their superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.
