Top 5 Decking Materials to Choose From

As with any construction project, building a deck at your home in San Diego, CA, should include quite a bit of forethought. While this task can be fully outsourced to professional deck builders, it’s still recommended that you carefully consider your options beforehand, including the purpose, size, layout, and especially the materials you’re going to use for your deck. In this article, we’ll help you make these decisions by listing and discussing the 5 most popular materials you can use for your new backyard deck. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the best decking material to use?

When choosing the perfect decking material for your gorgeous deck, you need to take into account your budget and preferences, the location, the elements, and maintenance requirements. Here are 5 of the most popular decking materials on the market today:

1. Pressure-treated wood and hardwood

In the past, all decks were made from hardwood. However, this decking material can be somewhat demanding when it comes to maintenance and can be negatively affected by weather conditions. Fortunately, chemically-enhanced, pressure-treated wood is available today that is more weather-resistant and durable. And while it still requires some maintenance, this option is still a good choice for many homeowners across California.

2. Cedar and redwood

These softwood options inherently defy decay and insects. Cedar colors range from pale red through a pinkish shade to a yellow, almost white hue. It’s widely available and easy to cut, but it scratches easily and discolors over time if not maintained adequately. Redwood boasts reddish tones and is more durable than cedar. However, it’s more costly and not easy to source. It also requires regular maintenance. Otherwise, it’ll fade to a silver-gray color. Finally, you should be careful with fasteners as they can stain the wood.

3. Composite decking

This option is a combination of natural wood fibers and long-lasting synthetic materials. It endures inhospitable weather well as it expands and contracts minimally, and it isn’t prone to mold or mildew development. It doesn’t discolor, crack, rot, or attract insects either. On top of that, it’s extremely low-maintenance, meaning you don’t need to seal or stain it. Finally, it’s available in different styles and perfectly mimics any kind of natural wood, so you can set your imagination free.

4. Mineral-based composite decking

Mineral-based composite decking is incredibly stable and exhibits almost zero expansion and contraction, keeping boards from shifting, wrapping, and loosening the fasteners. It’s ideal for areas with changeable weather and temperature fluctuations.

5. PVC decking

This decking option is 100% plastic and even more durable due to its synthetic nature. The absence of organic materials makes it totally moisture-repellant. It won’t host any mildew, mold, or insects. That’s why it’s perfect for areas near water or places with high humidity. It also doesn’t retain heat for a long time, meaning it’ll cool fast after being exposed to sunlight for a long time. The only drawback is the price, as it can be pretty costly.

Where in San Diego, CA, can I find trustworthy deck builders?

Have you been dreaming about revitalizing your old deck? Not sure if investing in a new deck really pays off? Call Pacific Dreamscapes to help you with all your landscaping projects and clarify all your doubts. We have enormous experience in the field and specialize in different hardscaping options to revamp your backyard in Mira Mesa or elsewhere in San Diego. Give us a call, share your ideas with us, and let’s materialize your dreams. Contact us today!