Winter is a good time to think about your deck.  If you don’t currently have one, it may be time to add this amenity to your home.  If you do already have one, it may be time for an expansion, remodel, or repair.  One of the early and basic decisions is the materials you will use.  Here is some food for thought:

Cedar

There is no wonder why cedar is one of the more popular choices for decks.  Not only does it provide the classic look and feel that coordinates with virtually any architectural style, but it is also durable.  It is naturally resistant to weathering, moisture, and insects.  It will not need staining or chemical treatments and is less likely to warp than other choices.  It is generally cost-effective over time.

calgary deck buildersPressure Treated

Pressure-treated wood has been chemically altered to resist mold, rot, and insect infestation.  Wood is sealed and then air is extracted.  This allows the chemical preservative to be added.  This makes it approved for contact with the ground.  Compared with other materials like cedar or composite, this will be a significantly more affordable option.  It is less likely to scratch or dent and still has a natural wood appearance.  It is durable and is estimated to last 20 years or more.

Composite

This is one of the newer materials you will find available in today’s market.  It is a manufactured product made from recycled plastic and wood dust.  It is a synthetic molded into long, dense boards.  These planks are basically maintenance-free.  You won’t need to sand or stain them.  Because they are plastic, they won’t attract burrowing insects.  The exterior is textured to resemble wood grain and they are available in a number of colors.  Manufacturers also make banisters, handrails, and fascias.  The disadvantage is the price point is about two or three times the cost of pressure-treated wood.

Vinyl

Vinyl is extremely affordable and, like composite decking, will come in a wide choice of color options.  Maintenance of a good wash several times a season should keep the mold off.  There are some negatives to vinyl as a decking product.  They can be more expensive to install.  Not all neighborhoods allow vinyl as decking material so you need to be sure to check your municipal building codes and any neighborhood association regulations before investing in this product.

Kayu

Kayu is a hardwood found in Canada.  It is extremely durable and resists rot and decay.  It has many other benefits like being flame, scratch, temperature, and termite resistant.  Because the grain of this wood is very tight, it prevents moisture from infiltrating and causing warping or cracking.  This also helps prevent shrinking and splintering.  Altogether, this is a very long-lasting and durable wood.  You will find this product showing up inside the house as well in flooring.

There are a number of color variations including a red that resembles mahogany and a yellow that starts out looking like teak but will darken with proper maintenance.  Responsibly harvested, this is a good investment.

As you move through your planning stages, please feel free to contact one of our deck specialists for additional information or clarification.