What is a decking board?
Simply put, decking boards are the main surface layer of your deck, where you’ll be lounging, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. They come in a variety of decking materials, like wood (think cedar, redwood, or pine) and composites, each offering unique aesthetics and varying maintenance requirements. Decking typically has a lower initial cost than paving, especially if you choose cheaper options such as softwood timber. However, composite decking and hardwood timber prices can be comparable to paving slabs. Decking requires regular maintenance, such as staining and sealing, which can add up over time.Compared with what has been discussed already, some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards include rubber mats, wood chippings and pallet decking. These more budget-friendly options may not have the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite or PVC decking – but they do come with their benefits.Pressure-treated wood remains the most affordable decking option, starting at around $2. It’s widely available and durable with proper maintenance.PVC Decking (Our Preferred Choice) PVC decking has become the top choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck without the constant upkeep. It’s fully water-resistant, won’t warp, rot, or host mold, and requires only the occasional rinse to look like new.
How many years does decking last?
In general, however, deck lifespan estimations break down as follows: Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Generally, a wood deck lasts 10 to 15 years, while composite decks, like Trex, can last 25 to 30 years or more. The lifespan of a deck also depends on its exposure to harsh weather conditions and how frequently it is treated for protection against moisture, UV rays, and insects.It also resists mold and rot in wet conditions, and it doesn’t fade in the sun. Trex composite decking is one of the longest-lasting deck materials and can last 25 to 50 years with minimum care.Due to your Decking being installed outside, where it has to battle the elements daily, and being exposed to moisture, treated or untreated lumber can start to rot. If the substructure and joists of your Decking project begin to deteriorate, then it is important to replace or treat the material.Composite decks are susceptible to a wide variety of outdoor elements like mold and mildew, black spots, sap, grease, oil, food spills, pet stains, hard water, grass stains, ground-in dirt and rust stains.It also resists mold and rot in wet conditions, and it doesn’t fade in the sun. Trex composite decking is one of the longest-lasting deck materials and can last 25 to 50 years with minimum care.
What is the longest lasting deck material?
When it comes to durability, ipe wood and PVC or composite decking are top contenders. Ipe is an extremely dense hardwood known for its exceptional strength and longevity but comes with high maintenance and cost. PVC decking is known for its incredibly low maintenance requirements. Made entirely from synthetic materials, PVC boards are highly resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and insect damage. Even better, PVC decking tends to be lighter than wood or composite, making it easier to handle during installation.Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. It could cost 15% to 20% more for composite material than pressure-treated pine.
What is the life expectancy of Trex decking?
It also resists mold and rot in wet conditions, and it doesn’t fade in the sun. Trex composite decking is one of the longest-lasting deck materials and can last 25 to 50 years with minimum care. Trex decking is a much eco-friendlier choice than PVC. Only Trex decking can offer you these benefits along with its top-notch visual aesthetics and durability. There is no match for Trex decking when it comes to composite decking.While Trex is well-known for offering affordable, eco-friendly decking, homeowners looking for premium aesthetics, superior durability, or better weather resistance may find that Azek, Timbertech, or Zuri are better suited for their specific requirements.
What is the lifespan of a decking board?
Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. PVC (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped PVC boards can last much longer, as much as 50 years or more. In general, however, deck lifespan estimations break down as follows: Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years.Composite decking is water-resistant and can withstand moisture better than traditional wood decking, but it’s not completely waterproof. Proper installation and sealing are essential to prevent water penetration and potential damage over time.Wood decks should be protected with a sealer application every one to three years as needed. There’s no way to 100% waterproof a wood deck, but best practices like annually resealing exterior wood or installing flashing tape can extend the life of your deck.
What is the downside of decking?
Suspectable to damage – Exposed wood decking is more likely to suffer from rot, insect infestation and moisture. High maintenance – Wood decking requires regular cleaning, staining and other upkeep to maintain protection. The types of hardwoods most used in decking can be relatively inexpensive as planks, but they will require initial surface finishing and regular maintenance at least once a year to keep looking their best.A poorly maintained deck can be a negotiation point to lower the home’s price. Budget for repairs or refinishing if the deck needs work, especially if it’s made of wood.All in all, modified wood outperforms composite decking in nearly all categories.
What is the cheapest way to do decking?
Compared with what has been discussed already, some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards include rubber mats, wood chippings and pallet decking. These more budget-friendly options may not have the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite or PVC decking – but they do come with their benefits. Deck cost by size A 12×12 deck is likely to cost between $5,760 and $8,640. A 14×20 deck is likely to cost between $11,200 and $16,800. A 20×20 deck is likely to cost between $16,000 and $24,000.Total Estimated Cost Depending on material selection, optional features, and labor expenses, the total cost for a 20×20 composite deck typically falls between $4,848 and $13,560.A typical deck costs between $9,000 and $20,000, with the national average at $14,000.On average, a wood deck addition costs less initially than a composite deck. According to the Remodeling Magazine cost vs.