With spring struggling to make its way into the Minnesota landscape, many homeowners are envisioning warmer days relaxing on their decks. Except that some of them don’t have decks yet, and others have structures in sore need of repair or replacement. If you’re contemplating a deck project, you have lots of options in terms of construction materials. Here are the pros and cons of the most common ones.
- Composite: This option has become increasingly popular since being introduced in the 1990′s, and it replicates the look of real wood.
- Advantages: Doesn’t require periodic refinishing or restaining. Composite decking material does contain some wood, so it is still subject to rot and mildew, though at a much-reduced level compared to standard lumber.
- Cons: Expensive – 2.5 times as much as pressure-treated lumber.
- Pressure Treated Pine: This is the choice of nearly three-fourths of those installing new decks currently. Pressure treating means the lumber has been infused with preservatives which make it resist insect damage as well as deterioration.
- Pros: The least expensive alternative.
- Cons: There are environmental concerns about some of the chemicals used, and pressure-treated lumber requires re-staining every two years as well as a yearly power washing to keep it looking good. While pine is inexpensive, it can’t be used untreated for decking because it is too susceptible to rot and insect damage.
- Natural Hardwoods (cedar, redwood, tropical hardwoods such as teak). The natural oils in these woods make them resistant to rot and insect infestation, so they don’t need pressure treating.
- Pros: If you choose cedar or redwood and live near where they are harvested, they can be a relatively inexpensive choice, but can still cost up to double the price of pressure-treated pine. Natural hardwoods can be left unstained; in which case they weather to a silver-gray which many homeowners find attractive.
- Cons: Tropical hardwoods such as teak and mahogany can cost up to 4-5 times that of pressure treated pine, and while they are extremely durable they are also so hard that driving nails and screws into them is difficult. If you choose to have your decking stained or sealed, it will require periodic reapplication.
- Plastic/PVC: Like composite, this decking material is manufactured to resemble natural wood. Appearance can vary, so it’s best to get all the materials you’ll need from one manufacturer at one time.
- Pros: Plastic and PVC decking resists rot, insects, and stain damage well. It doesn’t need periodic refinishing.
- Cons: Tends to sag over time, and it requires a specialized skill; not all decking contractors are experienced in working with plastic or PVC decking.
- Cost: About three times that of pressure-treated pine.
- Aluminum: This is the “Cadillac” of deck materials.
- Pros: It resists insect damage, mildew, rot, and fire. Unlike wood, it won’t crack or warp. It’s extremely durable and lightweight.
- Con: Costs up to 9 times that of pressure-treated pine.
Of all these alternatives, if you take into account initial installation cost as well as routine maintenance such as pressure washing and re-staining, composite decking can be the most economical choice overall. While plastic or PVC decking is less expensive, there is the sagging issue that has to be contended with. But if you like the appeal of natural wood and you’re willing to handle the maintenance yourself, a pressure-treated pine or hardwood might be the right choice for you.
Iron River Construction is a full-service home remodeling contractor serving the Twin Cities and outlying Minnesota communities. We offer deck construction and repair among our services.
