Best Materials For Your Dream Deck

Decks are a beautiful addition to your home. Not only can they increase the value of your home and expand your living space, but they are also perfect for family get-togethers and outdoor barbecues. If you are considering installing a deck as part of your home, HB Home Services provides custom deck construction for residents in Falls Church, VA, and throughout Northern Virginia.

When it comes to building your dream deck, there are many options to consider, ranging from brand to material. The exact details of what you’re looking for in your dream deck comes down to budget and personal preference. Here are a few tips on what you should consider when constructing your dream deck:

Materials

Among the first things to consider is your deck material. This aspect will decide a large portion of the cost of your deck’s construction, it will also be a deciding factor in the comfort it provides, according to your home’s climate. Below is further information on some of the most popular deck materials on the market:

Tropical Hardwood

There are many different types of tropical hardwood that can make your deck the talk of the town.

Redwood: Redwood is a beautiful type of wood that can last for over 30 years. Redwood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and wood-eating insects such as termites, without containing harmful chemicals. While redwood boards can be on the pricier side, they are much more environmentally-friendly compared to other composite decking materials. In fact, redwood production uses 97% less energy than plastic.
Mahogany: Mahogany boards offer density, durability, and excellent rot resistance. What makes mahogany boards unique is its ability to hold coatings, allowing for flexibility in color and design. Mahogany also has a number of options you can choose from including Honduran Mahogany, Cambara Mahogany, and Meranti Mahogany, each offering a difference in shade and price.
Ipe: Ipe decking is one of the most durable materials you can use for your deck. It has a lifespan of over 75 years and has the highest resistance to insects and decay. Ipe is eight times harder than Redwood and is guaranteed to last 20 years with no preservatives. While Ipe decking is among the more expensive materials, it’s definitely worth its value in the long run.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the fastest-growing decking material sold today. It is made from wood fibers and recycled plastic and is extremely weather and stain-resistant. If you are seeking an alternative to wood decking, which is susceptible to rot and weathering, composite decking may be the right choice for you.

Pressure-treated Lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is wood that’s been chemically preserved under pressure to prevent rot and termite damage. If you are looking for a low-cost, easily available decking material that is resistant to such damage, pressure-treated lumber may be the best choice for you.

However, pressure-treated lumber may have drastic effects on the environment. Since most pressure-treated boards are coated with weather-resistant chemicals, they would be released into the atmosphere if your deck were to catch fire and burn.

Brands

Trex

Trex was formed in 1996 and is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia. Trex is among the highest-quality manufacturers of composite decking materials made from recycled plastic and wood materials.

Each year, Trex purchases around 300 million pounds of used hardwood sawdust and polyethylene to create their materials. Trex offers a variety of products for your new deck, including:

Composite Decking
Deck Framing and Drainage elements
Deck Railing

Trex products are easily attainable nationwide, as it is one of the largest outdoor composite manufacturers in the country.

TimberTech

TimberTech is one of the largest suppliers of composite decking. It started out as an independent company, but has now grown to become the Outdoor Living division of AZEK, which is best known for their PVC decking boards. TimberTech offers an extensive product line for your decking boards, so there’s no shortage of design options for you to choose from.

HB Home Services: Custom Deck Construction in Falls Church, VA

Installing a deck can be exciting to do yourself, but can require a large amount of time and skill to perform quickly and effectively. That’s why it is best to leave it up to a team of professionals such as HB Home Services. We not only perform personalized custom deck construction, we also provide numerous repair, replacement, and numerous other home improvement services to residents and businesses throughout Falls Church, Virginia, and throughout Northern VA.

What Materials Work Best for My Dream Deck?