Choosing decking material is a crucial process, especially given the climate of Bonney Lake. When deciding the right material for a deck in Bonney Lake, a brief summer and long winter with rain and snow is something to consider. The ideal answer will enable you to save time and money while ensuring you can use your deck for many years. You can contact A.K Custom Deck and Fencing if you are looking for a Bonney Lake deck builder with knowledge and skill to tackle even the most difficult projects.
What Decking Material is Best for Your Bonney Lake Home?
1. Aluminum Decking
A strong decking material to think about is aluminum decking. There are many monochromatic color options available with different non-slip coatings.
- Pros
Available in various colors, Aluminum is sturdy, durable, and fire-resistant. It won’t degrade or rot and is simple to clean.
- Cons
Aluminum decking can be noisy, costly, and easily scratched. It might become extremely slick when the weather is cold outside.
- Cost
Aluminum Decking can cost anywhere around $95 per square foot.
2. Composite Decking
Combined with plastic and wood flour, finely ground wood makes composite decking.
- Pros
Several neutral color options are offered, and the cost of composite decking is modest.
- Cons
It may fade, retain mold, decay, and disintegrate over time due to a lack of maintenance. If used in a heavy usage area, composite decking can be weak and lack structural stability. But with periodic maintenance, these can be easily managed.
- Cost
Composite decking will cost you approx $65 per square foot.
3. PVC and Plastic Decking
These were created to solve the failure issues that older composite decking boards frequently had. Although they have experienced some success, PVC decking has both its advantages and disadvantages.
- Pros
Nice appearance, is available in numerous colors, and designs that imitate wood grain are available. PVC & Plastic Decking resist fading and are mold and rot-resistant. Additionally, they are simple to clean.
- Cons
Due to the variety available, these can be a bit pricey but worth it for what you get in terms of looks. It contracts with heat and cold and is easily scratched and scuffed if you are not gentle.
- Cost
PVC and Plastic decking ranges between $5-$13 per square foot.
4. Treated Wood Decking
Excellent softwood lumber for deck framing is pressure-treated wood. It is the most affordable decking material. Decking made of pressure-treated wood southern yellow pine has advantages and disadvantages. Also, you can google for a deck company near me, if you’re looking for professional experts in your local area.
- Pros
Lowest cost decking material option; extremely sturdy and durable; can be painted or stained to match your color scheme. It is a top-notch deck framing lumber component, but not so much for decking.
- Cons
It needs to be painted or stained again to maintain its wonderful look, which is not a problem if you want your deck to look amazing at all times.
- Cost
Treated pine wood decking ranges approx $55 per square foot.
5. Thermally Modified Wood Decking
A typical kiln-dried wood deck product is the starting point for thermally treated wood decking. The sugars are then “cooked” out of the wood using steam heating at high temperatures. The thermally treated wood decking material becomes incredibly stable once the process is finished (minimal expansion and contraction). Additionally, it becomes exceedingly rot and insect resistant because the sugars are removed.
- Pros
Beautiful, natural wood decking that may be painted or stained. The thermal modification makes the wood extremely solid and rot-resistant. It is also moderately priced.
- Cons
Less durable than hardwood decking; unless a silvery gray patina is desired, it should be refinished as needed.
- Cost
Thermally modified wood can range anywhere between $8-$10 per square foot.
6. High-Density Hardwood Decking
Many tropical varieties of high-density hardwood decking are readily available, responsibly harvested, incredibly sturdy, and aesthetically stunning. These are some of the world’s most durable, reasonably priced wood decking materials.
- Pros
It is sturdy, naturally gorgeous, and highly resistant to rot, insects, and decay. Several species have lifespans of 40 years or more. The low-cost decking material is an option for enhanced attractiveness.
- Cons
Less convenient to install (unless using pre-grooved decking) but worth it for the results you get. Some varieties may cost more money.
- Cost
High-Density Hardwood decking can cost between $5-$20 per square foot.
Criteria For Choosing Decking Material
1. Strength
What types of loads should your deck support? Will you use it for walking or heavy furniture? On the deck, will anyone bicycle? Choose the strength according to the requirement.
2. Waterproof Resistance
Are you putting in decking close to a lake, pool, or other body of water? How frequently does it rain where you live? Select a PVC material that doesn’t contain wood if you live in a humid region or are close to a body of water.
3. Heatproof
How hot and dry is the weather? Opt for a deck material that is fire rated if you reside in a hot region. Consider thermal conductivity; PVC decking heats the least of all materials.
4. Slip
If you value safety, pay attention to the pattern on the boards. The less expensive, smooth decks are slippery.
5. Natural Appearance
IPE decking has a natural appearance. Those who enjoy an aristocratic patina may wait a year before painting the decking.
6. Simple Maintenance
Are you willing to paint the deck annually? Can you spare two to three years to sand the boards? Ipe decking is an option if you are okay with such laborious maintenance. However, use composite decking if you need more time for such an effort. It only has to be washed once a week with warm water.
7. Price
PVC and pipe wood decking are the most expensive options. Composite boards cost less than PVC and ipe wood decking. You’ll discover that when you’ll find high-quality decking for yourself.
8. Sturdiness
A 25–50 year guarantee is typically offered with composite decking. Please be advised that a different guarantee protects against burn-in and discoloration. Talk to your deck and fence company about the guarantees they offer.
Get in Touch with Us Today
Don’t worry if you are still in confusion as to which material will suit the climate and weather of Bonney Lake. For high-quality, durable, and best decking material options, you can call A.K. Custom Fence and Deck, rated as the best deck contractors in Bonney Lake, WA. We can even help you decide which material suits your requirements. Visit us or book an appointment to turn your deck into the most lovely corner of your house.
