Deciding “the best” in anything is often subjective and influenced by a variety of factors. Choosing the best materials for your deck is no exception.

At Diamond Decks we want your deck installation to be perfect, providing beauty, value, and years of enjoyment to your home. The deck material you choose will be a key factor in your satisfaction. Here are some thoughts on selecting the right materials.

Factors to Consider

A deck is more than boards attached to a framework of joists and beams. It is a place for family and friends to gather. It connects the outdoors with the indoors. It can be a place for quiet reflection, outdoor barbecues, or a play area for the children.

Selecting the materials to be used in your deck is as important as determining its size. Here are some things to consider before choosing your decking material:

• Use and Durability – What will you and others be doing on your deck?
• Appliances – Will there be grills, fire pits, spas, refrigerators, wet bars? Proximity to water and heat affect some deck materials more than others.
• Weather – Will the deck be exposed directly to the sun and elements or covered by a roof or pergola?
• Vegetation – Will there be plants that hold moisture in contact with deck materials
• Budget – As in anything else, materials selected will affect the cost.

Deck Material Options

Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood is yellow pine that has been chemically treated to make it resistant to rot and insects, but not impervious. Pressure treated decks last fifteen to twenty years with regular annual cleaning and application of wood preservative. They also tend to change color with age and may warp, crack, and splinter.

Advantages

• Least expensive of decking options
• Comes in a variety of dimensions
• Accepts stain and wood preservative
• Looks like wood because it is wood

Composite Decking

Composites are growing in popularity, and Diamond Decks offers a complete selection. A mixture of plastic and wood fiber, composites tend to be denser and heavier than pine and extremely versatile.

Advantages

• Highly resistant to water and moisture damage
• Resists spills and stains
• Wood appearance
• UV resistant
• Low Maintenance
• No staining or wood preservatives required
• Available in a variety of colors
• Does not splinter and is free of knots

Cedar and Redwood

These deck materials combine durability and beauty with a natural look. Traditionalists sometimes prefer them to composites and pressure treated options.

Redwood and cedar do require some maintenance, although not as extensive as pressure treated lumber. They may also need staining as they age to preserve their original color.

Advantages

• Natural tannins and oils in the wood make them more resistant to the elements and insects
• Traditional wood appearance
• Less susceptible to warping, cracking, and splitting

Teak and Tropical Hardwoods

Teak and other tropical hardwoods have a beautiful, fine grain that is visually appealing. They are also very durable and long-lasting.

Advantages

• Low maintenance
• Highly resistant to rot, water, and insects
• Very hard and damage-resistant
• Rich, luxuriant appearance
• Teak and the other tropical wood decking can last thirty to forty years
• Suited to any climate

Call Diamond Decks for Help Designing a Deck in Maryland

Having the right deck design and materials is essential. We can help.

At Diamond Decks, we are committed to giving you the deck of your dreams. Our experts will work with you every step of the way to ensure the perfect design and deck materials.

Give us a call today at (443) 688-6072 or contact us online!