There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors – Especially in Minnesota – but only a few ways to enjoy it from home. Few summer activities are as relaxing as spending time with good company on your deck.
When building or updating your deck, there are lots of different materials to choose from. Thankfully, the experts at Lumber One are always ready to lend a hand!
We’ve created a guide to decking materials to help you find the right fit for the memories you’ll be making this summer:
Treated Decking
Of all the options available, treated decking is very common. It’s durable and affordable, combining natural materials with man-made ingenuity for a deck that is made to last. Features of this option include:
- Economic materials
- Chemically treated Lumber that resists rot, mold, and insects
- Low overall maintenance
Cedar Decking
We can all agree that there’s nothing like the smell of cedar. On top of natural oils that resist rotting, it also acts as a natural repellent to insects while looking absolutely gorgeous as a deck material. We recommend regularly staining cedar to extend the life of the deck while restoring its natural luster. A few benefits of cedar decking are:
- Strong and lightweight
- Possesses rot-resistant natural oils
- Naturally repels insects
Composite Decking
Composite decking brings the best of both worlds to your deck, with a few added features. They require the least amount of maintenance, are the most durable, are heat-resistant, and can last a lifetime. This family of decking materials is broken into two categories:
- Synthetic blend of wood flour and plastic with a PVC cap
- Diverse color options and variations of wood styles
- Heavier compared to PVC decking.
- Mimics a more natural feel of wood
- Requires no maintenance
- Scratch, mildew, and stain resistance (same color all the way through)
- Diverse color options and variations of wood styles
- Lighter in weight compared to Capped Composite decking
- Absorbs little to no heat, keeping your deck cool
We hope these options provide valuable information to use on your search for a new deck. Choosing the right materials to use based on budget, appearance, durability, and climate can be overwhelming without help from the experts – but making the right choice can yield an enjoyable experience and an increase in curb value for your home.
If you’re drawn to composite decking, we encourage you to act soon. Purchase any composite deck/railing in the month of May and receive treated framing materials for free!