Comfort, elegance and outdoor
living space make a deck one of the best home improvement investments you can
make. According to the annual Remodeling magazine "Cost vs. Value
Report," you'll get back nearly 75 percent of what you pay for a deck if
you sell your home within the first year after the deck is built. While
pressure-treated "green" Southern yellow pine still goes into 80
percent of all decks, there are several alternatives to this material. Below is
a summary of common decking materials and some pros and cons of each.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Advantages: Economical
and plentiful, pressure-treated wood lasts around 15 years when properly
treated with a water repellent every two years.
Disadvantages: The
dominant PT species, Southern yellow pine, checks and splinters as it dries.
Left untreated, some PT turns muddy gray. In addition, PT preservative chemical
residue may cause health problems.
Availability: PT
is widely available at lumberyards and home centers.
Redwood and Cedar
Advantages:
Redwood and cedar heartwood has glowing color, handsome straight grains and
natural resistance to rot and insects. Boards are easy to cut and can be left
untreated to weather naturally. Life span is approximately 20 years.
Disadvantages:
Both options are expensive. Redwood sapwood - the newer wood closer to the bark
- rots when exposed for sustained periods to moisture. Cedar sapwood breaks
down quickly in moist conditions.
Availability:
Redwood and cedar are sold in all standard dimensions. Cedar deck boards are
easier to find while redwood can take a few days for special orders.
Tropical Hardwood
Advantages: Now
widely available, ipe (E-pay) is a durable teak-like tropical hardwood sold as
Ironwood or Pau Lope (pow LOW-pay). Twice as strong as oak, ipe is more durable
than redwood and cedar. It has a life expectancy of 40 years, and is resistant
to insects and decay. Ironwood is backed by a 25-year transferable warranty,
while Pau Lope comes with a 20-year limited warranty. All grades are virtually
knot-free, and tight grain patterns make this wood impervious to water.
Disadvantages: Tropical
hardwood decking is expensive and requires predrilling for fasteners.
Availability: Ipe
is available in most standard dimensions, but delivery can take up to three
weeks as this product must be special ordered.
Plastic-Wood
Composites
Advantages: Virtually indestructible,
plastic-wood composites blend 30 to 50 percent recycled plastic with wood
fibers for skid resistance and stainability. Composite lumber is
low-maintenance, and resists rot, insects and UV rays. It's also splinter-free
and easy to work with. Deck screws sink in and disappear. Trex, TimberTech and
DuraWood EX come with 10-year warranties, while ChoiceDek and DuraWood PE are
backed for 20 years.
Disadvantages: Some composite lumber has a plastic
appearance, and some colors fade over time. During construction, sawdust and
shavings must be collected in a drop cloth because they aren't biodegradable.
What's more, not all composite lumber can span traditional 16- or 24-in. joist
spacing; narrower joist layout may be needed, boosting cost. Some building
codes don't allow composite lumber; a knowledgeable contractor will be able to
tell you if composite lumber is allowed in your jurisdiction.
Availability: Trex is approved by most building
codes, and is sold in most standard dimensions.
Vinyl
Deck Systems
Advantages: When properly installed by a
contractor, vinyl deck systems typically include deck boards, rails, spindles
and fascia. They create a low-maintenance deck that needs no sealers or
finishes and is free of splinters and cracks. Planks have good spanning ability
and resist UV rays if treated at the factory. Fasteners can be completely
hidden once planks are installed. The three major manufacturers of vinyl deck
systems—Kroy, DreamDeck and EZ Deck—offer limited lifetime warranties.
Disadvantages: These systems are relatively
expensive. Vinyl can fade and get brittle with age unless specially treated at
the factory, and all vinyl eventually loses its gloss. Sawdust isn't
biodegradable, so it must be collected in a drop cloth.
Availability: Vinyl deck systems must be ordered
through distributors.
If
you are considering installing a new deck, call Kruse Home Improvement to
discuss your options at (860) 877-0775.
