Building a deck is an expensive, time-consuming undertaking. Choosing long-lasting durable materials ensures years of pleasure. If maintained properly, many decks last as long as the house. Consider all of the available options while planning your deck.
Decks are constantly exposed to nature–rain, snow, hail, wind, and frost. Longer-lasting products are more expensive and often difficult to get.
Which Deck Material Lasts Longest?
When installed and maintained properly, aluminum decking usually outlasts the house. Other durable options include composites, PVC, and certain types of wood.
Here are the pros and cons of some of the more durable decking materials.
Aluminum Decking
Aluminum decking is growing in popularity despite the premium cost of $25.00 – $50.00 per square foot–material and labor. It requires little maintenance to remain good-looking–just the occasional sweeping or spraying.
Pros:
- Water Resistant. Doesn’t absorb water, rot, or support mold growth.
- Fireproof. Class A fire rating. May melt if the heat is intense enough. (1200 degrees F.)
- Pest Resistant. Insects and rodents have no interest in aluminum.
- Mold Resistant. Does not provide a food source for mold.
- Anti-Slip. Coated for safety.
Cons:
- Hot. Absorbs heat. Can easily burn bare feet of humans and pets.
- Expensive. Up to $50.00 per square foot.
- Difficult to Customize. Works best for simple rectangular shapes.
- Styles. Limited style and color options. Not available everywhere. Minimum quantities are often required for special orders.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made by combining wood fiber, plastic (low-density polyethylene), and additives. It has a woodgrain texture and requires little maintenance. A pressure washer is a better option than just a garden hose to clean it thoroughly.
Most composite decking manufacturers use large amounts of waste such as sawdust. It is available in multiple colors and styles. The average cost of composite decks is about $35.00 per square foot–supplied and installed.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly. Uses recycled materials.
- Long Lasting. 25 – 50 years with manufacturer’s warranties.
- Low Maintenance. Easy sweep and hose cleaning.
- Water Resistant. Does not absorb moisture.
- Pest Resistant. Insects and rodents do not burrow or chew composite.
- Hidden Fasteners. No visible nails or screws.
Cons:
- Heat. Absorbs heat in direct sunlight. Too hot to walk on in bare feet.
- Mold. Mold can grow on composite because of the organic material.
- Slippery. Very slippery when moist or wet despite imitation woodgrain.
- Chemicals. Uncapped products may give off toxic chemicals.
- Stains. Grease and spilled wine stains composite.
PVC Decking
PVC decking is made from extruded polyvinyl chloride like vinyl window frames. It contains no organic fibers. It is a durable low maintenance product. PVC decks should last 50 years or more. The cost is approximately $15.00 per square foot–material only.
PVC decking boards look similar to composite boards. They are available in multiple colors and designs. PVC is often called vinyl decking–leading to confusion with glue-down sheet vinyl deck covering. They are vastly different products.
Pros:
- Recyclable. Can be ground up and reused at the end of its life as a deck.
- Low Maintenance. Easy cleaning with a broom or water hose.
- Long Lasting. Some manufacturers provide 50-year warranties.
- Pest Resistant. Insects and rodents do not attack it.
- Hidden Fasteners. No visible nails or screws.
Cons:
- Heat. Absorbs heat. Uncomfortable for bare feet and pets.
- Bouncy Feel. PVC loses its rigidity when hot making it feel bouncy or soft. Becomes rigid again when cool. (Soft feel can be eliminated by spacing deck joists closer together.)
- Fading and Oxidation. Darker colors can fade in direct sunlight. PVC oxidizes and can develop a chalky look and feel. (Oxidation can be removed by washing with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution.)
Wood Decking
Wood is still the most popular option for decks. Manufactured deck boards all have a wood-grain pattern but cannot capture the richness and texture of real wood. Wooden decks are usually less expensive and an easier and quicker DIY project.
All wood requires more maintenance–sanding, painting, staining, and sealing–than manufactured products. Many types of wood require refinishing every two to three years for optimum longevity. Even inexpensive pressure-treated decks last 20 to 30 years if well kept.
Ipe Wood Decking
Ipe (pronounced E-pay) is harvested in Central and South America. It is also called Brazilian walnut and is one of the hardest woods available. Ipe decks last up to 75 years–longer with regular maintenance.
Pros:
- Rot and Insect Resistant. Natural chemicals eliminate the need for chemical preservatives or pest repellants.
- Durable. Lasts for over 75 years.
- Appearance. Beautiful rich appearance that can be finished in multiple colors.
- Fire Resistant. Carries a Class A fire rating.
- Eco-Friendly. Harvested from managed forests. Not listed as endangered.
Cons:
- Expensive. Up to $5.00 per linear foot.
- Availability. Not readily available in all locations. Special orders may require full lifts of material with no returns.
- Installation. Must be pre-drilled for fasteners or can be installed using hidden fasteners. Heavy to work with. Known to blunt saw blades quickly. Not an easy DIY project.
- Warping. High moisture content may cause warping as it dries over time.
- Maintenance. Requires regular refinishing with something like Ipe Oil. Water-based finishes will not penetrate the wood.
Deck covering is the most visual part of every deck but the unseen framing and support system is as vital for long-lasting durable decks. Decks that sag, heave, or rot are unsightly, dangerous, and do not last as long.
Solid support and proper joist sizes and spacing ensure a long-lasting durable deck that protects your investment.
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