How To Choose Decking Materials

Nicer weather means spending more time outdoors. When you are considering adding a deck onto your Chagrin Falls home, the first step is to choose the material that best suits your home and lifestyle. With so many decking material options available, that can be a challenge.

Understanding a bit about what decking materials are available will help you to make the best decision. The most common choice for patio landscape design is pressure treated lumber or other woods. Typically made from Southern Yellow Pine, pressure treated lumber can be stained and sealed for many years without having to replace boards. While pressure treated lumber can be a good choice, residential landscape designers will tells you that there are other wood options for those who prefer more than just a basic wood deck. Western Red Cedar or Ipe – Brazilian Walnut – are just a few of the choices that are available for your home. During the life of your wood deck, it will require some work though. Wood decks must be pressure washed, stained and sealed on a regular basis.

Another option is using composite deck materials. While these require less maintenance than traditional wood decks, landscaping services will advise that composite has less tensile strength that traditional wood and can get hot in direct sunlight. Made from reclaimed plastic and PVC, composite deck materials can give a finished look to a patio landscape design without the splitting or splintering that is possible with wood. Though composite wood does not require staining and sealing, regular washing is necessary and it can be challenging to match the color of older boards that need to be replaced.

One of the best choices for decking is pavers or stone. They are durable and offer texture to any landscaping design. While certified landscaping technicians recommend stone and pavers as important design elements to a yard, they also can increase the resale value of your home and provide a non-skid surface for family and guests to walk on. The best part of stone and pavers is the variety. Natural stone comes in a variety of textures and colors that can extend the theme of the existing flooring in your home.

Clearly, there are many options for a outdoor deck design. Before beginning your project, it is important to consider the many different types of deck materials and find the one that is complementary to your home design, your plans for usage, and your lifestyle. Whether you choose wood, composite or stone, a deck is a critical part to a landscaping plan.