For homeowners in North Carolina and South Carolina, a deck is more than a residential feature, it’s an extension of indoor living space. Because many regions of the Carolinas enjoy temperate weather all year long, homeowners love having outdoor space where they can relax, entertain friends, and simply enjoy life.
If you’re thinking about redoing your existing deck or adding a deck to your home for the very first time, however, the process can feel more than a bit overwhelming. After all, there are quite a few popular decking materials on the market today. Long gone are the days when treated lumber was just about the only decking option available!
Here, we take a look at the two main categories of decking materials — wood and decking — so you can determine which one is the best fit for your upcoming project.
Wood decking.
The traditional choice for residential decks, wood decking boards are far more varied than they once were. Where homeowners used to have to choose treated lumber or nothing, they can now pick from cedar, exotic woods, and other choices.
The clear benefit of wood is that it does have a traditional appearance that appeals to many homeowners. Furthermore, wood decks are beautiful and wood is authentic to historic homes — some historic homeowners shy away from composite materials because they didn’t exist when their residences were originally constructed.
The main downside of wood is that it is far from maintenance free. Even if you live in an area of the Carolinas where winter weather isn’t a factor, you can still expect to have to re-paint, re-stain, or re-seal your deck on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.
Most wooden decks last for 15 to 20 years before they have to be rebuilt, but some exotic woods like ipe can last longer.
Composite decking.
Composite decking materials, made by well-known brands like Trex and TimberTech, are relatively new to the market, but have been rising in popularity over the course of the last decade or so.
One of the biggest perks of composite decking is that it requires virtually no maintenance once it is installed. It can be wiped clean with household cleaning materials and is not susceptible to the insect infestations that can sometimes plague wood decks. Another benefit is that composite decking comes in a variety of colors, so homeowners who don’t want standard woodtones have options.
Perhaps the biggest con of going with composite decking for your home is that it is more expensive than most types of wood — however, it is also generally rated to last longer. It’s also worth noting that composite decking is not mold resistant, so keep your eyes peeled for mold growth that needs to be addressed.
Give the team at Hatch Homes a call if you are interested in learning more about building your dream deck in the near future. A deck is an investment in your family’s future happiness, and we look forward to helping you make happy memories both now and as you continue to renovate your home in the future.