Maybe you’re thinking about building a deck? Adding or renovating your property’s deck is a great way to add value and beauty to your home. However, there are a few key things that you should know prior to starting the design phase of the project. A great place to begin is with the decking materials. In fact, the materials may differ from other property owners based on your budget, and personal taste. Did you know that each type of decking material comes with its own maintenance requirements, aesthetic appeal, cost, and other important factors to keep in mind when choosing what’s right for you and your home?
For example, some homeowners like cedar wood decks, while others prefer pressure treated lumber. However, the most popular deck material in recent years is Trex decking. In essence, Trex decking is the perfect alternative to wood decking, particularly since it looks exactly like wood. Although it looks just like wood, Trex decking is a durable composite material that is made from plastic, wood fibers, and a bonding agent. The bottom line is that they’re all recycled materials, which is a popular trend in today’s environmentally conscious society. In essence, Trex is greener and more durable.
Typically speaking, Trex decking is a higher-end and more expensive than wood decking material. Trex decking is a more durable material, which means it lasts longer than wood. With wood decking, you’ll be replacing warped and damaged wood on a constant basis due the harsh weather conditions in New England. That means even though Trex decking is a larger upfront investment, you’ll be saving a significant amount of money in the long run.
Not all decking materials are made the same, and not all of them have the same durability. The goal is to get a finished product that will last for years.
However, that’s just not realistic for most decks. Wood decking requires far more maintenance than Trex decking based on both the weather and critters such as insects. Living in New England means that you need to deal with various weather conditions and harsh elements. As we mentioned above, you need to replace warped or damaged boards and paint and reseal wood on a yearly basis. In addition, unwanted insects, such as termites, are a common problem with wood decking. There’s no proven way to stop them from feasting on your deck, which will add up to constant and expensive repairs.
Last but certainly not least, you need to consider the overall aesthetics of your deck. When utilizing wood decking, you must look at color and grain, which are more limited in options than that of Trex decking. When you choose Trex decking you’ll have a wide variety of colors to choose from. This fact makes it a lot easier to match your vision for your new deck. You also will avoid stains and fading, which is a common problem with wood decking.
For more information about the benefits of using Trex decking for your new deck, or to schedule an initial consultation in Connecticut or Massachusetts please contact us today at 860-341-6373. DBC Solutions takes great pride in providing the highest quality custom carpentry and contracting services in the home improvement industry. Our business model has been the same for 17 years. Doing things the right way the first time every time is the only way to do it.
