Wood Deck Alternatives

Wood decks add an outdoor "room" and entertaining space to your home, as well as a good deal of value to your property. Wood does deteriorate faster than other products, however, and needs consistent maintenance to keep it looking its best. Without proper maintenance, a wood deck can become a ramshackle eyesore. Wood deck alternatives, made with synthetic materials, do not have those issues.

Case Against Wood

Although wood may be the first material that pops into your mind when adding on a deck, it shouldn't be you're only. Sure it will look great once it is installed, especially if you stain it, but you will have to remember there will be a great deal of work you will have to put into the wood after the deck is complete. First off you will need to make sure you water proof the wood every few years. This will keep the wood from falling apart and rotting from the rain and snow. You will also need to stain the wood every couple of years as well because the color will lighten from the sun and weather elements. Lastly where there is wood there are often bugs. Bugs can cause havoc on your wood. Even if you do protect your wood from all these elements it can crack and split with age.

Composite Decks

Composite deck material is similar to wood because it is made with up to 50 percent wood products. The wood is mixed with plastic and polyethylene (depending on the brand) to make it stronger. You will still have the wood feel, but it will be protected from rot and bugs, and the plastic will keep the planks from splitting. Most composite decks come in a variety of colors as well, so you should be able to pick out a product that matches your vision for your new deck. You will need to restain the composite deck every few years, due to fading and wear from the elements.

Plastic Decks

If you want as little maintenance as possible, consider using plastic deck material. It will not only keep the water and bugs out, but it is easy to clean and does not need to be stained. The color you purchase is the color you're left with. Because it is plastic, it will not crack with age. Upfront the material may be slightly more expensive, but you will end up saving a great deal of time and money in the long run.